The Fantauzzo
With a name I still struggle to properly pronounce and having only been open for less than a month, *The Fantauzzo, carved into the cliffs beneath the iconic Story Bridge and overlooking Brisbane's newest hub, Howard Smith Wharves, represents the latest five-star hotel to open its doors in Brisbane.
Belonging to the Art Series collection, a chain now owned by Mantra, The Fantauzzo is the eighth Art Series hotel to open in Australia and the second to open in Brisbane, following the opening of The Johnson in Spring Hill in late 2016. It also represents the most luxurious and most expensive hotel built within the Art Series collection to date, costing an eye-watering hundred million dollars.
Like all of the Art Series properties, The Fantauzzo is inspired and gets its name from a well-known Australian artist, specifically, Vincent Fantauzzo, a highly acclaimed painter who just happens to be married to Australian actress Asher Keddie. Over five hundred giclée prints of Fantauzzo's most recognised works, as well as three original artworks, can be spotted adorning the walls and halls of the hotel, making the whole property feel more art gallery than hotel.
Featuring 166 contemporary designed suites, spectacular views, a rooftop bar, and infinity pool, a gymnasium, multiple state-of-the-art function rooms, and an on-site Italian kitchen and bar, it seemed a night at this art-inspired hotel was the perfect mini staycation.
For all Howard Smith Wharves has to offer view A Guide to Howard Smith Wharves
*Now rebranded to Crystalbrook Vincent
THE ROOM.
From studio suites that face the cliffs to two-bedroom apartments that overlook Howard Smith Wharves and offer spectacular river and city views, The Fantauzzo provides guests a variety of options when it comes to the room you'll spend the night in. As a family of four, we stayed in the Deluxe Twin Promenade Room, which was an open-plan suite with two separate sleeping areas, featuring a queen and king-sized bed, as well as a lounge area.
The room was incredibly spacious and the smart room configuration, where the bathroom was positioned in the middle of the room, acting as a divider between the two sleeping areas, suited us perfectly. Although located only on the second floor our room also offered a stunning view of the Story Bridge.
AMENITIES.
Like all five-star hotels, The Fantauzzo came with all the bells and whistles, 24-hour reception, high-speed wireless internet, on-site parking, bell service, fully equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium, concierge, the list goes on. However, it is the property's rooftop infinity-edge pool, which looks directly out over the Brisbane River that stands out.
Unfortunately, due to the fact the pool did not appear to be heated and the time of the year we stayed at the hotel, the pool was much too cold to take a dip in, however on a fine, warm Brisbane day, it would be incredible.
DINING.
POLPETTA ITALIAN KITCHEN & BAR
Polpetta, an Italian kitchen and bar, is currently the property's only on-site eatery which is open to guests. Although the menu read well and the space looked inviting, the lack of any real view and being in such close proximity to the many eateries and bars at Howard Smith Wharves, I struggle to see the allure of dining here, personally. Despite this, it exists as an ideal place to enjoy breakfast, as we did during our stay.
View Polpetta’s lunch & dinner menu and breakfast menu.
WHAT WAS ORDERED:
POLPETTA BENEDICT Poached free range eggs, prosciutto, toasted sourdough and hollandaise sauce.
EGGS Free range eggs your way, Bronte Beechwood smoked bacon, toasted sourdough and avocado.
Located on level three of the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel at Howard Smith Wharves you will find the property's rooftop bar, Fiume Bar. When the bar first opened and we stayed at the hotel my first impressions of Fiume was that I was a little disappointed and thought I wouldn’t really return just because I believed venues such as Mr. Percival’s and Felons Brewery generally were superior and possessed a less obstructed view of the city and Brisbane River. However, whilst I still believe it doesn’t provide the best view, as Howard Smith Wharves generally get busier, escaping the crowds and opting for a drink and bite to eat at Fiume is definitely a nice alternative.
View Fiume Bar’s menu.
5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Open 4 Days Thursday - Sunday 4.00pm - Late (Saturday & Sunday opens at Midday & 2:00pm respectively)
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