The Brisbane Marriott more than embraces its riverfront location. It gives it a great big bear hug. It’s hard to beat those incomparable views of the Story Bridge and the river reaching beyond the city. Both the CBD and Brisbane’s dining/drinking precinct Howard Smith Wharves bookend it perfectly.
Entering the grand hotel lobby, you can’t help but feel this isn’t a mere hotel stay. Wall-to-wall marble and an opulent, oversized, glittering chandelier create a sense of occasion.
The History
It’s hard to believe while standing in this resplendent lobby, that the Marriott story began when newlyweds J. Willard and Alice Marriott opened a humble A&W root beer stand in Washington D.C. in 1927.
They grew their franchises, and by 1928 the Marriotts opened the first drive-in restaurant on America’s East Coast. When they began serving hot food, the name changed to Hot Shoppes. Next, they debuted in-flight airline catering delivering boxed lunches to passengers at Hoover Airport, south of Washington, D.C.
The first of their 5,700 hotels opened in 1957, and as they say, the rest is history. Marriott Hotels are only one of a portfolio of brands, including Westin, St Regis JW Marriott, Moxy and more.
Brisbane Marriott
In 2019, a $20 million refurbishment was more an entire reinvention of the two hundred and sixty-three luxurious guest rooms, four suites, Executive Lounge, Motion Restaurant and event spaces.
The renovations (back in the before times) were unveiled just before the hotel’s 21st birthday and signified a coming of age and a 21st-century outlook.
The digs
Once in your room, the very first thing you notice is the absolute quiet. It’s comforting, especially on the weekend when you can see the hotel is busy. The guest rooms feature a contemporary grey, silver and rust colour palette that reflects Brisbane’s nearby bush surrounds.
Ceiling height fabric bed heads add a textural component to the minimalist luxe styling. And our 355-sq-ft Executive room comes with all the little extras that make all the difference, from Nespresso machines and complimentary bottled water. The Brisbane Marriott wins the sustainability stakes with existing marble re-purposed in the sparkling bathrooms.
But it’s the addition of an ultra-comfy chaise lounge next to the window is such a master stroke. Lounging, lunching and sipping a soft red here with these big Brisbane bridge and river views makes for a perfect rainy Sunday afternoon.
Executive Level
When staying on the Executive Level, guests receive complimentary valet car parking when staying in an Executive level room. But it’s the Executive Lounge where that little extra goes a long way.
The Executive Lounge is bright. The business-like styling is still welcoming, but it’s the service that sets it apart from rival hotels. Warm and generous staff keep it all running smoothly.
Complimentary evening drinks with canapés are always a bonus for both business and leisure travellers. Coming back to your room after a day of meetings or sightseeing and not having to think about the what and where of dinner makes for happy travellers. A range of desserts is quite simply the icing on the cake.
Continental breakfast choices in the Lounge are satisfying, with DIY coffee, newspapers and morning sunshine creating a surprisingly Zen atmosphere.
Dine
Motion Dining is a well-designed space with high tables and stools at M Bar and casual dining, tables designed to take in the kitchen action, a more formal space and the M Bar’s buzzy cityscape outdoors perfect for Friday night cocktails.
Chef Peter Iwanczyk is a die-hard advocate for showing what the Sunshine State’s fishers, growers, farmers, and artisans do best – harvest the finest food Queensland has to offer.
From Far North Queensland rock lobsters to East Coast slipper bugs, Chef Iwanczyk sources the best, “During Covid, we saw the very best that wasn’t being exported – the blueberries were the size of cherries, and in Australia, we do produce the very best. We only source Australian, and so we have seasonal menus”, he enthuses.
And he didn’t have to go far to find Brisbane’s finest brownies for the new High Tea. “Dello Mano makes the best, so we partnered with them. Little Acres Mushrooms are only minutes away. We have so much here in our own backyard, and you get excited about our local produce,” said the chef before presenting us with more deliciousness.
Roasted Kent pumpkin with coconut labneh, pumpkin and William pear puree is a vegan dish that meat eaters will love. The buttermilk fried chicken with roasted corn velvet, chilli lime yoghurt, and wild watercress is the chicken dish of your dreams, while the lamb is grilled perfectly pink and tender and is served on mushrooms with a black garlic and red wine jus.
Seafood and Champagne
Every Friday and Saturday from 5 pm, treat yourself to the freshest and most delectable Australian seafood with your choice of Chandon sparkling wine or Moet and Chandon Champagne at Motion Dining.
The fabulous chilled Seafood and Champagne includes oysters, pacific prawns, slipper bugs, three-spot spanner crab, fresh Australian lobster, house-smoked salmon and mussels with dipping sauces, salads and, of course, plenty of chilled bubbles.
And during the upcoming ‘week of love’ (10-18 February) ‘Seafood & Champagne’ is on offer every night of the week so you can shower your Valentine with the love they so richly deserve.
Retreat, Recharge, Refocus
Until May 29th, 2023, the Brisbane Marriott is offering a special package – Retreat, Recharge Refocus that not only adds a little extra luxury to your stay, it gives you a chance to relax and take time out for yourself.
The package includes overnight accommodation with a view of the Brisbane City skyline or the Brisbane River. Chef’s selection of breakfast for two and a $25 credit towards dinner in the award-winning Motion Dining restaurant.
A light lunch hamper with a bottle of wine is also included, and it’s perfect for enjoying in a shady spot along the river or, if it rains, savour it in your room as we did. Complimentary valet parking is also included.
Disclaimer: This Magnificent Life was hosted by the Brisbane Marriott
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