To state the obvious, I stay in a lot of hotels. It’s part of my job description. Only occasionally, am I truly surprised by some hotel’s feature or inclusion. But, last week I walked into the all-new Rydges South Bank. After a $30million three-year redesign, this hotel has gone ‘boutique’.
Hotel brands traditionally aren’t into surprises. The big US brands like a particular burger chain believe their travellers enjoy consistency. Buts these days even regular business travellers are looking for something more. They seek innovative design, specialty amenities and a singular guest experience.
Traditionally, city boutique hotels usually offer the latest technology and an exceptional standard of comfort and service. With 41 Rydges Hotels in operation across Australia, New Zealand and the UK you wouldn’t normally consider it a boutique operation. Rydges South Bank will make you reconsider.
Location for business or leisure is a priority and Rydges is right smack bang in Brisbane’s premier leisure precinct and just moments from the Convention Centre. There are countless restaurants, bars and cafes for all budgets, The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and the opportunity to stroll, run or bike the Brisbane River. GoMA keeps outdoing Melbourne and Sydney for blockbuster exhibitions and you’re a short walk away from Brisbane’s CBD and Queen St Mall shopping.
All 304 rooms including the 64 suites have undergone a major re-design and re-vitalization. The rooms and suites have pumped up the glam with plush velvet, silk and tweed in warm burgundies and greys with gold accents in the living spaces. Our very spacious Deluxe King Suite included a small kitchen and suitably comfy queen sofa bed.
The bed? So comfortable, we slept all night without a single toss or turn. The contemporary-styled bathroom is well lit with a large, deep freestanding tub and a shower that is hard to leave.
And, once the sun goes down you really appreciate the outstanding views over the city and the river. You can nearly reach out and touch the Wheel of Brisbane from the wrap-around balcony.
All rooms feature luxurious King Coil beds and have Samsung LED TV’s with Apple TV and high-speed connectivity to your own devices. And as with all Rydges Hotels, Wi-Fi is free and easy.
With so much going on just at your doorstep, it might seem easy to overlook the much acclaimed Bacchus restaurant and Soleil Pool Bar. Bacchus is ‘not to be missed’. Not merely a special occasion restaurant, Head Chef Mark Penna, Sommelier Andrew Giblin and Restaurant Manager Jean-Baptiste Elicott work overtime to ensure everyone is treated like royalty and by the end of the evening is a life-long friend. (Coming soon – a full review of Bacchus).
Soleil Pool Bar is chic and fun. This roof top bar makes for great pre-dinner cocktails or long Sunday afternoons. It feels more Beverly Hills than Brisbane .
Boutique hotels usually make their guests feel like VIP’s with a remarkable attention to detail and distinctive service. Rydges South Bank delivers uncompromising service with warm and extra helpful staff. It’s all a little like homemade chicken soup – you feel ‘taken care of’ and somehow ‘better’.
Rydges South Bank makes you wonder how the CBD hotels can compete. The location is unbeatable whilst the comfort level of the hotel has to be-seen-to-be-believed. Few properties can pull off the whole ‘all things to all people’ – successfully catering to both corporate and leisure guests. I can’t think of anywhere better for a staycation of staying up late, sleeping in and being indulged. Sometimes your expectations can well and truly be surpassed.
https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/brisbane-qld/brisbane-south-bank/
Disclaimer: TML were guests of Rydges South Bank.
