Brisbane for business
Let’s face it; business travel isn’t a whole barrel of laughs. City grid-lock traffic seen through the back of a metered taxi, red-eye flights, being away from loved-ones, eating on the run and daily iPhone battery outage (seriously please can someone fix this?!). lastminute lovely Kirsty’s survival guide has pretty much become my business travel bible.
Sleep
Brisbane’s not shy of a business hotel. There are heaps of large-scale hotels and apartments catering for the needs of the executive.
The Pullman King George Square is located smack bang in the middle of the city. With easy access to the main thoroughfares of the CBD, catching a cab isn’t a drama (unlike other places I’ve stayed in the city). Plus Central and Roma Street stations are both a mere five minute stroll away to catch the Airtrain back to the airport. Big ticks for convenience.
The hotel’s modern fit out is exactly what I need. Fresh, clean and functional. From the iPod dock, to the super comfy bed, to the chocolates left in my bedroom one night (cute touch) and express check-out, they understand that making your stay as care-free and seamless as possible is key for business travel success.
Morning view of sunny Brisbane from my room.
Eat
It’s oh-so-easy to let your diet fall by the wayside when you’re travelling – especially on business when retreating into your hotel bed with a pizza is the comfortable I’m-eating-solo option.
Having a healthy breakfast is pretty easy to get right with most hotels offering a range of options. For example at the Pullman my bircher muesli, grapefruit, pineapple juice and a coffee sets me right up for a day of back-to-back meetings.
After work there are LOTS of delicious dinner options and eating alone or with your big boss doesn’t mean you should limit your culinary hijinks. My advice is to leave the CBD and jump in a cab to explore the city districts’ fabulous eateries. Brisbane isn’t a massive city so you won’t rack up too much in expenses. My current faves are:
Brunswick Social
367 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
A cool joint serving yummy dumplings, fish cakes and Asahi.
The Crosstown Eating House
23 Logan Road, Woolloongabba
Tapas style mod-Oz fare set in a trendy yet rustic 1920s building.
The Chelsea
2/61 Petrie Terrace, The Barracks
Classy bistro setting, great service and hearty food. Read lastminute lovely Kirsty’s full restaurant review here.
Play
All work and no play? You know the drill. So make time for numero uno and make the most of journeying to Brisvegas by squeezing in some time to see the city.
Riverside action
Kick start your day with an early morning brisk walk along the Brisbane River. Or take an after-work relaxing stroll to South Bank. A beer and a bite overlooking the water can soothe even the busiest of workdays.
Hit of culture
Take an early mark (heck, who’s going to know) and lose yourself in Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) – arguably one of the best gallery spaces in the country. Or if you’re in the city on a Friday evening experience GOMA’s “Up Late” series – for drinks, live talks and cool music – all set to the backdrop of a leading exhibition.
So there we have it. With a few good choices business travel to Brisbane can be *shock horror* enjoyable!
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