Destination Luxury | Emporium Hotel Brisbane Review

There’s nothing better than enjoying the spoils of a 5-star luxury hotel stay, except of course if that hotel is in the city where you live. Welcome to my version of the #staycation where the destination is a luxe hotel in my hometown!

Joining the Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame in 2014 after winning the Best Luxury Accommodation for the third year in a row, the Emporium Hotel fits the bill perfectly. So after a bit of sweet-talking, Mr LML and I are off.

After securing an early check-in, we arrive and are met by the lovely concierge, Paul. He takes our bags, and our car is whisked away by a valet as Amy greets us at the front desk with our check-in paperwork ready to go. I don’t even have to mention my name! It’s right about now we start to realise just how special this stay is going to be.

The first glimpse of our King Spa Suite is impressive! It’s spacious, well-laid-out and beautifully decorated, with every amenity you could want. Paul kindly gives us an overview of the in-room and hotel facilities. There’s a pillow menu, generous spa bath, Bose iPod system and mini bar, but I’m surprised to learn that our room also has a well-hidden kitchenette (complete with microwave and dishwasher), and a washer/dryer neatly tucked away in the bathroom (not that we will be needing either, but for a business traveller or extended stay it’s ideal). There’s also a pool, sauna, and gym on the roof – yes, thank you, Paul, we will be making a trip up there!

What impresses me most about the Emporium are the textural designs features all around us. With its velvet wallpaper, silver and red cut-out designs in the lobby, velvet chairs, throw cushions, zebra-covered ottomans, fluffy white pool towels, and more, this hotel doesn’t just allow you to experience luxury, it sets the standard for it. It’s all about the details and the little touches that quietly nod to you, the guest, that, yes, you are somewhere special.

The location of the Emporium Hotel is also worth bragging about. Right in the Emporium complex in the heart of Fortitude Valley and on the cusp of the CBD, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and bars. But given that we can eat at any of those places at any time, we decide on room service for lunch. The mark of a great hotel, in my mind, is how they tackle two in-room dining classics – the gourmet hamburger and the club sandwich. So we promptly order these two usual suspects and count down the minutes until they arrive. And we aren’t disappointed. Served restaurant-style, the gourmet wagyu burger is a hit with Mr LML, and my club sandwich – #nailedit. Nothing screams relaxing getaway more than devouring room service while watching a movie on a king-size bed.

After lunch we decide it’s time to check out the rest of the hotel. We make a beeline to the top floor and find the intimate rooftop pool. With views across Brisbane, we relax in comfortable lounges and work on our tans for the afternoon. The addition of free bottles of water at poolside is another one of those special touches.

Back to the room and it’s time to get ready for dinner and cocktails in the Emporium Cocktail Bar. The bathroom, with twin sinks and marble detailing, is elegant and spacious. After a quick dip in the spa bath (please), it’s into the large shower. There’s no shortage of fluffy white towels, especially with twice-daily room servicing. Note: the Molton Brown amenities are super #lush and if you forget your GHD, just call housekeeping to borrow a set (yep, they’ve thought of everything!).

As we head downstairs to enjoy some cocktails in the bar, I remember that while we’re out enjoying dinner the wonderful staff will be treating us to a romantic turn-down service. French champagne, rose petals and candles will decorate the suite upon our return.

Hot tip: With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s worth noting that this romantic touch can be added to any room type, or that you can enjoy it as a standard inclusion with the Emporium Enchanted Evening package. If romance is on your mind, then look no further (nudge-nudge, wink-wink).

Waking up the next morning to a full breakfast served in our room continues our luxe staycation vibe into the next day. Bacon, eggs, warm toast, croissants, fresh fruit, juice, breakfast in bed – nothing more to add. Our staycation ends with a 1pm late checkout, because I need every moment possible in those sheets!

At checkout concierge Paul is there to hand over our car, and as we drive off I notice that two bottles of water have been placed in the centre console for our trip home. It’s the last special touch.

I’ve been fortunate to stay in my fair share of luxury hotels over the years, and I can say that the Emporium certainly deserves its reputation for being one of the best. For me the reason to splurge on a luxury hotel is in the details: the chocolate on your pillow, the 1000-thread-count sheets, the fresh towels twice a day, and the impeccable service.

Take a staycation and lap up luxury in your own backyard. You won’t regret it, #trustme.

Nat’s Top Tips for #Staycations:

1. Most high-end city hotels are busy during the week with business travellers, so look out for great rates on the weekend, especially if you’re happy to book late and stay on a whim.
2. Know your hotel and its facilities, you want to make the most of them!
3. Call around 9am the morning of arrival to see if you can secure an early check-in – more pool time, baby!
4. Room service. There’s nothing more indulgent than eating a gourmet hamburger in a bed while nestled in 1000-thread-count sheets
5. Pack light and glamorous. It’s only one night 😉

Have you had a staycation lately? Tell us about it in the comments.

Natalie stayed as a guest of the Emporium Hotel.

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