The Westin crowns more than 230 hotels and resorts, but despite its global omnipresence, Brisbane’s Mary Street edition marks the brand’s sunshine state debut. Opening its doors in late 2018, the refined hotel fuses decades of the Marriott dynasty’s know-how with the city’s compelling laissez-faire attitude. As such, a sophisticated coastal vibe permeates all 16 floors – starting at the resort-style pool. The Nautilus takes poolside lounging up a notch, heated for year-round swimming with private cabanas and the city’s only swim-up pool bar to toast your stay in leisurely style. But nowhere feels more rejuvenating than the Heavenly Spa, a fragrant oasis tucked away on the third floor where guests can recharge in the steam room, hydrotherapy bath, or heated bed in one of five treatment rooms. The R&R mantra doesn’t stop there. Above the wellness facilities, 298 rooms and suites encourage a deep sleep with the hotel’s Heavenly Bed (complete with a soothing lavender balm on the bedside). Contemporary rooms start at 34 square metres, while light-filled suites average 60 square metres with floor-to-ceiling city views and an indulgent rain shower.
At checkout, guests might feel a little lighter, if not for all the food. Burrowed on the first floor, Settimo by Guy Grossi is the Amalfi Coast-inspired venue responsible for guests’ welcoming gift: a deconstructed limoncello cocktail served with Italian-style petits fours. All-day dining and cocktails are available in the chic lobby bar, The Charles, while the Westin Club puts on breakfast and evening drinks and canapés, elevating everyday guests into people of leisure.
Things to do and see around The Westin Hotel, Brisbane
Lightscape at Brisbane Festival
EXPLORE
Just around the river bend – a 15-minute boardwalk stroll, to be exact – the Howard Smith Wharves precinct glitters with green spaces, alfresco art installations, and a slew of vibrant riverfront venues. Swing by eccentric Anna Spiro-designed cocktail bar Mr Percival’s for sunset drinks.
SEE
Brisbane Festival decends on the city every September. This year the program of comedy, theatre, cabaret and the visual arts peak with Lightscape, an after-dark oasis in Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens.
Mr Percivals Interior
Where to eat around The Westin, Brisbane
Half shell scallops, tarama, sumac and salmon caviar at Babylon Brisbane.
(Photo: Steven Woodburn)LUNCH
With sweeping river views, three-tier Babylon Brisbane on Eagle Street follows its Sydney sister venue to combine south-east Mediterranean fare with traditional Levantine cuisine. Get stuck into wood-fired delicacies – such as wood-fired Angus beef with chilli butter and radish – courtesy of two rotisseries and a custom three-metre-long mangal (Turkish grill).
DINNER
At Boom Boom Room izakaya, descend into the original bank vault of a neo-classical building for Japanese-inspired bites and aperitifs. Overhead, Donna Chang puts on modern Cantonese and Sichuan fare. Another subterranean site, 24-seater Exhibition is an intimate venue from chef-owner Tim Scott.
Food at Babylon Brisbane.
(Photo: Steven Woodburn)Breakfast at The Westin, Brisbane
Settimo in The Westin Brisbane
Kick off the day in Italian style at in-house Settimo. At tavola calda e fredda (hot and cold tables), a bespoke selection includes cacio e pepe omelettes and honey-drizzled focaccia, alongside elegant pastries from the patisserie. Coastal-style interiors are a visual feast too, wrapped in a cerulean palette with potted olive trees and lemons atop timber tables. Then for an espresso fix, head to powerhouse Coffee Anthology or try the cult house blend at sister venue and roastery The Maillard Project, both on Charlotte Street.
Quick Look
Where 111 Mary St, Brisbane, Qld
Facilities Priced from $302 per night for a King room
Gym Yes
Hotel bar Yes
Room Service Yes
Valet Parking Yes
Concierge Yes
Free Wifi Yes
