Fiona Harper
Hotel review: Adina Apartment Hotel
Fiona Harper checks into an historic former government building in Brisbane's CBD. Now transformed into Adina Apartment Hotel, the grand old building offers luxe charm with plenty of glamorous touches.
All images © Fiona Harper
Lowdown
The Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is housed in a grand heritage-listed inner city building in the Queensland capital. A former government administration building that was one of Brisbane’s tallest when completed in the early 1920’s.
Adina Brisbane exudes a contemporary elegance typical of the art deco-era from the moment you step through the leadlight glass doors and into the elegant foyer. Bathed in light from towering windows and chandeliers suspended from an ornate ceiling, the vast lobby is a tantalising insight into the buildings’ historic charm. Original features such as bank vaults and strong rooms have been carefully restored, along with the magnificent staircase with its ornate wrought iron balustrade and cedar handrail.
Location
In the heart of Brisbane’s CBD and a short walk from the Brisbane River, Adina Brisbane occupies a prominent position on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets. The Queen Street Mall, Queens Wharf, City Botanic Gardens and the South Bank precinct are all within easy walking distance.
Accommodation
There are 220 rooms, ranging from compact studios, some of which interconnect with larger one-bed apartments, through to three-bedroom apartments, including some with large balcony areas. Room 806 has a wrap-around outdoor area featuring exquisite sandstone walls and views over the Brisbane River – it’s perfect for small groups or inter-generational families travelling together. As a modern inner-city apartment-style hotel, rooms are spacious and come with kitchen facilities and washing machines as well as separate lounge/dining/work areas.
Activities
An indoor swimming pool is suitable for lap swimmers, while the pool deck with its sun lounges is an alluring space to enjoy relaxed down time poolside. There’s a small, air-conditioned gym adjacent to the pool with quality treadmills and space for freeform exercise or weights. The Brisbane River banks host a vast network of walking and cycling trails that wind across the city and suburbs. There are themed trails to suit varied interests, including public art, heritage, laneways, gardens and historic cemetery walks. Across the city there are more than 170 public parks with free exercise and gym equipment installed – if you can’t find somewhere to exercise outdoors in Brisbane you’re probably not trying hard enough!
Food & drink
An indoor swimming pool is suitable for lap swimmers, while the pool deck with its sun lounges is an alluring space to enjoy relaxed down time poolside. There’s a small, air-conditioned gym adjacent to the pool with quality treadmills and space for freeform exercise or weights. The Brisbane River banks host a vast network of walking and cycling trails that wind across the city and suburbs. There are themed trails to suit varied interests, including public art, heritage, laneways, gardens and historic cemetery walks. Across the city there are more than 170 public parks with free exercise and gym equipment installed – if you can’t find somewhere to exercise outdoors in Brisbane you’re probably not trying hard enough!
Explore
Head to Cycling Brisbane website for the lowdown on how you can get out on two wheels, whether your style is gentle scenic cycling, hardcore mountain biking beyond the city fringe or something in between, Brisbane is a cyclist-friendly city. Brisbane City Council hosts a full program of active and healthy events with free classes in numerous locations. Yoga, aqua aerobics, Zumba, boating and Tai Chi Qi gong are just some of the activities – check the BCC website for details.
JUST THE FACTS
ADINA APARTMENT HOTEL BRISBANE
171 George St, Brisbane QLD
07 3155 1000
Fiona Harper travelled as a guest of Adina Apartment Hotels.
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