Hotels in Brisbane
We earn a commission on bookings. Learn more
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
2.6 million (metro)
380+ properties
$100-$400+ per night
June-September
BNE (14km from CBD)
AEST (UTC+10, no DST)
Overview
Brisbane has 380+ properties with prices ranging $100-$400+ per night.
Brisbane is Queensland's capital and Australia's third-largest city, positioned between the Gold Coast (1 hour south) and Sunshine Coast (1 hour north). The Brisbane River divides the CBD from South Bank's cultural precinct, with multiple bridges and CityCat ferries connecting both. Hotel prices run 20-30% below Sydney and Melbourne, offering value for Australian capital city accommodation. The subtropical climate makes Brisbane comfortable year-round, though summer (December-February) brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms.
Best Areas to Stay
Brisbane CBD
Brisbane's CBD centres on Queen Street Mall, the city's main pedestrian shopping strip. Eagle Street Pier and Howard Smith Wharves provide riverside dining options. Hotels concentrate around Queen Street ($150-250/night for mid-range) with budget options near Central and Roma Street stations ($100-140/night). Cross River Rail (opening 2025) will improve CBD connectivity.
South Bank
South Bank Parklands transformed the 1988 World Expo site into Brisbane's premier cultural and recreational precinct. Streets Beach provides an inner-city swimming lagoon; QAGOMA houses the state art collections. Hotels here offer river views and parkland access ($180-320/night). The Goodwill Bridge and Victoria Bridge connect to the CBD in 10 minutes walking.
Fortitude Valley
The Valley is Brisbane's entertainment district, Chinatown dining, live music venues, and rooftop bars. Boutique hotels and converted heritage buildings suit nightlife-focused visitors ($150-280/night). James Street precinct offers upscale dining and fashion boutiques. The Valley station sits on the Airport Line for direct BNE connections.
New Farm
New Farm provides a residential alternative with excellent dining along James Street and riverside parkland. Accommodation options are limited to apartments and B&Bs ($180-300/night). Brisbane Powerhouse arts centre anchors the cultural scene. CityCat ferries connect to the CBD in 15 minutes; the 199 bus runs frequently along Brunswick Street.
Detailed neighborhood guides:
Hotel Categories
Brisbane hotel prices range from $100-140/night for budget options to $300-500+/night for luxury properties.
| Category | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (3-star) | $100-140/night | Basic rooms near stations. Ibis, Metro Hotel, Next. |
| Mid-range (4-star) | $160-240/night | Comfortable hotels with restaurants. Pullman, Novotel, Rydges. |
| Luxury (5-star) | $300-500+/night | Premium riverside properties. W Brisbane, Sofitel, Emporium. |
| Boutique | $180-320/night | Design-focused hotels. Ovolo Inchcolm, The Calile, Fantauzzo. |
| Apartments | $140-250/night | Self-contained units. Oaks, Meriton, Quest. |
Best Time to Visit
Dry season, mild temperatures (15-25°C), best weather for outdoor activities.
Autumn (20-28°C), lower humidity, pre-peak prices.
Spring (22-30°C), occasional storms, good availability.
Summer (25-35°C), high humidity, afternoon storms, lowest prices.
Getting Around
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 14km from the CBD. Airtrain connects to Central Station in 20 minutes ($19.80). Taxi/rideshare costs $45-60. The Go Card works on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. CityCat ferries provide scenic river transport; free CityHopper ferries operate between North Quay and Sydney Street. Brisbane's CBD is walkable but hilly in parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hotels are in Brisbane?
Brisbane has approximately 380 hotels and serviced apartments, offering around 20,000 rooms. The CBD and South Bank contain the majority of properties.
What is the average hotel price in Brisbane?
Brisbane hotel prices average $140-240 per night for mid-range properties, about 20-30% lower than Sydney and Melbourne.
Is Brisbane a good base for the Gold Coast?
Brisbane works as a budget alternative to Gold Coast resort pricing. Trains connect to Surfers Paradise in approximately 1 hour. However, beach-focused trips benefit from staying on the Gold Coast directly.
Does Brisbane have daylight saving time?
Queensland does not observe daylight saving time. Brisbane remains on AEST (UTC+10) year-round, while Sydney and Melbourne move to UTC+11 in summer.
What is Brisbane weather like?
Brisbane has a subtropical climate: warm, humid summers (December-February, 25-35°C) and mild, dry winters (June-August, 15-22°C). The city averages 280 sunny days annually.