The Calile Hotel: A Subtropical Urban Resort
With its balmy, subtropical climate, Brisbane is the kind of city that is made for an urban resort. That’s exactly what the team behind The Calile Hotel thought when they set out to build this urban sanctuary on James Street.
Like all good inner-city escapes, the 175-room hotel feels like a true hidden gem, as you step inside and are welcomed into a leafy, open-air oasis. Reminiscent of the laid-back sophistication of Palm Springs and Miami, architects Richards and Spence sought to create an atmosphere of polished elegance.
The expansive pool is the heart of the hotel, flanked by cabanas and daybeds, where guests can relax while sipping refreshing cocktails. Clever architectural elements create a feeling of flow throughout, with open-air corridors and arched breezeblocks that enable natural ventilation, complemented throughout the hotel with neutral tones and natural furnishings.
The guest rooms, which range from urban resort rooms to multi-level suites with private rooftop terraces, are thoughtfully designed with guests’ comfort in mind, featuring Grown Alchemist bath amenities, blackout blinds, day beds and minibars of locally curated goods.
Guests can be forgiven for wanting to stay all day at The Calile, owing to its stylish lobby bar, sophisticated dining, and onsite KAILO Medispa offering a range of wellness treatments. If you can pull yourself away from these stunning facilities, The Calile is primely located in the heart of Brisbane’s vibrant James Street precinct, with fashion boutiques and design shops to be explored.
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra: Heritage Haven
Within the walls of the Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, lie some of the capital city’s most fascinating stories. Designed in 1926 by Commonwealth Chief Architect John Smith Murdoch, the heritage-listed hotel has strong roots in the city’s political history, even serving as the home of two Prime Ministers.
Today, this history is lovingly preserved in the hotel’s Art Deco décor and hallways, showcasing portraits of past politicians. The Hotel Kurrajong Canberra’s 147 refurbished modern guest rooms, each named after former Prime Ministers, overlook the hotel’s terrace gardens.
Beautifully appointed, the interiors offer both character charm and contemporary design, with stone-tiled bathrooms, 1920s-inspired furnishings and artworks by local Australian artists. The hotel’s Chifley’s Bar & Grill – named after former Prime Minister Ben Chifley – celebrates the region’s fantastic wineries and artisan food producers, with a seasonal menu designed by chef Saju Rajappan.
The hotel is just a short distance from the city’s top historical and cultural attractions such as the Parliamentary Triangle and National Gallery of Australia, making it a popular destination for visitors to the capital. The hotel’s own neighbourhood, Barton, is quickly becoming a hotspot in the foodie and wellness crowd, with a growing number of trendy wine bars and elegant day spas.
The Hotel Britomart: Auckland’s Eco Oasis
When The Hotel Britomart opened its doors in downtown Auckland in late 2020, it heralded a new level of sustainable luxury. Now, New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star rated hotel, The Hotel Britomart is a popular destination for local and international visitors looking to discover the City of Sails.
Designed by the acclaimed Cheshire Architects, the hotel boasts 99 timber-lined guest rooms and five exquisite Landing Suites, which boast lush garden terraces, outdoor fireplaces and stunning views of the Waitematā Harbour. Sustainable design is woven throughout every part of the hotel, with 150,000 handmade bricks used to construct the building’s exterior, honouring the historic buildings that neighbour the hotel.
An eco-ethos meets elegant comfort with thoughtful touches, from the soft, microfibre bedding to the organic amenities crafted by clean skincare brand Sans [ceuticals]. When it comes to finding a place to eat, guests are lucky to have one of the city’s best restaurants on the ground floor. kingi is a sustainable seafood restaurant led by renowned chef Tom Hishon and restaurateur Josh Helm.
Here, under the stunning glass ceiling of Tuawhiti Lane, you can sample responsibly sourced seafood and premium produce. And for keen shoppers, an array of designer boutiques is right at your doorstep, along with some of the city’s best bars and beauty destinations.
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins: Art Deco Dream
In 2018, Melbourne’s historic The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins (formerly the Vibe Hotel) went through a complete refurbishment, welcoming in an air of contemporary elegance, while thoughtfully maintaining its Art Deco charm.
The hotel’s grand history – dating back to 1866 – is evident when you first enter, with the lobby’s spectacular marble interiors and accents of warm timber, mirror and brass offering an air of Art Deco ambience, beautifully complemented by luxurious furnishings.
Looking back at the history of the hotel, you will find it has long pioneered high standards of elegance. In 1928, as Hotel Alexander, it was the first hotel in the country to offer guests in-room air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Known as the Savoy Plaza from the 1950s, its reputation attracted guests like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and The Seekers.
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins today is renowned for its friendly, tailored service and well-appointed rooms and suites. It offers the best of both worlds, primely located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD, but with 163 quiet and elegant guest rooms that each feel like their own inner-city escape.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy Melbourne’s world-class hospitality – the hotel’s Alexander Bar serves guests from breakfast to dinner, with barista coffee, fresh pastries, European-inspired fare and tempting cocktails. The Savoy’s old-world charm has made it a desirable destination for events, offering a variety of packages from intimate affairs to larger celebrations.
Discover more at collectionbytfehotels.com
@collectionbytfehotels
MiNDFOOD Promotion
