Brisbane’s latest hotel offering, Sage – located on buzzy James Street in Fortitude Valley, home to the city’s trendiest fashion boutiques and coolest bars and restaurants – hits all the right notes for travellers, whether you’re visiting the River City for business or pleasure.
Sleek, modern and featuring on-trend decor throughout, the hotel is spread over four levels with 93 well-appointed rooms, all with free Wi-Fi. There are four room types: Standard, Superior, Superior Twin and Deluxe.
The compact standard room doesn’t feel small, thanks to clever design features including a sliding door separating the bathroom and bedroom, and a work and charging station in the bedroom, while the larger Deluxe rooms are perfect for romantic escapes, with balconies on which to sip Champagne as the sun sets over Brisbane.
Mini bars are stocked with delights from famous local businesses such as New Farm Confectionery, Jocelyn’s Provisions and Newstead Brewing Company, plus there’s a handy café on the ground level and a cellar with well-priced wines. Management must be applauded for the decision to have a town car on call for guests who want to venture into the city or go sightseeing nearby.
Around the area
Next door is Botanical Bar & Kitchen. Part of the QA Hotel renovation, it features a glass roof and stunning, huge living green wall. Chef David Lindsey has devised a brand new menu centred around Lighter, Larger, Smaller and Cleaner options, so all tastes are served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Located on main streets and down hidden laneways, The Valley is home to an extensive and eclectic range of bars, cafés, bistros, coffee shops and restaurants. Perennial favourite CRU Barstill brings in the crowds, as does Sixes and Sevens, while the newer (and our fave) Gerard’s Bar, tucked away behind its famous big brother Gerard’s Bistro, is copping rave reviews for its cocktails.
During daylight hours you can follow the homewares trail through Fortitude Valley and New Farm, shop in the many designer clothing boutiques and peruse fine art works in the area’s many galleries (tip: Check out works by pioneering international and local artists atTWFINEART in Robertson Street).
For a full and fun day out, take part in a traditional Japanese matcha tea ceremony atScrumptious Reads, catch an arthouse movie at Palace Centro, and finish off with a luxurious facial at Waterlily, before heading to Farrier for tapas and cocktails. Located in the brick basement of the QA Hotel, this cool bar and supper club is reminiscent of its trendy counterparts in London and NY, and sits right next door to Sage – very convenient, given its 2am closing time!
