Emporium Hotel South Bank

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, highlighted by its stunning rooftop infinity pool and bar that provide breathtaking city and river views. This signature feature, combined with the hotel's luxurious rooms, impeccable cleanliness, and exceptional staff service, creates an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escape, business travelers requiring both convenience and comfort, and families looking for a high-end stay with thoughtful amenities. Guests consistently praise the attention to detail and the overall ambiance. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for an even more expansive vista, and be sure to book any desired spa treatments well in advance due to their popularity.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The rooftop infinity pool is a major draw, offering spectacular city and river views, complemented by comfortable day beds and sun loungers for guests to unwind. Adjacent to the pool, the rooftop bar provides a vibrant setting for cocktails and socializing. For wellness, there is a well-equipped fitness center, along with a sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool, creating a comprehensive spa-like experience. The elevators are a unique and engaging feature, captivating guests with their dynamic video displays. Additionally, a sophisticated wine bar is available downstairs for a more intimate setting. Rooms are equipped with a well-stocked mini-bar and coffee machines, though some guests noted issues with the cold plunge pool's cleanliness and the mini-bar's automatic charging system.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently described as immaculately clean, spacious, and modern, with a luxury presentation. Guests praise the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, often highlighting the pillow menu for a personalized sleep experience. The bathrooms are generally large and well-appointed, featuring spa baths and excellent shower water pressure. Many rooms offer stunning river or city views, enhanced by automatic blinds. Unique in-room technology includes mirrored televisions. However, some guests expressed concerns about the bathroom's open design and glass privacy (not fully opaque), which can be awkward, especially when sharing. Minor issues like dirty toilet brushes or sinks were occasionally noted, along with some noise from trains or elevators depending on room location.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences are primarily centered around the rooftop Terrace restaurant and the Firma Italian restaurant. Breakfast receives mixed reviews; while many found it delicious with a wide variety and excellent service, some noted it was an à la carte menu with extra charges for additional items like coffee or fruit, and a rushed ambiance. Room service is generally praised for being fast, hot, and offering delicious, beautifully presented food, with the club sandwich being a particular highlight. The rooftop bar is popular for its cocktails and views, though service can be slow at peak times. Some guests expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of still water at restaurants and a desire for more diverse after-hours menu options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime central location in South Bank is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy reach of Brisbane's key attractions. It offers exceptional proximity to numerous restaurants, vibrant bars, and the expansive South Bank parklands, which include a popular man-made beach. Guests appreciate the convenience of easy access to public transport, with the train station located directly next door and ferry services just a short walk away, facilitating effortless travel to the central business district and other parts of the city. The location also provides stunning river and city views from many vantage points within the hotel. While the convenience of valet parking is available, many guests found it to be expensive, suggesting it as a notable cost consideration for those arriving by car.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and genuine attentiveness, often described as going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay. The concierge team is particularly highlighted for their exceptional service, proactively assisting with everything from luggage handling and car detailing to providing insightful local recommendations and arranging taxi services. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and seamless, with staff making guests feel immediately welcomed and special upon arrival. Housekeeping is noted for its attentive service, ensuring rooms are well-maintained, though some guests occasionally experienced delays in room cleaning or found certain amenities were not replenished. Overall, the service is described as consistently professional and caring, significantly enhancing the luxurious experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's age policy, which requires individuals under 18 to be accompanied by an adult, leading to issues for unaccompanied minors in emergencies. There have been recurring concerns regarding automatic minibar charges after checkout, even when items were not consumed, requiring guests to follow up for refunds. The hotel is a popular venue for events and functions, including weddings and corporate parties, with dedicated staff ensuring smooth operations. A significant concern raised by some guests was a fire alarm incident where staff response was reportedly disorganized and lacked proper safety procedures or communication. Some guests noted that certain amenities, like the piano bar, were occasionally closed, which was disappointing.