CITY STAYCATION

I LOVE BRISBANE … it is one of my favourite cities … but because we live just an hour down the road, we tend to think of it as a day trip destination rather than a staycation spot.

I’m sure that’s a mistake many other Gold Coasters and Sunshine Coast residents make.

So when I was offered the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane, I didn’t hesitate.

Located in the heart of the CBD, with the Queen St Mall at the doorstep, this inner-city property ticked all the boxes … spacious rooms, modern dining options and a welcoming atmosphere.

While the city hustled and bustled beneath us, we were safely cocooned in our room enjoying the peace and quiet.

From the hotel it is just a short walk across the bridge to the vibrant South Bank precinct.

Derek and I had booked tickets to see a show at QPAC while we were there but you could just as easily spend time taking in an exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, exploring Queensland Museum or simply meandering along the river’s edge soaking up the sights.

Back at the hotel after our culture fix, we headed to the very popular Lennons Restaurant and Bar for dinner.

At night the windows of the restuarant are thrown open, bringing the majestic tree outside into focus and allowing guests to soak up the city vibe while enjoying delicious local produce and fresh, inspired dishes.

The following morning, I found the nearby shops very tempting so after breakfast I headed to the mall for a spot of retail therapy while Derek caught up on some reading.

We reconvened by the pool and spent a very relaxing couple of hours floating above the pedestrian thoroughfare.

Let me say, this is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, take in the view and sip on a cocktail or two … just magical.

However, ‘work’ was calling so we reluctantly left our poolside eyrie and headed back down to Lennon’s Restaurant where we enjoyed a business lunch with the hotel’s charming ambassador Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi and General Manager Saraid Carey.

The pair are very passionate about the city in general, and the hotel in particular, and are looking forward to welcoming more locals and interstate visitors to uncover what the property has to offer.

“We had our wedding here last year and every time I walk in it brings back so many happy memories,” says Damien.

“I also worked here over 30 years ago so I really feel like I have come full circle in my association with this fabulous hotel.”

But the history of this building goes back further than that.

In 1884, Hotelier John Lennon built the stylish Lennons Hotel, a 3-storey building on George Street.

That building was knocked down in 1972 while the new site on Queens St was being prepared.

The tallest building in the city at the time, Lennons Hotel was ‘the’ place to stay, with iconic global VIPs regularly in house.

Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, Australian operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba, Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, President Lyndon Johnson, US General Douglas MacArthur, telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell and The Beatles are just some of the names to have stayed here.

Channelling that bygone glamour, Damien will be hosting a number of fun, fashionable events over the coming months so be sure to keep an eye on the website for details.

Saraid also has big plans and is excited by the changes that are taking place throughout the hotel.

“Having transitioned from the former Next Hotel to Hyatt Regency Brisbane in February 2021, we have undertaken a large refurbishment program,” she explains.

“We have refreshed the accommodation and are proud to be showcasing a selection of stunning artworks by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a Quandamooka woman and artist who lives and works on Minjerribah –North Stradbroke Island.

“We have also launched the celebrated Hibiscus Room and introduced Jazz on Thursday night, as well as live entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

Originally located over levels 25 and 26, the Hibiscus Room was the city's leading bar, dining, and musical venue throughout the 1970s and ‘80s. Now, the Brisbane icon has been revived, with a nostalgic retro-inspired menu offering food and drinks across the restaurant, bar and events spaces.

“The entire hotel has really come of age and I would love to see more people staying here and exploring the city,” Saraid says.

As for Derek and I, we couldn’t be this close to our Brisbane-based grandkids without seeing them so after lunch we made the short drive to surprise them.

Following some quality Nanna and Granddad time, it was nice to be able to head straight back to our peaceful oasis, rather than battling the traffic on the motorway all the way home like we usually do.

The next morning, I enjoyed a sleep in while Derek checked out the gym facilities (very good by all accounts).

We then returned to Lennons for one last indulgent breakfast before we checked out.

While we relished every element of our stay, one of the hotel’s standout assets is the the staff.

From the moment we arrived, everyone was warm, friendly and a delight to deal with, especially the young lady who remembered Derek’s coffee order and delivered it with a smile every time.

So if you are planning a trip to the river city any time soon (and if you are not, you should be) be sure to check out the Hyatt Regency Brisbane.

We are very glad we did.

WHAT’S ON

ROSÉ THE SUMMER AWAY! LONG LUNCH

Hibiscus Room is putting on the ultimate summer long lunch with a fabulous DJ, ever-flowing Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé, and a 4-course summer lunch including an ice cream and sorbet cart.

Date: Sunday 12 March 2023

Time: 1 - 5 pm

Price: $145pp + booking fee

SPECIAL OFFERS

Hyatt Regency Brisbane currently have a number of amazing offers including 20% off Park, Stay & Play packages which includes valet parking and complimentary breakfast.

For more information and bookings visit: hyattregencybrisbane.com.au