Art House Apartments by CLLIX

The rooftop terrace had a great evening view, and I especially liked the herb garden. We even took a few chives. The one-bedroom apartment was just right for a self-catering weekend, and the location was close to local attractions. There was a strong cooking smell when we first arrived and grease on the cupboard above the stove, but airing the place out and using the aircon cleared it. The train noise wasn’t too noticeable with the windows shut. We only learned on arrival that key pickup was on the next street. Still, it was a great little stay for the early booking price, and I’d return.

The apartment was clean, in a great location, and just right for us. The room itself was fabulous and the staff were friendly, but getting checked in was awful. Nobody told me I had to go to another address, which was the last thing I needed on a hot, humid day. I also tried to reach reception three times, but the call centre couldn’t put me through and told me to go downstairs, even though reception wasn’t in the same building. The check-in text had dates three days off our actual booking. The photos also showed a pool, but there wasn’t one.

The rooftop barbecue and lounge area is the standout, with a relaxed feel and genuinely impressive city views. It’s somewhere you’d actually want to spend time. The apartment was quiet, very comfortable, well laid out, and more like a serviced residence than short-stay accommodation. Everything worked and felt fresh, especially compared with Ivy & Eve on Merivale Street, where I’d stayed for three nights before. They have similar fittings, but Art House feels newer. It was also the largest apartment I’ve stayed in during my time in Brisbane. For my two days, the price was so reasonable I kept wondering what the catch was, and there wasn’t one. Probably my best stay in Brisbane. Between Ivy & Eve and Art House, I’d choose Art House for the extra space, value, and rooftop.

I got stuck in a lift for five minutes when the doors wouldn’t open, and the emergency phone went unanswered. It happened three times in two days, and I heard other guests had the same problem. Terrifying. The staff weren’t much help, and the helpline left me on hold for ages. The car park was a nightmare too. The rooms were basic and not very clean, despite the good location. I’ve stayed in two different Clix buildings in recent weeks, and neither felt worth the money. I wouldn’t recommend Clix apartments, and I’ll go back to Air BnBs.