Mantra On Mary

The location is convenient in the CBD, close to buses, trains and ferries, with plenty of food nearby and a short walk to the shopping district. The room had a queen bed and a small spare room that was set up as a study, though it might fit bunk beds. The bathroom was nice, with a shower over the bath, but getting in and out when wet could be tricky if you're short. There was a washer and dryer, plus a kitchenette with a fridge, oven/grill, hotplate and small single-drawer dishwasher.

Georgia and Crizelle at reception were especially lovely, and the staff were amazing throughout. They were always smiling and never refused a request. We'd be glad to stay again. The apartment had everything we could think of, and the beds were comfy. The kitchen had all new appliances. We didn't use the pool because it was raining, but it looked inviting. Pubs, restaurants and the casino are close enough to walk to.

The washer and dryer worked well, and the reception staff were nice. But the Mary Street property in Brisbane felt adequate at best and unpleasant. I'd stayed at a Mantra in Sydney before and found it tired but pleasant. Here, the carpet, couch and curtains were stained, and the bathroom walls, tables and kitchen kickboard were grimy or filmy. Some things felt unsafe: access to the shower was restricted, there was a small step at the bathroom entrance, and the over-bath mixer tap didn't work at all. I'm 161cms, 65 and fairly agile, yet couldn't safely reach the shower taps and struggled to get in and out of the bath or shower. The TV was small and not smart. Unless you stay seven nights or more, all cleaning is up to you. We were there for six nights, had no cleaning supplies, and I wanted a holiday from that. At $320 a night, I really didn't want to clean.

There's plenty to choose from nearby, including restaurants, takeaway shops, cafes, pubs and shopping centres. The University, Botanical Gardens, River Ferries, Southbank and Suncorp Stadium are also close, with Suncorp Stadium about a 25 mi walk. The pool, gym, sauna and barbecue area are welcome extras and available until 22:00 daily. I've stayed at Mantra on Mary before, a few years ago, and found these serviced apartments great. It's a handy central spot, a few blocks from Central Queen Street Mall and Roma Street Stations. Rooms have a fully functioning kitchen, coffee and tea set, air con and bathroom amenities.