Ovolo Brisbane Fortitude Valley, a Wyndham Hotel

Right from the first phone call, things went smoothly. Check-in was welcoming, the decor was lovely, and every staff member was great. The location is excellent and the suite was comfy, with blackout curtains and good protection from traffic noise. Marvellous.

Ovolo The Valley on Ann Street has a playful, eclectic style and plenty of character. The service was friendly and welcoming throughout, and the spacious room was comfortable, though a few small updates would freshen it up. I slept well on the bed, which was a bit firm but perfectly fine. The location in Fortitude Valley is handy for restaurants and dining areas, especially the Gasworks Precinct, with plenty of good food and coffee a short walk away. My room was very quiet, which made a real difference. When booking, I'd try to get a room that doesn't face the main road. I'd happily stay again.

We marked our anniversary in the Purple Rain room on the 6th floor, and the space was roomy and thoughtfully designed. As a mid-century fan, I really liked the decor, and there were welcoming touches when we arrived. The lighting was clever, the little bar area was nice, both showers were great, and the bed was comfortable. It was remarkably quiet despite the nearby road. There was also a balcony where you could stand and watch the traffic go by. The staff were all great and gave us personal service, even though they were under pressure. I like this part of the Valley, what I call the "right side", away from the mess and smells. Tartufo Italian is a favourite of mine and just a minute's walk away. The complex doesn't have as many tenants as it did in the old days, but James St, Gasworks and the surrounding area still have plenty of places to eat and explore. Breakfast at Kazba Cocktail Bar was the best I've had in a long time, with great coffee too. I still didn't get to try the rooftop bar, so that's a reason to return. There's lots of choice for a staycation in Brissy, but it'll be hard to choose somewhere else. Thanks to everyone front and back of house for making the stay worthwhile. I hope you know you're appreciated. Highly recommended.

Things started going wrong as soon as we arrived. Reception was poor, and the bar staff were no help. The espresso martinis they sent up were the worst I've seen. When we queried them, we were told, “They're supposed to be like that.” We booked specifically to relax by the pool, but the rooftop had no loungers, even though the promotional photos clearly showed them. Staff said they'd find some, then we never heard back. With early check-in, there was nowhere for me to take an important Zoom meeting. I called reception five times in the middle of the day and got no answer. The sheets and bathroom were dirty. Overall, the place was very unaccommodating. I used the internal complaint process because I hoped not to leave a one-star review, but it's now been over three weeks and I still haven't heard back.