The Alva Brisbane Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG

I worked remotely during my stay at Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, and the rooms gave me plenty of space to work without feeling cramped. They were quiet and nicely designed, and the Wi-Fi stayed fast and reliable the whole time. The location in Fortitude Valley made it easy to step out to cafés, restaurants, and other things within walking distance, then switch off after work. After a long day, I liked unwinding at the rooftop pool. The gym was well equipped and never seemed overcrowded. Staff were welcoming and attentive without hovering. It felt comfortable and polished without being stuffy, and I'd recommend it for a business trip or workcation in Brisbane.

We'd definitely stay here again. The French inspired restaurant downstairs was another highlight. I can't remember the waiter's name, but his food and wine pairing suggestions were excellent. The roast chicken was tasty and moist, and the Provencal Plat is a must have. We arrived worn out and stressed after our Qantas flight from Brisbane to Singapore had to turn back because of an aircraft fault, which left us needing another night in Brisbane on 16 December 2025. The welcome at Hotel X put us at ease straight away. Karen and Ed at reception that evening deserve a special mention. They went out of their way to accommodate our unusual request and make my family and me feel welcome.

The room was a good size and well equipped, and the location was great, but several things made the stay disappointing. I pulled out the hairdryer and found it covered in dust. The bathroom shelf seemed like it hadn't been dusted in ages, and the lighting wasn't good in either the bathroom or the room. Parking was limited, so we had to leave the car off site up a hill, which was awkward with a suitcase. We also couldn't use the rooftop bar one day because of a private function. I understand it was Christmas party season, but it left me feeling that paying guests weren't important. These details mean I wouldn't stay again. It didn't feel like a five star hotel.

The room was clean, but there were little details that didn't feel up to a place calling itself luxury. The bathroom and minibar items weren't properly faced up, the pool loungers hadn't been straightened, and tables were left untidy. Our room wasn't made up on the first day either. I had to tell reception, and they said they'd prioritise it the following day. The floor to ceiling photos of people in fancy dress in the bedroom and above the toilet made an otherwise classically modern room feel cheaper. None of this really affected our stay, but those details matter if you're claiming to be a luxury five star hotel. The location in Fortitude Valley is good, within walking distance of the quayside, and it's a pleasant walk over the bridge and along the river to South Bank, about 40 minutes.