Hotel Review: The Calile Brisbane QLD, Australia
As we head south along the coast of Queensland on a morning in late January the skies darken with every mile as we edge closer to our destination. Having woken up to a glorious day on the sunshine coast the mood in the car now reflects the deep grey storm clouds which are brewing above the city of Brisbane, circling the skyscrapers like something out of a Disney movie. We head towards the city's CBD and glide smoothly into a sleek underground car park as the tropical storm above hits us. A popular spot among Australia's ever-growing design-led concept hotels The Calile stands proudly in the centre of Brisbane, on the cool tropical oasis of St James Street.
Aesthetic + Interiors 5/5
Walking into the foyer you are instantly transported to the ever-pleasing world of dusky pinks, warm oak and brushed brass. A sunken geometric patterned sofa sits to the side of the reception, with low-level lighting and decorative magazines placed artfully on one side. There is a carefully scattered selection of Diamond Lounge Chairs by Harry Bertoia which are surrounded by travertine benches, thoughtfully sectioning the open plan space. The receptionist hands us our key card over her desktop and a doorman, dressed in head-to-two white, directs us to the lift.
Easy on the eye the scheme is strong throughout the hotel from the gym, to the restaurants or pool and through the 175 guest rooms. No matter your angle you couldn't take an unflattering photo if you tried. Our room seamlessly matches the scheme of the ground floor with a large king-size bed that sits confidently in the centre of the room. Adjacent to this is the bathroom with its moving timber panels and rose quartz top. Our poolside room opens onto a large curvaceous balcony with views of the turquoise pool below and the urban jungle beyond.
Arched doorways and windows suggest art deco inspiration and are incorporated throughout reflecting the shape of the oval balconies on the hotel's external facade. There are multiple room and suite options to choose from with some rooms featuring curved niches that accommodate freestanding bathtubs, day beds or grooved mini-bar counters.
Designed by the architects at Richards and Spencer The Calile has been designed to embrace the warm tropical climate of Queensland. Corridors are open air so while walking between spaces you will come across planted areas and breaks within the brickwork framing the surrounding city outside. The colours create a resort-like feel but the chosen materials are appropriate for a city's landscaping and will hopefully stand the test of time.
Food + Drink 4/5
The pool is serviced by the hotels greek inspired restaurant Hellenika and its poolside menu offers an array of dishes from Wagu steak burgers to smaller greek bites to share. Service is the same as you would expect if you were to sit in the restaurant itself and your order is brought to you and set up on portable trays.
Breakfast isn't included in the room rate but guests have the option of dining in Hellenika with offers an Aussie/Greek fusion or The Lobby Bar which an Aussie/French style menu. For views of the pool we opted for Hellenika and order the Bircher plus the Avo on toast to share which were both great.
Not directly within The Calile but under the same development and ownership the Thai restaurant sAme sAme is just across the road on Ada lane. The interiors are minimalistic with a Scandinavian feel and a small outdoor area where you can enjoy a Margarita while waiting for a table. The menu takes Thai food to new levels using fresh authentic ingredients cooked on coal or searing hot woks. Dinner was absolutely delicious and I couldn't recommend it enough.
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Facilities + Small Touches 4.5/5
This large hotel includes a spa, gym, poolside cafe, Library, conference room and a 100-capacity amphitheatre that can be used for events. For most visitors, the 28m pool is the hotel's best feature and is for the use of guests only. There is an option of sunbeds, cabanas and pool towels available with the area serviced by the greek restaurant Hellenika. Staff will happily take your order and set up your meal on trays wherever you are lounging in the sun.
There are plenty of small touches from a quality stocked mini bar to dressing gowns, bags and toiletries for use during your stay which are also available to purchase from the hotel gift shop. I loved the illustrated guide of the local area in each room pointing out small businesses and locally owned restaurants. There are several packages and extras that you can add at time of booking to enhance your stay such as Champagne and sweet treats on arrival, valet parking and shopping vouchers.
Service + Atmosphere 4.5/5
The service is professional at all times with a sociable touch of cheerful Aussie personality. All members of staff are well presented in full white outfits fitting with the scheme and are always on hand. The comfortable atmosphere has an underlying youthful energy, suiting the buzz of inner city life.
The Area
Right in the centre of Brisbane The Carlile sits on James Street and is within a vibrant upmarket neighbourhood full of fashion, food and art. You will find some of Australia's favourite designers, such as Aje, Zimmermann and Scanlan & Theodore, as well as cute laneway restaurants and hidden bars. Restaurants within the vicinity include SL Steak & Oyster, Sushi Room and Bianca. To summarise this is a heaven for shoppers and foodies.
The Carlile is great for couples but would make an absolutely ideal hotel for a girl's trip or special occasion getaway. I found my time there from the service to the food and of course the pastel pink interiors hard to fault and I can't wait to return.
The Carlile Hotel, 48 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Rooms from $230AUD/£130
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