Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane

So I’ve stayed at the Meriton Suites on Herschel Street a few times now, and honestly, it’s become my go-to whenever I’m in Brisbane for work or just need a proper city break. The building itself is one of those sleek high-rises that sort of blends into the CBD skyline, but once you’re inside, you realize this place actually gets the whole “apartment hotel” thing right.

What I love about this location is that you’re literally in the thick of everything without feeling like you’re trapped in tourist central. You know how some hotels stick you right on Queen Street Mall and then you can’t escape the crowds? This is different. Herschel Street is quiet enough that you can actually sleep with the windows cracked open – well, depending on which floor you’re on – but you’re still a two-minute walk from the mall if you need to grab something. The suites themselves are proper apartments, not just hotel rooms with a mini-fridge shoved in the corner. I mean, you’ve got full kitchens with decent appliances, separate bedrooms, and those floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re living in the city rather than just visiting it. The laundry setup is clutch too, especially if you’re staying for more than a few days.

The staff here actually seem to know what they’re doing, which sounds like a low bar but you’d be surprised. Check-in is usually pretty smooth, and they’re good about letting you know the quirks of your particular suite – like which way to jiggle the bathroom door handle or whether your balcony faces the morning sun. Speaking of balconies, if you can swing it, try to get one facing west toward the river. You won’t see much water from most floors, but the sunset views over the city are worth it, and you’re looking out toward South Bank rather than into someone’s office building. The pool area up top is decent – nothing fancy, but it’s usually not packed, and the city views while you’re floating around are pretty spectacular. Just don’t expect it to be heated in winter; learned that one the hard way. Parking is in the building which is honestly a godsend in the CBD, though it’ll cost you extra. The gym is serviceable if you’re not too picky, and there’s a decent coffee place right downstairs if you can’t be bothered making your own. Location-wise, you’re close enough to walk to South Bank for dinner, the Treasury Casino if that’s your thing, and you can catch the CityCat from Eagle Street Pier without much hassle. The whole setup just works – it’s why this place maintains that 8.7 rating and why I keep coming back instead of gambling on somewhere new.