Quest Ascot

I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Quest Ascot at the corner of Lancaster and Duke, I wasn’t expecting much. The building looks pretty standard from the outside, but you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that surprise you. This 4-star spot really grew on me during my stay, and I can see why it’s pulling an 8 out of 10 from most guests.

The thing about this place is its location – and I mean that in the best way possible. Ascot’s one of those Brisbane neighborhoods that’s close enough to everything but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant hum of city traffic. You’re actually only about 7 kilometers from the CBD, which means you can easily hop into the city for dinner or meetings, but when you come back at night, it’s genuinely quiet. I stayed on the third floor and could barely hear the street noise, which was perfect since I’m usually a light sleeper. The apartments here are properly spacious too – not those cramped hotel rooms where you’re bumping into furniture every time you turn around. My one-bedroom had a full kitchen that I actually used (rare for me on work trips), and the living area was big enough that I could spread out my laptop and papers without feeling claustrophobic. The laundry facilities were a lifesaver since I was there for almost a week – there’s something satisfying about doing your own washing instead of paying hotel prices for it.

What really impressed me was how the staff seemed to know the area inside and out. The front desk guy (I think his name was James?) gave me directions to this little Vietnamese place on Nudgee Road that I never would have found otherwise – honestly some of the best pho I’ve had in Brisbane. He also mentioned the Eagle Farm Racecourse is just a short drive away, which I didn’t realize until he brought it up. The whole setup feels more like a serviced apartment than a traditional hotel, which works perfectly if you’re staying more than a couple nights or traveling for business. Check-in was smooth, parking was included (thank god, because finding street parking in Brisbane can be a nightmare), and the Wi-Fi actually worked properly throughout the building. I mean, it’s 2024 and I still get excited when hotel internet doesn’t cut out during video calls, but here we are. The only minor thing I’d mention is that the elevator can be a bit slow during busy periods – I found myself taking the stairs most of the time, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker. If you’re looking for somewhere in Brisbane that gives you space to breathe without being stuck in the middle of nowhere, Quest Ascot hits that sweet spot perfectly.