Located amidst Brisbane’s thriving cultural precinct, Rydges South Bank is just a stone’s throw away from world-class institutions like QPAC and QAGOMA – but with killer vantage points aimed in many directions, the 304-room hotel gives guests glimpses of the city’s far corners. The hotel boasts sweeping views of Brisbane’s most beloved sights, best showcased from the River View King Suite. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors let you feel amongst the action from the serenity of Rydges’ elegant rooms. Catch the Mount Coot-tha summit peaking over the cosmopolitan enclave of West End and watch The Wheel of Brisbane turn alongside the City’s glittering skyline – all from the comfort of your room.
Suited to all kinds of travellers, these lavish pads feature a range of amenities – like a freestanding bathtub and the lush comfort of the Rydges’ Dream bed, which together make for a perfect night sleep. In the lounge, you can unwind on the generously sized sofa and flat-screen TV with the convenience of the room’s sleek kitchenette, dining table and desk.
The best perk of this inner-city location is the Soleil Pool Bar. Perched on the podium floor, the pool deck sits amongst the green of Grey Street’s famous fig trees. With a glimmering swimming pool and plush lounges, Soleil Pool Bar rivals your favourite tropical vacay. Settle in for a soak in the sun and order from the bar’s tantalising menu of cocktails and light bites (a post-swim club sandwich anyone?). When your day in the sun is done, finish the pamper session at Rydges’ luxurious steam rooms and sauna.
While the bustling area of South Brisbane is stacked with eateries to try, it’s Rydges’ very own Bacchus that should be at the top of your list. The award-winning fine-dining establishment serves outstanding a la carte and set-menu offerings. Our pick is the 11-course degustation menu, a culinary journey that lets you sample Bacchus’ flair for native produce. The stand-out options include the ever-indulgent champagne lobster, featuring fillets of succulent lobster bathed in a buttery chardonnay sauce. Before dessert, the restaurant’s cheese trolley will pay a visit to your table, bringing your fromagerie fantasies to life with an international cheese selection to choose from. The dessert is nothing short of a show stopper, with a delicate glazed apple encasing mascarpone, dill and yuzu – complete with its very own Bacchus fruit sticker.
After a restful snooze, wake up to the suite’s magnificent views and refresh with a walk along the river boardwalk that’s just a few minutes away. For breakfast, Bacchus’ dining room gets transformed for a decadent morning buffet. Discover plates upon plates of breakfast staples like crispy bacon, scrambled eggs and fluffy pancakes, as well as baskets of freshly baked pastries, cereals and yoghurts with fresh honeycomb, and barista-made coffee. After your breakfast, wander to one of the neighbouring museums and play tourist taking in the river views and cityscape before check-out.
If you’re not ready to head home just yet, an elegant afternoon awaits at Bacchus’ tea room. Served from 1:00 pm, this high tea invites you to indulge in delicate petit fours, scones and ribbon sandwiches crafted by Bacchus’ pastry chefs, paired with continuous Harney & Sons fine tea. Sip and sample at your leisure and finish your staycation with an afternoon of opulence.
Already packing your overnight bag? Head to Rydges South Bank website to book your stay.
This article was created in partnership with our pals at Rydges South Bank.
