Hip Fortitude Valley provided the right fabric and flair for a stylish collaboration with fashion designer Alex Perry on the outskirts of Brisbane’s CBD. So just who will this snazzy hotel and apartments block catch the attention of? Business travellers, especially corporate women.
Did you know?
Fortitude Valley was named after the immigrant vessel Fortitude chartered to transport free settlers from Scotland to Moreton Bay in 1849.
The location
Minutes from the CBD but far enough away to enjoy the eclectic contrasts of old and new in “the Valley” with historic buildings, cutting edge architecture, period homes, great eateries, bars, premium luxury car yards (Lamborghini, Jaguar, Porsche … they are all there) and designer furniture stores.
Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments
959 Ann Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
alexperryhotelandapartments.com.au
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The room
Ours was a one-bedroom executive apartment that ticked all the boxes – compact yet spacious (so cleverly hidden you have to search for the laundry) and while the inclusions of GHD Hairdryers and GHD Hair Irons didn’t tick any necessity boxes for this simple-needs bald man, my partner in crime and her every long strand of curly hair were jumping for joy. For me? Tidy office corner for business, a daily internet usage limit of 5GB of Wi-Fi, while all studio-style, one and two-bedroom apartments come with kitchens, cleverly hidden internal laundry, Foxtel, custom-made heavenly Sleep Elite beds and cute balcony area. For her? Big ticks for the GHD products, satin coat hangers, clothing garment steamer, designer toiletries, and soft and elegant colour palette of chocolates, champagnes and creams setting the backdrop for classic yet swish interiors.
Hotel facilities
Efficient check-in with a very warm and classy waiting area to the right featuring beautiful lounge suite. The rooftop is exclusive to hotel guests and open from 6am to 10pm daily offering two gorgeous views all round in the day time and at night. Those looking for a fun, unique self-catering option you can book a BBQ through reception and be armed with ample BBQ tools to cook up a storm including an apron. The 15-metre rooftop pool is heated so swimming is easy all year round and two outdoor widescreens are connected to Foxtel and a nifty and neat gym is also located on the rooftop, complemented by comfy oversized sun lounges and scatter cushions.
Food
Delfina’s is a revelation downstairs. Open seven days from 6.30am to 2pm for coffee and breakfast, dinner from 3pm until late on Tuesdays through to Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. Don’t miss the Appertivo Fridays for tap beer, aperol spritz specials and free canapes and live music from 5pm. It’s a daring menu, too, with such culinary breakfast adventures as Monterey Jack cheddar and creamed leek hashcake with dressed wasabi rocket, pickled zucchini, poached eggs and chipotle salt or house baked beans with smoked wagyu brisket, tomatillos, labneh and onion chutney. Coffee is great and while we didn’t dine at night, the reviews are great.
Dining out
Take a short stroll down to Nickel Kitchen & Bar, only one year old and a real talking point in Brisbane with its old-world vibe but modern spin on classics. Service is impeccably old-fashioned. Highlight is the exquisite and imposing Plume wine glass chandelier along with the food: classics with contemporary twists. The third installment from TJ and Kim Peabody (Nantucket Kitchen & Bar and NKB Express) is a winner and amazing place to woo business guests for lunch or dinner.
Ask the concierge
“Must go to Nodo. We are situated in the best part of Valley, steps away from the most delicious and healthiest donuts around. Nodo (pronounced no dough) donuts are 100% gluten free. Donuts for breakfast without the guilt – yes please! Across the street visit my favourite classic Italian restaurant Tartufo, which serves the best stove oven pizzas in Brisbane. Enjoy the authentic Italian atmosphere and not to be missed is the Tartufo Pizza! Nearby Eleven is a great rooftop bar with stunning views, too. Wander five minutes down the road and you’ll stumble upon the popular James Street Precinct where you’ll find a range of cafes, bars and boutique shops. If after all that you are in need of a refreshment stop by Newstead Brewing Co and sample a few of their 12 craft beers on tap. Lastly my favourite place for live music every week is the Triffid. Check out the range of diverse acts they have performing.
Getting around
A taxi from the airport is 13km. On a day with no traffic it would be about 20 minutes and a taxi fare could average anywhere between $30-$50, otherwise for a step up in class try Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments’ preferred private transfer company Limoso. Average charge for a sedan vehicle would be $70 one way to the Brisbane airport. The bus stop outside our hotel on Ann Street is either 306 or 311 and stop in Adelaide Street CBD. Taxi or Uber to the CBD on average is between $6-$12 depending on drop off point.
Weather
10 Words Or Less …
Couture design meets playful intelligent design in the Valley.
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