Brisbane, Elevated: My Stay At Queen’s Wharf Residences
Staycation in the sky
I’ll admit it – I love a luxe staycation. Who says you have to leave your own city to feel like you’re on holiday? So when Minor Hotels invited me to be among the first to experience the newly launched Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane, I cleared my schedule and jumped in an Uber faster than you can say “steam room and skyline views.”
Rising above Brisbane’s newest lifestyle precinct, Queen’s Wharf Residences is more than just a place to stay, it’s the tallest tower in the development and the only residential building directly connected to the integrated resort. Imagine seamless access, panoramic views, and a stay that feels genuinely elevated. You’re not just checking into a room, you’re stepping into a new vantage point of the city.
Views from hotel bedroom on the 41st floor
Check-in with a view
I arrived on Thursday afternoon and was greeted in the marble lobby by the Minor Hotels team for a warm welcome. The space had that quiet luxury vibe, calm, sleek, and softly lit, with details that signalled you were in good hands from the moment you stepped inside.
My one-bedroom apartment was up on the 41st floor, and the view genuinely stopped me in my tracks. I could see Mt Coot-tha, the Botanic Gardens, the Brisbane River, Riverside Expressway, Southbank, and even the Sky Deck at The Star – which looked tiny from that high up. It was one of those “yep, this is the life” kind of moments.
Inside, the space was just as good – floor-to-ceiling windows, a full kitchen, laundry, separate study, and actual room to breathe. It wasn’t just a room, it was a proper apartment. With subtle timber finishes, soft neutrals, and lighting that adjusts as the sun moves across the sky, everything felt quietly intentional. Designed for longer stays with a luxury edge, Queen’s Wharf Residences Brisbane blends polished finishes with home-like comfort — perfect for business trips, family visits, or when you just want space to unpack and settle in.
Even the wardrobe was roomy enough for an over-packer like me, and the bathroom had that “spa-adjacent” feeling, all clean lines, good lighting, and thick towels that make you forget you’re not at a resort in Europe.
Hotel room on the 41st floor
The tour
That afternoon we had a private walkthrough of the property, and what stood out was how much it didn’t feel like a hotel. There was no clinical check-in counter or lobby buzz, just a sense of calm, considered luxury.
It’s designed more like a modern apartment building, but with all the extras, a lap pool with city views, a steam room that melts the week away, a wine lounge tucked into a quiet corner, and peaceful yoga spaces if that’s your thing. It’s upscale without being overdone, no marble for the sake of it, just a well-resolved space that makes sense for how people actually live. A little minimalist, a little indulgent, very Brisbane-now.
Dinner at HUĀ
That evening, we walked to dinner at HUĀ, inside the Queen’s Wharf Precinct. The setting was sleek, the food was refined, and it was nice to connect with the Minor Hotels team over shared plates and conversation. It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you want to dress up just a little, but still feel comfortable enough to order dessert and another round of wine.
Being able to stroll back to the Residences afterwards without needing to think about transport was definitely a win. It’s those little luxuries — proximity, convenience, seamlessness — that elevate a stay without making it feel showy.
Dinner at HUA
A morning on the Sky Deck
The next morning, I headed to Babblers on Sky Deck for a solo breakfast – almond cappuccino and an almond croissant, with a pretty unbeatable view of the city. The vibe was relaxed but buzzing, a mix of hotel guests and locals who clearly knew this was the new spot to start the day.
It was the kind of morning that made you want to linger. No rush, no pressure — just warm light, strong coffee, and a skyline that reminds you why you love this city. From there, I checked out and cruised into the office feeling slightly more zen than usual, which is rare for a Friday.
The verdict
Queen’s Wharf Residences Brisbane feels like the kind of place you check into for a few nights and end up staying for a few weeks. It’s relaxed but refined, central but not chaotic. Whether you’re visiting the city or live here and just need a reset, it’s luxury accommodation that makes you feel at ease — no fuss, just genuinely well done.
If you’re craving a stay that’s more “liveable luxury” than “hotel hype,” this is it. Think of it as your new home in the sky — even if just for the weekend.
