Having an unexpected layover in Brisbane, we had to find a hotel for the night. I chose the Hilton since it was a name I knew, and figured it would have the amenities we needed (room service, a restaurant, ice to nurse an injury). I am also a Hilton HHonors member, but that doesn't ever factor into which hotel we choose.
The hotel was clean, bright and had a spacious lobby. The lobby was a big atrium that rose for many floors, with hallways from the room floors above it overlooking the lobby. An interesting facet was that the lobby started on the 6th floor and rose from there.
Indeed, the hotel also had what we needed for our stay. We weren't disappointed in that regard. Room service folks were very attentive to our needs. The front desk people were instrumental in helping us get documents we needed printed. (Thank you, Sarah, for your help). The concierge staff deserve the highest of kudos. They aided us in everything from getting ice bags, to helping secure flights home, to having pharmacy meds delivered to our room, to lending us a wheelchair for our stay. A tip of the hat goes to Ben Shaw, for helping make this all happen.
Downsides? Well, I can think of two. First the hotel rate was on the steep side: $335 AUD or about $316 USD. A quick search shows I can get a room at the Hilton in midtown Manhattan with a king size bed for less than that tonight. Also, it is a bit unsatisfying to overhear the person checking out in front of me got their room for over $100 less per night than mine.
This may be typical of Hiltons, or Australia, or both ... but Wi-Fi was an extra charge of $29 per night. For the rate Hilton was charging for the room, Wi-Fi should be included (IMHO). Wi-Fi is free for certain Hilton HHonors guests, but only those with a better standing in their program than I.
Would I return? ... To Brisbane? Yes.
To this Hilton? Yes ... without a doubt ... but only if I could secure a more favorable room rate. read more