Discover boutique city hotels for urban escapes in Brisbane, Australia

The BrisVegas tag may sum up this city’s love of glitzy good times, but it’s also got great galleries, hot bars, restaurants and clubs, and a happening music scene. The hilly waterside location’s no slouch: flanking the winding Brisbane River, it is within easy reach of beaches, islands and national parks. If it’s major sights you’re after, make for the CBD and South Bank arts complex across the river, but base yourself in edgier inner north district Fortitude Valley for maximum buzz. Residents of rival cities may mock, but folk are moving here in droves, drawn by a winning combination of no-nonsense attitude with fast-paced fun.