Review: The Westin Brisbane, an underrated gem
With a chic spa, rooftop pool and Guy Grossi restaurant, this is definitely a hotel worth travelling for.
By Chris Ashton, July 8 2024
Country
Australia
City
Brisbane
Hotel
The Westin Brisbane
Notes
The Good
- Club lounge access
- Central location
The Bad
- Valet parking only
X-Factor
- Settimo restaurant
- Brisbane’s only swim-up pool bar
Introduction
‘Transformed’ is an ideal way to describe Brisbane’s luxury hotel scene, which, though home to only a few premium options a decade ago, has since flourished into a mecca of luxury and style – with more additions on the way.
The Westin Brisbane is arguably one of the city’s more conventional five star hotels, compared to the whimsy of W Brisbane or urban-chic of The Calile, but that’s also a strength.
Opened in late 2018, the hotel is well-located and among the best setup for both work or play, boasting a day spa, club lounge, rooftop pool and Italian restaurant from none other than Guy Grossi.
Despite the above though, it still feels somewhat underrated.
Location & Impressions
Sitting toward the botanic gardens end of the CBD at 111 Mary Street, The Westin Brisbane is surrounded by a forest of office towers, top restaurants and hole-in-the-wall bars, while the magnetic Queen Street Mall is also only a few blocks away.
The beauty of this location is everything is so close, and you don’t always need a car.
The exterior of The Westin Brisbane.
You could walk to Treasury Casino in 7 minutes, Queensland Performing Arts Centre at South Bank in 15, or Howard Smith Wharves (home to the fantastic Felons Brewing Co) in less than 30, preferably along the waterfront.
The Westin Brisbane embraces a bold, contemporary design balancing exposed concrete and glass with more natural finishes of timber and stone.
Even the lift area is stylish.
On the ground floor you’ll find The Charles, which is described as an ‘aviation-inspired jazz bar’. It’s one of two bars onsite, together with Nautilus – the only swim-up bar in the CBD.
In reality, The Charles doesn’t feel very overly ‘jazzy’ or inspired by the joy of flight, but it’s still a nice spot to meet for a drink, indulge in some people-watching, or maybe enjoy a casual bite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Charles is the social hub of the lobby.
Settimo – Guy Grossi’s distinctly Italian restaurant on level 1, on the other hand, truly does live up to its description as “a love letter to the Amalfi Coast”. More on this soon.
Parking is valet-only, for $60 a night.
Room
The Westin Brisbane features 298 rooms and suites. My key unlocked a Renewal Suite on level 12, complete with a separate living and dining room, king-size bed and huge bathroom.
Master light switches and USB outlets are either side of the bed.
Twin vanities and a separate bath and shower.
Two smart TVs with streaming tech, a two-seater dining table and lounge, minibar and coffee machine, plus a small work desk in the bedroom, all dialled up the convenience.
A small desk plus a large wardrobe with safe, iron and ironing board.
The view from the living area.
A two-way powder room accessible from both the living room and bedroom, with doors either side to seal it off when needed, makes the room a good option for hosting guests (with no need to tidy up beforehand).
Artworks provide welcome pops of colour.
Just off the bedroom, the balcony provided a nice outlook, especially at sunset when the light bounced off nearby towers, though a couple of seats wouldn’t have gone astray.
The balcony view to Brisbane River.
Eat
Where The Westin stands apart from many local rivals is the inclusion of an executive lounge – the Westin Club, which is filled with comfy settees, seats and dining tables.
The Westin Club by day.
It also enjoys a great view of the swimming pool, a level below.
Guests staying in Club-level rooms – plus holders of Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program – all receive access to this exclusive space.
The Westin Club also features a private meeting room.
Within you can partake in daily buffet breakfast, plus evening drinks and canapés, in addition to self-serve drinks including a range of teas, soft drinks and juices throughout the day.
The evening spread in the Westin Club.
Evening drinks include red, white and sparkling wines, plus beer and soft drinks.
Of course, there’s more to dining at The Westin Brisbane than this buffet assortment.
Signature restaurant Settimo from chef Guy Grossi, the man behind the excellent Florentino in Melbourne and Garum at The Westin Perth, is an absolute must-visit.
Settimo, meaning 'seventh' in Italian, is the seventh restaurant from Guy Grossi.
The menus and vibe are both heavily-inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with a strong focus on market-fresh seafood (though it does offer plenty of alternatives if you’re not into fish).
Despite visiting on a Tuesday night, the restaurant was filled with a broad mix of diners, plus lots of laughter and conversation – which is what you want from an Italian restaurant.
Starting with a slice of sourdough and olive oil for dipping, I followed this with Polpo e Patate (octopus on a bed of mashed potato, with olives and caper leaves) for entree and Scialatielli All’Amalfitana (seafood pasta) for main.
Polpo e Patate for entree.
Followed by the main of Scialatielli All’Amalfitana.
Both dishes delivered a delightful flavour hit – lemon drizzled over the octopus helped cut through the rich potato and pesto, while the pasta was laden with succulent mussels and clams, plus a few chillies for good measure.
Although I didn’t need dessert, I couldn’t resist the temptation of Guy’s famous (and generously-portioned) tiramisu. It defeated me, but I gave it a solid try.
Tiramisu, made using Grossi’s grandmother’s recipe.
Settimo doubles as the hotel’s buffet breakfast venue, with its counters adorned in a tasty mix of hot and cold dishes, including cannolis, tarts, eggs, congee and fresh pastries.
The breakfast spread at Settimo.
Cold cuts, yoghurt and fruit are available in a fridge alongside.
In addition, The Westin’s extensive in-room menu spans brekky and all-day favourites – think eggs benedict, smashed avo and a club sandwich – plus healthier Eat Well options.
Relax
Guests after some rest and relaxation can make their way to the rooftop pool, which sits alongside a well-equipped gymnasium, or the Heavenly Spa, which lives up to the promise of its name.
The pool is surrounded by lounges, cabanas and chairs.
The dimly-lit spa is calming and elegant – adorned in white-silver furnishings and floral arrangements – with a treatment menu of massages, facials, wraps and scrubs, plus multi-hour spa rituals. The latter are definitely worthwhile if you have time.
I recommend the 60-minute signature facial.
Verdict
Among the growing list of five star Brisbane hotels, The Westin Brisbane is up there among the best. The sleek decor, sundrenched pool and inviting day spa are all top-notch, while Settimo is easily one of the finest restaurants in the city.
The writer stayed as a guest of The Westin Brisbane.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Jan 2019
Total posts 13
Perhaps it’s underrated because no one knows about it? I have no idea where this is and i live in Brisbane.
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