By Laura Rancie.
In 2022, Celebrity Chef Luke Nguyen was quoted as saying: "There are so many great restaurants cooking incredible food in Brisbane and every time I’m here I think Sydney and Melbourne watch out because Brisbane is up there!”
Well, Luke could add great hotels to that quote because on a recent weekend away, I had the privilege of being a guest at the Novotel, South Bank which exceeded all expectations! As a family of five with children aged between 5 and 15, this mini getaway was a parenting win!
The Novotel, a part of the Accor group whose ethos is ‘Destination hotels that make everyday moments matter’, certainly walked the walk during our quick visit to the balmy warm Sunshine State capital.
It’s true that absolutely everything has been thought about to enhance our sense of well-being and enjoyment. Take for example the excitement of that turnkey moment when you step out of the elevator at your designated level, roam the hallway and ah ha you find your room number…you know that moment where you tap your key card and swing open the hotel door, bated breath, in anticipation to see your room for the first time.
Well seconds after that moment, we discovered the kids’ room had been decorated with incredibly fun astronaut-themed pillows and blankets, an orange moonbeam light and a couple of light machines that glowed pretty coloured constellations on the roof for the kids. WOW! Really cool touch, Novotel!
Our room was equally fantastic, albeit in a more grown-up way with a separate bedroom to the lounge. The beautifully pearled heavy glass doors from ceiling to floor in the bathroom were a nice touch and the addition of a Dyson hairdresser (gasp!) in the bathroom took the suite from luxurious to downright extravagant.
Whether through the intuitive and modern design or the large range of rewarding experiences, it’s true that everyone can disconnect from a busy life and make time to connect with family, friends or colleagues with fun little experiences like this, that Novotel has curated well ahead of time in anticipation of a guests' needs and desires.
As it was school holidays, to our delight we discovered that the hotel restaurant, Spice Central Kitchen and Bar, was featuring really fun and free kids’ activities every day. We were able to join in on a creative Disney-themed craft class in the afternoon and kudos again to you Novotel – for having a mobile balloon artist roaming the breakfast floor in the morning making inventive creations at your table.
Of course, we can’t mention a great hotel without discussing the food – Spice Central’s bright and spacious décor featured vertical greenery and clean-cut modern lines with stunning ceiling heights throughout creating a welcoming luxe feel. The exhibition kitchen juts off to the side but allows guests to wander 360 degrees around it, viewing the sizzling, smoking, chopping and prepping happening all around.
The clam amuse bouche with a sort of pumpkin purée, greens and maple bacon was the highlight of our meal, although the baked bone marrow with a parsley vinaigrette was a showstopper in terms of presentation and the Spanish waiter who perfectly pronounced pistachio the way it should be (pis-takk-io) added a certain charm and authenticity to the overall experience.
To finish off a great stay in what felt like a resort on an international holiday and not just a quick night away, was the winning touch of a perfectly placed partnership between Calm and Novotel. The Calm app is one that this foodie writer has used for many years now for its sleep stories, meditations and daily mindfulness tools. I did think the complimentary access to curated content on the Calm app was quite genius and a guaranteed way to a relaxing full night's sleep in a heavenly bed.
It's these winning combinations that have made the Novotel Southbank the perfect spot for travellers and locals to have a drink, a bite to eat, work, play or just relax. Sleep tight!
If you'd like to check out the Novotel Brisbane South Bank for yourself, or plunge right in and book now for Summer, head here.
