Emporium Hotel South Bank, a five-star boutique property at 267 Grey Street in Brisbane’s South Bank precinct, has earned a reputation that lands it among the world’s best hotels according to guest reviews, including a #21 global ranking in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards (Anthony John Group). This guide draws on verified platform data and editorial coverage to help you evaluate whether this hotel fits your travel needs, covering its ownership, dress code, location trade-offs and real guest experiences.
Last checked: 2026-08-05
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Star Rating: 5 out of 5 · Ownership: Anthony John Group · Address: 267 Grey Street, Brisbane · Check-in/Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-05.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, Expedia Australia, Kayak, Trip.com, editorial travel guides, Michelin Guide, Anthony John Group official announcement.
Limitation: no on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent verification of prices; ratings reflect aggregated guest feedback as of the review date.
Emporium Hotel South Bank at a glance
- 5 out of 5 stars across Trip.com (Trip.com) and Kayak (Kayak); ranked #1 of 163 hotels in Brisbane on Tripadvisor (Tripadvisor).
- 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia (Expedia Australia).
- 2018 — a relatively new-build luxury property.
- Expedia: 9.6/10 overall (831 of 1,005 reviews gave a perfect 10); Booking.com: 9.1/10 (Booking.com); Kayak: 9.3/10 from 2,100+ ratings.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 5 out of 5 |
| Ownership | Anthony John Group |
| Address | 267 Grey Street, South Brisbane |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Number of rooms / suites | 143 |
| Year opened | 2018 |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Rooftop bar | The Terrace (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
Who owns Emporium South Bank?
Emporium Hotel South Bank is owned and operated by the Anthony John Group, a Brisbane-based property development and hospitality company. The group confirmed the hotel’s #21 global ranking in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards. The property is part of the “Business South Bank” precinct, a mixed-use development that includes restaurants, retail and a ferry terminal.
The same developer also operates the original Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley, opened in 2010, though the South Bank property is its flagship five-star offering (Eat drink and be Kerry).
Is there a dress code at Emporium South Bank?
What is the dress code for the Emporium Hotel The Terrace Rooftop Bar?
The Terrace, the hotel’s level‑21 rooftop bar and restaurant, enforces a dress code. Multiple editorial reviews and guest comments describe it as smart casual: collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, enclosed shoes for men, and equivalent stylish attire for women. Swimwear, thongs (flip‑flops) and singlet tops are discouraged outside the pool area.
What is the typical dress code for a rooftop bar?
Rooftop bars in luxury hotels generally request smart casual to maintain atmosphere. Guest reviews on Tripadvisor note that The Terrace “enforces the policy politely but firmly,” and several reviewers recommend bringing a jacket or wrap for cooler evenings. The hotel does not publish an official written dress code on its booking platforms, but the consensus among verified guests is consistent.
How many stars does Emporium Hotel have?
Emporium Hotel South Bank is rated 5 out of 5 stars across all major booking and review platforms, including Trip.com, Kayak, and Expedia. This classification reflects the full range of five‑star amenities: a level‑21 infinity pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, 24‑hour gym, valet parking, concierge, and in‑room dining.
The Michelin Guide’s hotel selection lists the property as a “design‑focused” 5‑star with “luxe and stylish” suites described as urban sanctuaries (Michelin Guide). The star rating is also consistent with its position as the #1‑ranked hotel in Brisbane on Tripadvisor, where it holds a 4.8/5 score from thousands of reviews.
Is it better to stay in Brisbane CBD or South Bank?
The choice between staying in the Brisbane central business district (CBD) versus South Bank comes down to your travel purpose. South Bank is a short distance from the CBD — roughly 1.2 km (about 1.5 km walk or one ferry stop) — but each area offers a distinct atmosphere.
| Aspect | South Bank | Brisbane CBD |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Cultural precinct with parklands, museums (QPAC, Gallery of Modern Art), restaurants, riverfront walking paths. | Business and shopping hub with corporate towers, major retailers (Queen Street Mall), and nightlife concentrated around Eagle Street and Fortitude Valley. |
| Proximity to Brisbane CBD | ~1.2 km (walkable in 15 min or a 5‑min ferry ride). | Central itself. |
| Safety | Very safe; patrolled parklands and well‑lit paths. Rated highly in local safety surveys. | Generally safe but busier at night; some areas near the mall can feel less secure after dark. |
| Range of accommodation | Fewer hotels, but anchored by Emporium Hotel South Bank and a few other boutique properties. | Wide selection of chain hotels (Hilton, Sofitel, Marriott) and business‑focused serviced apartments. |
Guest reviews on Tripadvisor and Booking.com consistently note that Emporium’s South Bank location is an advantage for leisure travellers because of immediate access to the parklands, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and river cruises. Business travellers may prefer the CBD for proximity to corporate offices, but the South Bank ferry and pedestrian bridge make the commute easy.
How far is South Bank from Brisbane CBD?
The South Bank precinct is about 400 m from the nearest CBD edge (across the Victoria Bridge). The Emporium Hotel itself is approximately 1.2 km from the CBD’s commercial core (Ann Street) — a 15‑minute walk or a 5‑minute journey via the CityCat ferry from South Bank ferry terminal (Brisbane Travel Guide).
What is the safest area in Brisbane?
Both South Bank and the CBD are considered safe by local standards. The Brisbane City Council’s crime statistics show South Bank as one of the lower‑crime precincts for theft and assault, and guest reviews on Expedia and Booking.com mention feeling secure even at night. The hotel’s own security (24‑hour front desk, keycard access) adds an extra layer.
Pros and cons of Emporium Hotel South Bank
What guests love
- Exceptional service – repeated mention of “6‑star service” from multiple reviewers on Tripadvisor.
- Rooftop infinity pool and terrace – panoramic Brisbane River views (Tripadvisor – Pool feature).
- Central location – steps from South Bank Parklands, cultural attractions, and public transport.
- Low noise from outside – most rooms praised for quietness despite location near a minor road.
What guests cite as drawbacks
- Street and rooftop bar noise in rooms facing Grey Street or near the level‑21 bar – mentioned by a minority of reviewers on Kayak.
- Breakfast pricing – rated ~8/10 on Booking.com, with some guests finding the cost high relative to the spread.
- Pet policy – no pets permitted, which disappointed some guests.
- Occasional bed comfort complaints – a few guests on Trip.com noted mattresses were firm for their preference.
Alternatives to Emporium Hotel South Bank
If Emporium Hotel South Bank doesn’t suit your budget or preference, several luxury hotels in Brisbane offer a different character:
- W Brisbane (CBD riverfront) – a 5‑star W Hotel with a lively pool bar and modern design.
- Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley (Fortitude Valley) – a boutique property with a rooftop pool.
- Spicers Balfour Hotel (New Farm) – a charming 5‑star boutique hotel with a restaurant-focused vibe.
These options are not direct reviews, but they represent the competitive landscape in Brisbane for luxury and boutique travellers.
Our pick: who should book Emporium Hotel South Bank
Luxury travellers – The hotel’s consistent 9/10+ ratings across Expedia, Booking.com and Kayak, combined with its #1 Brisbane ranking on Tripadvisor, make it a safe bet for those seeking high‑end accommodation.
Celebrity‑minded travellers – The Michelin Guide listing and global Travellers’ Choice award signal a property that attracts design‑conscious guests. The rooftop bar, “The Terrace,” is a destination in itself.
Couples – Multiple guest reviews highlight romantic sunset views from the pool deck, quiet suites, and the walkability to riverside restaurants. The South Bank setting offers park‑side dinners and evening strolls.
Location and getting there
Emporium Hotel South Bank sits at 267 Grey Street, within a 5‑minute walk of South Bank ferry terminal (CityCat and CityHopper services), South Brisbane railway station (approx. 600 m), and bus routes on Grey Street and Melbourne Street. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is about 18 km away — a 20‑minute taxi/Airtrain ride— and the hotel offers valet parking (fee applies).
Distance to key landmarks:
- South Bank Parklands: ~400 m (5 min walk).
- Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): 300 m.
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre: 200 m.
- Brisbane CBD (Queen Street Mall): ~1.2 km (15 min walk or one ferry stop).
“Travellers have voted this hotel #2 in Australia in the 2024 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Best of the Best Hotels in Australia Choice Awards.”
– Kerry Heaney, Travel writer, Eat drink and be Kerry
“Emporium Hotel South Bank named in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best. The hotel has been ranked #21 in the world and #1 in Australia and the South Pacific.”
– Anthony John Group, Developer/owner of Emporium Hotel South Bank
Related reading: �
thetravelquandary.com, expedia.com, youtube.com, tripadvisor.co.uk, sg.trip.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the address of Emporium Hotel South Bank?
267 Grey Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
What amenities does Emporium Hotel South Bank offer?
The hotel features a level‑21 rooftop infinity pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, 24‑hour gym, valet parking, concierge, in‑room dining, and the rooftop bar and restaurant The Terrace.
What is the restaurant at Emporium Hotel South Bank?
The Terrace is the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with panoramic Brisbane River views.
Is there another Emporium Hotel in Brisbane?
Yes, there is an Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley (opened 2010), also owned by the Anthony John Group, but it is a different property with a lower star rating and different amenities.
Sources for this review
- Anthony John Group – Official 2026 Tripadvisor ranking announcement
- Tripadvisor – Emporium Hotel South Bank reviews & Brisbane ranking
- Expedia Australia – Guest scores, address, policies
- Trip.com – Room count, opening year, star rating
- Kayak – Aggregated ratings & guest sentiment summary
- Booking.com – Guest review score & breakfast rating
- Eat drink and be Kerry – Editorial review & 2024 award
- Brisbane Travel Guide – Detailed review with pool & gym hours
- Michelin Guide – Hotel selection & design description
- Point Hacks – Specialist review mentioning suite quality & pool