Hotel
The Calile Hotel
A resort-style design hotel on James Street by architects Richards and Spence, with a resort-style pool deck, day spa and Hellenika restaurant.
Spicers Balfour Hotel
A nine-room boutique hotel in a classic Queenslander house in New Farm, with complimentary breakfast and a rooftop bar looking towards the Story Bridge.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique hotel in a Queenslander
- Area
- New Farm, Brisbane, Australia
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
Good to know
- Complimentary breakfast
- Rooftop terrace bar
- Restaurant
- Honesty bar
- Library
- Free parking
- EV charging
- Bikes
Why we recommend it
Spicers Balfour is a nine-room boutique hotel on a quiet residential street in New Farm, just around a bend in the Brisbane River from the CBD. It occupies an archetypal Queenslander, the elevated, veranda-wrapped style of house that has been used for private homes in the region for more than a century, which gives it the feel of a private residence rather than a city hotel.
The rooms have a crisp contemporary design, using Pacific Rim textures and colours with the occasional Asian antique. Comforts include Bose sound systems and fine Italian linens, along with air conditioning and free wi-fi. With so few rooms, the atmosphere is calm and personal, and the hotel has a library and a boardroom for guests who need to work.
Food and drink are a highlight. Breakfast is complimentary and highly regarded, as is the tea service. There is a restaurant, an honesty bar and a rooftop terrace bar with a view of the Story Bridge, which makes it a pleasant place for an evening drink before heading out to dinner. Room service and a concierge are available.
Practical details are straightforward. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is at 11am, and reception is staffed from 7am to 9pm, so guests arriving later should arrange their arrival in advance. Parking is available, including valet and off-street options, and there is an EV charging station. Bikes are available for guests, and the hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Brisbane Airport. Policies on children and pets are worth confirming when booking, as listings vary.
Spicers Balfour suits couples and travellers looking for a quiet, residential base with a sense of place, as well as small business groups who can use the boardroom. The Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm Park are in the same suburb, and the New Farm Park ferry terminal at the end of Brunswick Street connects to the CityCat network for trips to the CBD and South Bank. Its MICHELIN Guide listing records strong guest scores for rooms, service and public spaces. Because the hotel is so small, it is wise to book well ahead for weekends.
Spicers Balfour Hotel FAQs
How many rooms does Spicers Balfour have?
Nine.
What kind of building is it?
A Queenslander, the elevated, veranda-wrapped house style long used for homes in the region.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast is complimentary.
Is there a bar?
Yes. There is a rooftop terrace bar with a view of the Story Bridge, plus an honesty bar.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is at 11am.
When is reception open?
From 7am to 9pm; arrange late arrivals in advance.
Is parking available?
Yes, including valet and off-street parking, and there is an EV charging station.
How far is the airport?
About a 30-minute drive.