Spicers Balfour

Spicers Balfour is located in the heart of Brisbanes trendy suburb of New Farm, 30 minutes from Brisbane Airport. Brisbanes most renowned bars and boutique shopping are all within walking distance.

Historic old Queenslanders are loved by both Australians and visitors alike. In a country whose architectural past spans a mere couple of hundred years, each is to be cherished. The thought of taking one of these beautiful old buildings and turning it into a chic modern boutique hotel is enough to send a shiver down the spine. No open fireplaces, no four poster beds! Yet Spicers Balfour has pulled it off and in a superbly quirky fashion. The exterior retains all the historic character of its rambling neighbours while the interior competes with the coolest hotels in both London and New York. With just 9 rooms, each complete with Italian bed linen, Nespresso coffee machines and iPod docking stations, Spicers Balfour is cosy and warm, chic and modern.

The wonderful restaurant, The Balfour Kitchen, is open to the public for breakfast and high tea's, and to in-house guests for dinner, we thought best enjoyed on the historic old terrace. At night the exterior of the hotel is lit by pretty glittering fairy lights. Head with a cocktail to the tiny rooftop bar where at sunset views across the city to the Story Bridge are sensational.

Luxurious, boutique hotels in cities that try to offer the personal level of service you expect in a more rural lodge often miss the mark. Not so here at Spicers Balfour. Hidden away in the trendy, and slightly gritty, suburb of New Farm, Spicers Balfour really is a little gem of a property.

Located in a styled-up old Queenslander, dcor is an exercise in quirky, trendy and plush think velvet sofas, kooky art and rich jewel tones throughout. There is no reception to speak of, and you are invited to totally make yourself at home in the communal areas of the property, be it the cosy lounge, one of the balconies or the cool rooftop bar (that operates on an honesty basis reinforcing the feeling that you are totally at home).

Rooms are bijoux in size, but very comfortable. The Courtyard Rooms really only have a small patio outside the sliding doors, and are somewhat dark being on the ground floor I preferred the rooms on the same level as the restaurant and the lounge for their lighter feel, although due to the deep coloured furnishings, it does feel quite cosy.

The food here is a real highlight, breakfasts are typically and proudly Australian with baked eggs with asparagus, churros and dukkah being a top pick and excellent coffee and freshly squeezed juices too. Afternoon tea is a local favourite too, served on the airy verandah.

With warm and friendly staff, comfortable accommodation and a unique charm, Spicers Balfour really is a city gem and perfect for a stopover in Brisbane.