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‘A River of Dreaming’: W Hotels debuts in Brisbane

04 Jun 2018 Marriott International’s W Hotels brand has re-entered the Australian market with the opening of the W Brisbane, a new hotel that features fast-paced urban style and modern design with a “decidedly cheeky Aussie point of view”.

Owned by Shayher Group, the 312-bedroom W Brisbane is located riverside in the city’s central business district. With interiors from Nic Graham & Associates, the hotel embraces Brisbane’s connection to Australian identity and uses elements of Queensland’s flora and fauna, with a laidback, playful nod to ‘Brisvegas’.

“Brisbane is a dream destination – year-round sun and an outdoor lifestyle – it’s quickly evolving into one of the world’s greatest cities which is why W is kicking off the brand’s return to Australia here in the Sunshine State,” said Bruce Ryde, vice president for luxury brands and brand marketing, Marriott International Asia-Pacific. “Brisbane’s bustling riverbank is a hotspot for travellers who can’t wait to explore this dynamic city and South East Queensland, a perfect match for W Hotels’ bold design and playful, contemporary approach to luxury.”

The hotel brings to life the theme of “A River Dreaming,” an ode to its locale on the banks of the iconic Brisbane River and the visual connection to Brisbane’s arts precinct. Modern manifestations of Brisbane’s river, which has in recent years become the buzzing epicentre of the city’s social scene, are featured prominently throughout the hotel, weaving in influences from Australia’s indigenous roots and colonial heritage.

Guests are greeted by the hotel’s sensory environment as a staircase of timber river reeds leads to the welcome desk and the Living Room (the W brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby). Earth tones, sedimentary layers, frayed edges and raw beauty associated with the Australian outback start from the arrival entrance and continue throughout the hotel’s public spaces. These organic formations draw out artwork from Australian artists, including John Nicholson, Lucas Grogan and Reko Rennie.

The hotel’s Living Room features pools of colour throughout intricately designed rugs, while complementing walls echo the flora and fauna of Brisbane’s sub-tropical environment. Benchtops and bar fronts are enhanced with forms inspired by curvilinear shapes and nearby water-worn clifftops. Blade grass border the expansive open space to immerse guests in an innovative interpretation of nature.

An Away Spa features treatments from Sodashi and Skeyndor as well as an upcoming Edwards And Co. hair salon. The spa also includes vitality pools, relaxation pods, his-and-hers salt inhalation chambers and aromatherapy steam rooms. A Fit gym with Technogym equipment and resident personal trainers is also available.