Herston Place Motel: Brisbane's BEST-KEPT Secret (Luxury Stay!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the VERY BEST-KEPT SECRET in Brisbane: the Herston Place Motel. They call it "luxury stay," and honestly? They aren't kidding. I've stayed in places that promised the moon and delivered… well, let's just say they delivered a lukewarm, slightly soggy moon cheese. But Herston Place? This place is different. And honestly? It's a bit embarrassing how much I loved it. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a hot mess express of a review… because that's just how I roll.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Not Just a Pretty Face (or a Pretty Lobby!)
Okay, so first thing’s first: accessibility. I’m not saying it’s perfectly wheelchair accessible – I wouldn't know as obviously, I can walk - but they’ve clearly thought about it. I spotted an elevator, and while I didn't personally test it, the presence is a good sign. (Facilities for disabled guests) They seem genuinely invested in making sure everyone feels welcome, and honestly, that goes a long way. (Check-in/out [express], Contactless check-in/out, Concierge) And the check-in? A breeze! Speedy and friendly. Plus, the lobby? It's not just a drab waiting area, darling, it's… well, it’s actually rather chic. (Air conditioning in public area) No stuffiness here!
The Room: My Inner Homebody Squealed in Delight
Alright, let's talk rooms. And I’m a room snob. I crave a cozy sanctuary. This is where Herston Place really shines. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) Everything you expect, and then a whole lot more. Let's get specific, because this is where I lost my mind in the best possible way.
- The bed: Oh, the bed. The bed. So luxurious, it practically hugged me to sleep. (Extra long bed) I’m talking cloud-like, with the softest sheets known to humankind. I swear, my stress levels melted away the second my head hit the pillow. I actually considered becoming a permanent resident. Okay, maybe a semi-permanent resident.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial. Absolutely crucial for someone like me who needs complete darkness to function.
- The bathroom: Spotless. The shower pressure? Stellar. The complimentary toiletries? Luxe, baby, luxe! (Bathrobes, Slippers) I'm the type to forget my own toothbrush, so these things matter!
- And the Internet! Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, you name it! Super speedy, super reliable. I was able to work (ugh, work) without any hiccups.
- And yes, a mini-bar, a refrigerator, and all those little touches that make a room feel like a haven, and not just a hotel room.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Foodie Heaven (and a Tiny Crisis)
Now, about the food. This is where it gets interesting. Herston Place Motel offers a truly impressive array of dining options. (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) I'm talking EVERYTHING.
- Breakfast Buffet: (Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant) I'm a total sucker for a good hotel buffet. The spread was unreal. I'm not even kidding, I had a crisis of conscience deciding what to eat first! There were fresh fruits, pastries, eggs prepared every way imaginable, and even some local Asian delicacies. I may or may not have eaten three plates of croissants. Don’t judge! (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop) And the coffee? It was the REAL DEAL. Strong, hot, and plentiful.
- Room Service! (Room service [24-hour]) Okay, so after a long day of, well, existing, I decided to order room service. (Which, by the way, is available 24 hours!). This is when I hit my first minor snag. I ordered the steak, and it was…well, it was just so-so. Not bad, mind you. But not quite up to the high standards set by everything else. Now, my review would be a total love letter otherwise, I’m mentioning it, because it shows the humanity of the place. Perfection is boring, even in a 'luxury stay'.
- Poolside Bar: This is where I spent most of my time. Ordering cocktails, soaking up the sun, it was pure bliss. Honestly? Don't bother even going to the beach. The pool here (Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view) is so much better. It’s stunning and peaceful. (Snack bar, Bottle of water) The service was impeccable.
Relax and Unwind: Spa Days and Fitness Fears
Okay, let’s be honest, I’m more of a “relax and unwind” kind of person than a “hit the gym” kind of person. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) That being said, Herston Place offers a whole slew of ways to pamper yourself.
- The Spa: Spa/sauna. This is where I spent a shameful amount of time. The massage was heavenly. I mean, seriously, my knots vanished into thin air. I think I might have drifted off to sleep. (Don’t tell anyone!).
- The Pool! (Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view) Stunning, I said it before.
- The Fitness Center: I poked my head in. Looked modern, well-equipped, and frankly, terrifying. I retreated. Maybe next time.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (And Slightly Obsessed)
In the current climate, cleanliness and safety are HUGE for me. And Herston Place nail it. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) This is where they earn serious points.
- Everything. Was. Pristine. Honestly, I'm a bit germaphobic, and I felt completely at ease here. The rooms are spotless. The common areas are constantly being cleaned.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt safe, which allowed me to actually relax and enjoy my stay. This is SO important.
- Staff are clearly well-trained. They kept the social distancing, they were friendly, they were knowledgeable.
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond
Herston Place Motel isn't just a pretty place; it offers a ton of convenient services. (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) They’ve covered all bases.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always impeccably clean, thanks to a very kind housekeeper.
- Concierge: Super helpful. Got me restaurant recommendations, booked a taxi, and generally made my life easier.
- Other little things: They have a convenience store, laundry services, and even offer currency exchange. It’s those little things that add up
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your sterile, pre-packaged travel itinerary. This is Herston Place Motel, Brisbane… according to me. Prepare for a rollercoaster. And I'm not promising it'll be smooth…
Herston Place Motel - Brisbane: My Existential Wanderings & Possibly a Few Activities (Emphasis on "Possibly")
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Existential Crisis (and the Dreaded Checkout Line)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so I'm supposed to be arriving at Brisbane Airport. Flights? Delayed, of course. Because isn't that just the universe's little joke? I’m picturing myself stranded in a tiny airport cafe, fuelled only by lukewarm coffee and the bitter taste of "expectation." This is already a bad start. Honestly, I'm starting to question my life choices. Why did I book a flight that transits through [insert some obscure, boring airport]? Whatever. Eventually get there.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Taxi ride to Herston Place Motel. The driver, bless his heart, seems to think I'm going to a funeral. The entire ride is him telling me about the time he went to one in a town I've never heard of. I swear I can feel my frown muscles starting to hurt already.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in. Oh, the check-in. This is where the cracks in my carefully constructed façade start to show. The reception guy is nice enough, bless him - I feel bad. He probably heard my misery on the travel delay. I'm checking in, but I start hearing a weird sound from my room. Oh the AC. Its very noisy.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Unpack. Or… attempt to. My suitcase exploded upon opening. I'm now officially living amongst a pile of dirty socks and questionable travel souvenirs. Then, the bed. It's… firm. Very firm. I feel like I’m sleeping on concrete. Settle in. Stare at the air conditioner unit for 30 minutes and question its viability.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner. Found a little pub nearby. The food was… pub food. Predictably, wonderfully, pub food. Had a beer, and the world felt a little less grey. Chatted to some locals about… well, everything. Australians, they're a strange breed, in the best way. They have a casual familiarity that's both comforting and terrifying.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back to the room. Watch some rubbish on TV. Write in this blasted itinerary. Contemplate the meaning of life via the ceiling fan. Sleep is what I'm after, pray for the AC.
Day 2: Zoo Escapades and Mid-Trip Meltdown
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. The motel breakfast, included, is a continental disaster. Stale toast, instant coffee, and a suspicious-looking "fruit salad." Ate some of it. Survive.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Australia Zoo (Supposedly!!!). This is where things get interesting. Let me tell you, I was planning on a calm stroll through the park. Instead, I was swarmed. First the people. The crowds are insane. The kids are screaming. Then the wildlife. The "friendly" kangaroos hopped a little too close, the koalas were mostly sleeping (typical), and the crocodiles… well, let's just say I kept my distance. The highlight? Steve Irwin's giant crocodile.
- Rant time: Seriously, though, the Zoo is a LOT. It's a sensory overload. It's beautiful and overwhelming and… exhausting. I swear I saw a small child get pulled into a penguin enclosure. Okay, maybe I didn't. But it felt like it. And the gift shop is a capitalist nightmare.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. Needed a break. Found a shady spot and wolfed down a burger out of sheer necessity. Feeling a little shell-shocked. Contemplated abandoning the itinerary altogether, booking a flight home, and becoming a hermit.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the motel. Needed a shower/ nap/ and some serious emotional recouping. Managed two out of three. The nap was brief. The shower was lukewarm. The emotions, however, are still a glorious mess of exhaustion, wonder, and mild despair.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Considered ordering room service. Decided against it. Head to a local grocery store. Stock up on snacks because, let's be honest, my mental health depends on it.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Try to relax. Fail. Watch more TV, even more rubbish. Maybe watch a movie. I can never decide. The AC is still loud. Sigh.
Day 3: City Exploration and a Glimmer of Hope (Maybe?)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Brisbane City. Finally got my act together enough to venture into the city center. Went to South Bank Parklands. They're beautiful, nice views, and the perfect place to feel insignificant as you watch the world go by. Walked a fair bit and had some good people-watching.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Another burger, because apparently, that's all I eat now. Sitting by the river and feeling slightly less like a complete disaster.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Museum. The Queensland Museum. Finally, I'm having fun. Found something of interest.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the motel. Now, I'm feeling actually tired. But the AC is still roaring.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Last dinner in Brisbane. Found a restaurant and had a final meal there. Its a nice place.
Evening (8:00 PM - onwards): Packing. Goodbye, Herston Place Motel. It hasn't been the worst. Contemplate the actual trip.
The Verdict: Brisbane is… a mixed bag. The Zoo was an experience. And the motel… Well, I’ll remember it. Will I come back? Probably. I need to figure out why the AC sounds like a jet engine first.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood swings, unexpected weather events, and the availability of chocolate. Consider this a rough guideline, not a guarantee of anything. Expect spontaneity. Expect mess. Expect me to complain – a lot. Welcome to my travels.
Herston Place Motel: The Real Deal? Your Burning Questions (and My Rambling Opinions)
Okay, so "Luxury Stay!"… Is it actually luxurious, or just fancy words on a website?
Alright, look. "Luxury" these days is thrown around like confetti at a particularly aggressive wedding. I went in skeptical. *Very* skeptical. I’d seen the photos, the perfect lighting, the impossibly smooth surfaces. And then… I walked in. And honestly? It *is* pretty darn close. That plush carpet? My toes sunk in like a happy puppy. The bathroom? Marble, people! Marble! I felt like I should be drinking champagne in a bubble bath (and, spoiler alert, I did – because why not?).
But here's the thing – it's *relaxed* luxury. Not the kind where you're afraid to breathe for fear of messing up the feng shui. It’s comfortable luxury. You know, the kind where you can actually *live* in the room without feeling like you're in a museum. Did I spill coffee on the desk? Yes. Did they care? Nope. (They probably *noticed*, but the service was so good, they didn't make me feel like a total klutz.)
The Location: Herston. Is it… near anything interesting? And more importantly, is it a hassle getting *around*?
Herston. Okay, let's be honest, it's not *right* in the thick of things. You're not going to stumble out and trip over the Story Bridge. But that’s kinda the point, isn’t it? It’s this little oasis of calm amidst the Brisbane chaos. I LOVED it.
Getting around? Easy peasy. Taxis, Ubers, the works. Plus, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital is basically next door, which might be a plus if you're… visiting someone or maybe you like staring at medical buildings (no judgment!). And, look, the city itself isn't that massive. A quick taxi ride and you're exploring the bustling South Bank, hitting up the markets, or catching a gig. Honestly, I found it *perfect*. Far enough to escape the noise, but close enough to everything that matters.
Side note: One morning, I decided to be all "fitness guru" and walk to the city. BIG MISTAKE. Do *not* underestimate Brisbane sunshine. I arrived looking like a lobster and smelling vaguely of regret. Learn from my mistakes. Take a cab, or even better, use their shuttle service if you can.
What about the rooms? Are they actually *nice*? And are they clean? (This is a HUGE deal for me!!!)
Okay, so "clean." This is where things get serious. I am a neat freak. I’m talking "Mr. Monk" levels of obsessive-compulsive. So, trust me when I say – the rooms are immaculate. Seriously. Not a speck of dust, no questionable stains, nothing. I even checked under the bed (don't judge me!).
And the rooms themselves? Sigh. They're gorgeous. Think modern, stylish, and actually *functional*. (Unlike some hotels where you can barely open the closet without hitting the bed). Comfortable beds (I snored like a walrus, I slept so well). Big TVs. And… this is a weird detail, but the *lighting* was perfect. Not too bright, not too dim. Just… right. It made a huge difference. Seriously, good lighting makes everything better, even my hangover.
Breakfast? Is the included breakfast *actually* good? I hate those sad continental breakfasts…
Oh, the breakfast. Okay, this is where Herston Place *really* shines. It's not some sad little continental buffet with stale pastries. It's a proper, delicious, made-to-order affair. Think fluffy omelets, perfect bacon, and REAL coffee (not that instant muck).
I’m not even a huge breakfast person, but I ended up eating *everything* (and then regretting it slightly when I had to squeeze into my clothes). The fruit was fresh, the pastries were warm… I was in heaven. There's a little outdoor area if you want to eat in the sunshine. I did this, and it was the best thing. I spent a long time just basking, drinking coffee, and planning my entire day. Pure bliss.
The Staff: Are they friendly? Because I have met some hotel staff who clearly hate their jobs…
Amazing staff! Seriously. I accidentally locked myself out of my room (long story, involving a rogue towel and my own ineptitude). The woman at the front desk didn't even bat an eyelid. She was calm, helpful, and had it sorted in minutes. It turns out, I was not the first. She took the whole thing in stride and gave me a smile that said, “We all do silly things.”
It was like *everyone* there genuinely enjoyed their job. They're attentive, but not in that annoying, hovering way. They were genuinely helpful. They remembered my name after the first interaction! That's impressive. I had a chat with one of the housekeeping staff, and she was just lovely. They absolutely go above and beyond.
Alright, spill the tea. What's the *one* thing you'd change or improve? Let's say… it's not all perfect, right?
Okay, so I’m going to nitpick, because I have to. And this is a *very* minor issue. The wi-fi was a little… spotty at times. Not awful, but it dropped out a couple of times while I was trying to download a movie. Probably a sign I should have just been relaxing and enjoying myself, but you know… the need for streaming services is STRONG. That's literally the only thing I can think of, and it may have just been my phone being difficult.
And the truth? Even that's a minor inconvenience when balanced against everything else. The comfort, the location, the amazing staff, and the delicious breakfast? Honestly, I'm planning another trip, and I'm pretty sure I’ll be back. They have won me over. 100% recommend.
