The Alva Hotel Brisbane
Formerly Hotel X, The Alva Hotel Brisbane, Vignette Collection is a contemporary, stylish and effortlessly cool new chapter for one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Positioned right in the heart of Fortitude Valley, it's quite literally surrounded by some of Brisbane's best restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife - with James Street in one direction and Howard Smith Wharves and the Brisbane River in the other.
But while the location certainly does plenty of the heavy lifting, The Alva has enough personality of its own to make staying in just as appealing.
There's a distinct aesthetic running throughout the hotel, with contemporary design, original artwork and thoughtful details giving it a sense of place without feeling overly themed. It's polished, but still feels very much at home in the Valley.
For all the must-try foodie spots in Fortitude Valley view A Foodie’s Guide to Fortitude Valley
THE ROOM.
I stayed in a Premium King Room, and this is where I think the upgrade is particularly worthwhile.
Positioned on a corner and framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the 33sqm room has a lovely sense of space, with sweeping Brisbane views and plenty of natural light. Premium Rooms at The Alva are designed as a step up from the hotel's lead-in rooms, and the corner position certainly makes this one feel like a particularly nice base for a city stay.
The design continues the hotel's contemporary aesthetic, but what I particularly liked were the smaller details. There's a curated, well-stocked bar rather than the usual forgettable minibar, luxe Grown Alchemist amenities in the striking monochrome bathroom and The Alva's personalised Sleep Edit, including a pillow menu and sleep sprays.
It's all very considered without feeling fussy.
The automatic curtains were another nice touch — particularly when you've got a view worth waking up to - while the floor-to-ceiling windows really do make the most of the hotel's elevated position.
For those wanting more space, the suites range from 40 to 60sqm, with separate living and dining areas, balconies and skyline views.
AMENITIES.
The rooftop is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Sitting above Fortitude Valley, the 15-metre pool comes with sweeping city views, cabanas and plenty of space to settle in for an afternoon. It's the sort of rooftop that makes you question whether you really need to head out and explore the neighbourhood after all.
Although, given where you are, you'd probably be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't.
The Alva also has a 24-hour gym and dedicated coworking spaces, making it equally suited to a quick city escape, a longer stay or a work trip where you need somewhere that feels a little more inspiring than the average business hotel.
But for me, the hotel's greatest amenity is arguably its location.
James Street is moments away, Howard Smith Wharves is just down the road and Fortitude Valley's restaurants, bars, music venues and boutiques are all within easy reach. The Alva doesn't try to compete with the neighbourhood around it - it puts you right in the middle of it.
DINING.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed about The Alva is that you really don't need to leave the hotel to have a good meal - although being in Fortitude Valley, you're certainly spoilt for choice if you do.
Up on the rooftop, Iris Rooftop quickly became a favourite. With panoramic Brisbane views, a poolside setting and Spanish-inspired flavours designed for sharing, it has all the ingredients of the kind of rooftop venue you can easily lose an afternoon - or evening - in.
We started with a selection of tapas, with the Signature Croquettes - tomato, mozzarella and shaved Jamón Ibérico - and the Spanner Crab Tostada with avocado, finger lime and saffron aioli standing out for me.
Then came the Seafood & Chicken Paella, with chorizo in a spicy tomato sauce, which was made to share.
It's the combination of food, setting and views that really makes Iris work. I'd recommend heading up around sunset, when Brisbane starts to light up and the rooftop really comes into its own.
Downstairs, Bisou Bisou brings a completely different mood, with contemporary French cuisine in a lively bistro setting. Bisou Bisou is open throughout the day, making it an easy option whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I had breakfast here and tried a mix of savoury and sweet dishes, but the clear winner for me was the Blueberry & Ricotta Pancakes with lemon curd and crème fraîche. A very good way to start the morning.
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