If you prefer a hotel that is more funky that fusty, Capri by Fraser Brisbane certainly fits the bill. Packed with colourful design details, high-tech living spaces and practical facilities for regular travellers, it cuts through the conformity of a standard hotel experience. The hotel is located in Brisbane’s CBD, a short stroll from the Queen Street Mall, Botanic Gardens, Museum of Brisbane and other central city attractions. One of the biggest advantages of its location is this part of Albert Street gets far less traffic than other nearby streets. Combine this with the hotel’s double-glazed windows, and you’re set for a good night’s sleep.

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Aside from the contemporary, colourful decor, two things at this hotel really stood out for me: the Spin & Play laundry facility and the fact every room has a kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee machine, microwave, cutlery, plates, etc. As someone who travels a lot, eating heathfully and getting my laundry done are two of my biggest challenges when I am on the road. Having the facilities to prepare a bowl of cereal for breakfast or a healthy microwave dinner is good for the budget and the waistline. 

Spin & Play takes care of the laundry problem. This clever concept combines a coin operated guest laundry (with free sachets of laundry powder) with a funky leisure area featuring a Foosball table, Xbox Kinect gaming and a big screen TV with comfy beanbags to lounge on. If none of these diversions appeal, you can work out in the gym, relax in the steam room or go for a swim while you’re waiting for your laundry as these facilities are on the same level. Provided your clothes are spinning around in the washing machine, there is little danger of anyone swiping your gear while you are working out or swimming laps.

Rooms continue the funky yet functional theme with contemporary decor and all the mod cons. There is a workspace with easy-to-access regular and USB power points, clock radio with Bluetooth, touch operated reading lights, push-button controlled curtains. Free internet is available both inside the room and around the hotel. Showers are large with excellent water pressure. If you would like a room with a bathtub, ask for this when you book as some rooms include a bathtub.

Capri Club Rooms include access to the Capri Club Lounge, a popular spot which offers breakfast and complimentary wine, canapés and snacks in the evening. The canapés come from the hotel restaurant on the ground floor and are several steps above the usual Club Lounge fare with the likes of arancini balls, steamed dim sim and pork rillettes on offer.

We had dinner at Asana by Pete Evans where the food impressed, particularly given the price point, with most mains around the $30 mark. Our only disappointment was the somewhat disorganised service. We had to flag down a waiter to order drinks, and then meals, and plates went uncleared for far too long. More direction on the floor would take this well-priced CBD dining experience from good to great.

Despite some disorganisation at Asana, the staff themselves were superb, both at the restaurant and throughout the hotel. Friendly, upbeat and enthusiastic, they struck the perfect balance between relaxed and professional. While there are many reasons to love Capri by Fraser, it is the excellent staff which really make this hotel something special.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Capri by Fraser.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Brisbane, we have reviewed the Treasury Hotel, The Calile, Ovolo The Valley, W Brisbane, Capri by Fraser Brisbane, Hilton Brisbane, The Johnson, NEXT Hotel Brisbane, Sage Hotel James Street, The Westin Brisbane, Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites, Royal on the Park, Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street, Sofitel Brisbane, Crystalbrook Vincent, The Inchcolm by Ovolo, Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, and Pullman Brisbane Airport.