Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street proves that good things come to those who wait. It’s been a long time since Brisbane got a newly built hotel and this bright, colourful accommodation option has been highly anticipated. Not only does Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street deliver, even travellers on a modest budget can afford to stay here, a pleasant surprise given the hotel’s coveted location at the top of Elizabeth Street, right next to the Myer Centre. Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street doesn’t have an on-site carpark but there’s a flat rate $20 parking deal available at the Myer Centre for hotel guests. When it comes to Brisbane parking prices, this is a steal. Simply drive into the Myer Centre carpark then hand over your ticket at reception.

Ibis Styles adds the parking charge to your bill and you exit the carpark using a pre-paid ticket provided by the hotel. On arrival, we were impressed with the funky fit out in the reception area which includes space to sit and wait for friends or colleagues. It’s also a great spot for people watching thanks to the large windows overlooking Elizabeth Street. Ibis Styles has a fun, upbeat vibe that makes it feel like you’re on holiday (even when you’re not) and the staff throughout the hotel were friendly and eager to please.

Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street has 368 rooms with signature Sweet Beds (which are equal to what you’ll find at a 5 star hotel), SmartTVs with media ports, 24 hour reception, a guest laundry and wi-fi access. Rooms aren’t particularly large but they’re well decked out, making them ideally suited to couples or friends travelling together. This hotel’s bright decor holds great appeal for kids. If you’re travelling as a family, booking an adjoining room is the way to go at this hotel. While you could squeeze a compact portacot into a standard room, there is definitely no room for a rollaway.

River views from the higher floors are superb and well worth paying a little extra for. Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street would be the ideal spot to enjoy Riverfire or the New Year’s Eve fireworks minus the crowds.  Book early to get one of the higher floor rooms with a view. We didn’t eat lunch or dinner at the hotel as we were heading out to a show across the river at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. However, the ‘call and collect’ room service menu looked tempting (especially the affordable prices!).

We did check out the funky hotel restaurant, The Social, the next morning where we were impressed with the affordable continental breakfast. As shown on the sign below, there’s a choice of upgrades available at Ibis Styles. If we were arriving early and/or had a late flight to catch, we’d gladly pay $15 for the convenience of being able to access our room. You can also pay $15 to upgrade to a room with a view. Again, this is money well spent – treat yourself, it is worth it.

I’d advise skipping the option to upgrade to a hot breakfast. Not because it isn’t delicious – it is – but because the complimentary Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street continental breakfast is so good. It includes everything you would expect to find on a hotel’s continental buffet where the breakfast isn’t free. The smart Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street really delivers. From the first-class location to the colourful rooms and generous breakfast, it’s hard to believe this is a ‘budget’ hotel.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street.

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.