Sitting on Brunswick Street near the New Farm Cinemas, The Alva Hotel puts you within easy reach of James Street’s boutiques, the restaurants and bars of Fortitude Valley, Fortitude Music Hall and Howard Smith Wharves. In other words, you could happily spend a weekend here without needing to venture far, although the hotel’s appealing emphasis on discovering Brisbane gives you plenty of reasons to do so.

Formerly Hotel X, this stylish Fortitude Valley address has been given a new chapter as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, with a refreshed look, a stronger sense of place and an inviting focus on the neighbourhood beyond its doors.

The transformation of The Alva Hotel in Brisbane begins in the lobby, where the former hotel’s design has been reworked into something warmer and more relaxed. Artwork, texture and give the space a distinctly Brisbane feel, while the Alva at Home lobby shop provides an opportunity to take the experience home.

The hotel’s name means ‘light’, and the theme carries through to the guest rooms. Our standard king room was a spacious 28 square metres and had plenty of room to move and store our bags thanks to the generous wardrobe space. If you’re stepping out for a night on the town, you can store your fabulous dresses, suits and shoes with ease. The rooms are contemporary without feeling clinical, with original artwork inspired by Fortitude Valley’s subtropical surroundings. We loved the contemporary painting in our room which combined Brisbane’s architecture with its famous purple jacarandas. Given it’s an easy walk to New Farm Park where you can admire dozens of these trees in bloom, the painting was a clever tie in too.

Inside the room, there are also useful touches that make a difference after a day exploring the city, including a Lavazza coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi and Grown Alchemist amenities in large pump packs. There’s also dog-friendly accommodation if you don’t want to leave your pooch at home.

Music is another thread running through the experience. The Sounds of Alva program celebrates Brisbane’s musical heritage, with two signature suites featuring record players and handpicked vinyl collections showcasing homegrown talent. The hotel also provides digital recommendations linking guests to local gig guides and live music.

If you want to escape the buzz of the Valley, the 15-metre rooftop pool is a welcome escape from the action below. Framed by cabanas and city views, it’s the place to take a morning swim or settle in for an afternoon of relaxation. For a hotel in one of Brisbane’s liveliest neighbourhoods, we thought the ability to retreat was a definite advantage.

When it’s time to eat, you don’t need to go far. Iris Rooftop Bar & Restaurant serves Spanish-inspired food alongside panoramic Brisbane views, making it an obvious choice for sunset drinks that turn into dinner. Downstairs, Bisou Bisou brings contemporary French cuisine to the table in a more intimate bistro setting, and is also your go to spot for breakfast.

Still, one of the biggest attractions is what lies outside the front door. Fortitude Valley has long been one of Brisbane’s best areas for eating, drinking and shopping, and The Alva Hotel Brisbane is well placed for exploring it on foot. Start with the boutiques around James Street, where Australian fashion, homewares and design brands make window shopping a dangerous proposition for anyone travelling with an empty suitcase.

Art lovers should make time for the Valley’s galleries, while music fans can check what’s playing at the Fortitude Music Hall. Howard Smith Wharves is also within easy reach, offering riverside restaurants and bars beneath the Story Bridge. The Brunswick Street and Chinatown pedestrian malls are also worth exploring, particularly when the Valley Markets are in full swing on weekends.

And, of course, Chinatown is the place to head for Cantonese food. The area’s restaurants provide plenty of options for yum cha and Chinese dining, making it easy to turn a stroll around the Valley into an impromptu feast. However, with so much good food on offer at the hotel, it’s also tempting to stay in.

Back at The Alva, a 24-hour gym caters to those who prefer their holidays to include some exercise, while comfortable coworking areas make the hotel equally suited to business trips. Complimentary Wi-Fi helps with work practicalities, although the rooftop pool is likely to prove more tempting.

With its combination of thoughtful design, strong dining, a rooftop pool and one of Brisbane’s most entertaining neighbourhoods on the doorstep, The Alva Hotel feels less like a hotel you retreat to and more like a stylish base from which to experience the city. And with so much of Fortitude Valley within walking distance, there’s little excuse not to step outside and see what all the fuss is about.

Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of The Alva Hotel. She would not hesitate to return to this hotel at her own expense.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Brisbane, we have reviewed the Treasury Hotel, The Calile, The Alva Hotel, 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, Chester Hotel, and Pullman Brisbane Airport.