The Johnson Brisbane has been created inside a circa 1960s Department of Main Roads building which is virtually unrecognisable these days. I used to come to this dreary office block to pay my car registration in the early nineties. Back then, the building had no ‘wow’ factor whatsoever (other than a ‘wow, that car rego cost a lot’). These days it’s a different story as the original building has been given a fresh new look inside and out.
The Johnson Brisbane is a member of the Art Series Hotel Group collection which pays tribute to Australian contemporary artists such as John Olson, indigenous artist Tommy Watson and Zhong Chen. The group’s first Brisbane hotel features works from abstract artist, Michael Johnson, who spent time living and working Queensland early in his career. Some of the paintings throughout the hotel reflect the blues, greens, browns and (very abstract) palm trees of Tropical North Queensland.
Checking into The Johnson Brisbane, it’s immediately apparent that art is a highlight, from Johnson’s large feature painting near reception to the stacks of art books in the nearby reading room. There are over 400 Michael Johnson prints throughout the hotel. Even you stayed numerous times, you would never tire of finding a new print on the wall each time you checked into a different room.
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The Johnson is located in the inner-city suburb of Spring Hill which means it’s close to both the CBD and trendy Fortitude Valley, but far enough away to avoid the constant traffic and city noise. Travelling to both locations involves a 20-minute walk or a bus, taxi or Uber ride. Or, if the mood takes you, it’s possible to rent one of the hotel’s bikes or its signature smart car. One draw back with the hotel’s location is the lack of free long term parking mid-week and charge of $30 per day to park onsite. If you’re arriving from interstate or overseas, this shouldn’t be a problem.
However, if you’re a local, the weekend is your friend. Street parking is free at Spring Hill from 7pm on Friday until Monday morning so you can park your car right outside The Johnson and it won’t cost you a cent. We were impressed when we were shown to our Deluxe Studio Suite Twin Room on Level 5. It was large with two queen size beds and the open plan design made it feel extremely spacious.
The hotel’s décor is contemporary with colours that highlight the art works in the rooms. There was no balcony but there’s not much to see at Spring Hill even if you did have one, so this was no great loss. The wood panelled work area was large enough to spread out paperwork and there was a padded bench seat and funky chair for reading or iPad browsing. Wi-fi at The Johnson Brisbane is free and fast.
The bathroom is large with twin sinks and sweet smelling Evo toiletries. All of the rooms have a kitchenette, except for the cheaper, entry level Studio Suites which are priced accordingly. We especially liked the pod coffee machine and T2 tea bags, which included decaffeinated options, and in-room collection of art books and magazines such as Frankie. If you’re after something really special, the Michael Johnson Penthouse offers stunning 180 degree views of the sparkling CBD and has three bedrooms so you can invite a few friends around.
We love staying at art hotels and signed up for The Johnson’s hotel art tour in advance. Our guide was a lovely guy but he didn’t do the art tours often and had to read pretty much everything word for word off a piece of paper. Offering a self-guided tour could be a better option, especially as guests have to make a special appointment for the tour. Outside on level 5, you’ll find a glam 50-meter pool and sun deck. Inside the hotel, near the pool deck, there is also a gymnasium decorated with, you guessed it, beautiful Michael Johnson prints.
The Johnson Brisbane isn’t located in the heart of the CBD but you can walk there in about 20 minutes or take the free city circle bus downtown. Check the hotel website for any packages which may be available as there is usually something affordable on offer.
Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of The Johnson Brisbane.
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.
