The sandstone building housing the five star Treasury Brisbane was touted as “the most splendid public edifice in the Australian colony” when it was built in 1886. After accommodating the Queensland Art Gallery and numerous government departments, the former Land Administration Building was redeveloped as one of Australia’s most beautiful historic hotels in 1995. We checked in for a one night stay as an early celebration for my husband’s birthday. Valet parking is available on William Street. Simply pull up and a porter will magically emerge through the ornate stained glass doors.
Check in at the Treasury Brisbane was warm and friendly and we noticed lots of lovely touches during our stay. For example, the decorative bowl of treats sitting on reception change twice a day. On arrival there were pears so glossy they reminded us of a still life painting. On the morning we departed huge, juicy mandarins were piled high in the bowl. In the evening there were individually wrapped chocolates. When we walked into our parlour king room, it practically screamed ‘date night’ (in a posh voice to match the glamorous surrounds, of course). There were four metre high ceilings, elaborate cornice work, a chandelier and fireplace which added a touch of romance, even though it was no longer in use.
Dark wood furnishings, traditional fabrics and a spacious marble bathroom complemented the heritage feel. Our room at the Treasury Brisbane looked like it had originally been a grand office in the 1800s, complete with a stone balcony outside. The French balcony doors remain locked these days for security reasons but it wasn’t hard to imagine our room’s original 1800s owner striding along the balcony as he contemplated the value of parcels of land.
As we headed downstairs to Ryan’s on the Park for a pre-dinner drink, we immediately forgot about the machinations of the late 1800s public service. Did somebody say Happy Hour? We discovered Ryan’s has one of Brisbane’s best and most elegant Happy Hours. The elegant old-world bar had deep, comfortable chairs overlooking Queen’s Park and the sandstone facade of the casino across the road.
We skipped the main bar where corporate types were talking shop and enjoyed our drinks in the plush chairs in the second seating area near reception. All of the hotel’s evening dining options are located at the modern Star Brisbane a couple of minute’s walk from the hotel.
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After a good night’s sleep, we went downstairs for breakfast at The Lab, a restaurant in the hotel building. The name of this restaurant has nothing to do with science, it is an abbreviation of ‘Land Administration Building’. The Lab was one of my favourite fine diners when it used to open for dinner. These days it only serves a la carte breakfast and high tea (a shame as I used to love dining here in the evening). It was especially enjoyable to return to The Lab and discover the food was as good as ever.
Continental choices included a fresh fruit plate, dragon fruit smoothie bowl, or bircher muesli. Hot dishes ranged from a classic cooked breakfast to blueberry hotcakes or my tasty avocado and feta smash. Servings are generous and, unlike some hotels, the coffee is excellent. Treasury Brisbane has plenty of stories to tell and is filled with hidden corners and surprises, such as a secret staircase from room 105 to room 305 which was used by the minister (and mistresses and those attending secret meetings) to discreetly exit the premises. The Treasury Brisbane offers a historic stay in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD and is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Disclosure: The writers stayed as guests of Treasury Brisbane and would not hesitate to return for a romantic getaway at this hotel at their own expense.
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