Rydges South Bank Brisbane Review

This place is great! the best location to stay for anything happening in Southbank.

Great outdoor facilities around the pool with lounge like area setting, with a slightly obscured view of the city due to being only on the second floor, but still has that rooftop inner city feeling, with a great night time atmosphere, but lacks actual sun chairs for during the day by the pool.

The pool bar is not what I would call a true pool bar, but the bar is conveniently located right next to the pool.

The rooms have a style and elegance with a modern style of mood lighting for any occasion, and great desk space and power points in all the right places.

Other features and my favourite a great lcd tv at the end of the bed with a fairly well designed media interface featuring over priced movies but makes up for it with wifi or bluetooth connection for all video/audio streaming and hdmi input for gaming or laptops, but the control lacks the simple features such as a TV guide or the ability to turn the brightness of the screen down, so if you like having a screen on all night it s like a lighthouse in your room.

If your room doesn t have a balcony then your view is not of the city so the only reason to open those blinds is for lighting.

The aircon is great the bathroom shower and water pressure is all up to par.

Concierge parking only, so no parking your own vehicles onsite yourself, so if you don t like other people driving your precious and not knowing where the hell they parked it and not having access to it without a phone call then tough luck.

They claim to have a heated pool, but that s clearly not true from what I felt, they do have a nice jacuzzi but unfortunately is located within the gym and has no view like the pool dose.

Overall a great experience and will definitely say my choice to stay at for anything happening in Southbank.

The location is good and the room nice, well updated, and spacious with the amenities you'd expect from a hotel of this class. I found the bed was comfortable and bathroom well appointed.

So why a mediocre rating? Mostly because we felt deceived by the advertising. When we booked, we decided to upgrade to a room with a "River View" because it was our last leg in Australia together, and wanted to book a more special room to enjoy. I think the difference was something like an extra $100/day. Unfortunately, as can be seen in my photos, the "river view" was mostly of the back side of the building across the street. After we saw the room, my friend went downstairs to talk to guest services, but they were mostly unsympathetic about it and offered nothing for our disappointment, so we stayed in the room. They did say we could come back tomorrow and ask them again if we still wanted to move by then. But really, who wants to unpack all their stuff, just to repack it all again the next morning.

They did allow us a late check-out, and otherwise the room and location were nice, so I'm giving it an "it's ok" rating. -2 stars for what felt like deceptive advertising.

Could hear people using shower and toilet in rooms next door. Pillows uncomfortable. Plus we were never told of $40 parking fee until it was time to checkout won't be staying there again.

Very smart hotel with lovely rooms and friendly helpful staff

I attended a 3 day conference at Rydges and enjoyed the experience.

Our function room comfortably accommodated the 100+ attendees. The staff were professional and discreet and provided regular drinks and meals without creating any disturbance.

The venue is close to parking, South Bank and Brisbane City and most areas can be navigated on foot. If not using Rydges' own parking, I strongly recommend the Little Stanley St car park (literally around the corner) which offers Early Bird parking for only $16 per day (in before 9:30am, out before 6pm).

FYI that I opted to drive home each day and therefore can't comment on the actual accommodation. Several colleagues, however, did stay overnight and had nothing bad to say.

Will definitely not be visiting this hotel again. Worst hotel we have been to.
* "self-contained" only two dinner plates, coffee mugs, and two sets of cutlery were in the room. no bowls or other cooking utensils.
* pillows were hard as a rock and very uncomfortable
* asked for someone to come and fix the tv and no one did.
* had somebody try to enter the room in the morning. the only reason they weren't able to was was because the deadbolt was on.
* got charged $40 upon leaving for use of their compulsory valet service.
* was not told it was a smoke-free hotel.
* found the staff to be rude and degrading.
The only good thing about the hotel was the cleanliness and facilities.

One of the nicest hotels I've stayed in recently, and I travel a lot around Australia. Great location with connected access to the Brisbane Convention Centre, excellent large rooms with excellent facilities, Brazil cures of Brisbane city over the river and super friendly and responsive staff.

Great place to stay in Brisbane! Rooms are fantastic.

The recent conference and events experience with the hotel was a big MINUS. The only competitive advantage they have is the location maybe, but poor management and organisation in event organisation and servicing will digest all merits they are relying on. It seems like the hotel has no standards at all or no one follows any standards on the wall. 1. Missed servicing any water during conference until asked for; 2. Missed servicing part of the food and beverage in a package at working lunch that was fully paid for; 3. Held received delivery till post event (actually 3 weeks after the event) but missed placed in the conference room on the conference day for the client when there was a promise; 4. When feedback were given post event, the only solution provided by the hotel was to have all the same delegates to have a conference at their hotel again free of charge, instead of at least two alternatives provided for the client to choose or negotiate; 5. No meet and greet on arrival, during and at end of the meeting on the conference day, the only staff saw was the outsourced AV guy early in the morning. One day this hotel is gonna fall if no improvement.

One of the best locations so close to the city and everything Southbank has to offer. Beautiful new rooms and welcomed with a complimentary upgrade & late checkout .. exceptional service once again thanks

Good accommodation with fantastic restaurants. Close to exhibition centre

We had a really good stay this time; they have renovated the interiors. They are very organised and friendly. The breakfast is really good and filling. The location is perfect if u r planning to walk around the cbd and the south bank area. Also there r lots f restaurants nearby

My daughter treated me to hight tea . The food was very nice. I did think there were to many sweet things on the trays , personally I prefer more savoury food, we had some sweet food left, small cakes and asked if we could have them packed to take home for my grandaughter and was told no. Guess they thpught it was a hygine problem.
The service was not great
we had a nice glass of bubbly when we started and no one came near us again untill we waved a waiter down for a top up of water.
We had vallet parking and when we went to pay for that, were told that we could not pay for it via paywave from the phone
I ended paying as I had some cash on me. I do not think this is a 5 star hotel, but thats the reason for the 3 star rating.

I will start off with the positives from by Breakfast Buffet experience at Bacchus.

Staff were exceptional, Pete was the one I interacted with the most, top bloke who makes a great hot chocolate.

Food quality was really good, but there just wasn't enough for the price I paid compared to other posh restaurants I have visited.

I probably would have said this was the greatest buffet ever had I not been to others similar to this.

$41 is what I paid, I paid $39 for the Breakfast Buffet at Thyme2 at Sofitel and that buffet was twice the size and because of that they could offer twice the amount of food and variety.

Because of my past experiences I expected more, maybe my expectation VS reality meter was set too high, I don't know but either way I give this place thumbs in the middle.

I definitely won't give it a thumbs down because of the quality of staff and food.

Fantastic place to stay for the theatre and Southbank. We stayed with 5 people in each room, was plenty of space in the room, warm pool and spa.

Had our xmas break up around the pool. Nice finger food well presented. Bar busy but good

One of those hotels that you're most likely to visit if you're going to a conference and the business is footing the bill, which is a shame as it's actually a good base for exploring Brissie.

Right on top for the Southbank entertainment and restaurant precincts and only a short walk over the bridge to the CBD, I'd have no issue with staying there for a short city break. I was there for three days on a B&B rate and have no complaints.
So, if you've read this far, you're probably thinking about staying there and want the key points...

Rooms - It's a city hotel, it's close the entertainment hub and next to main roads and the train station so it can get a tad noisy - ask for a room higher up - I did and they put me on level 6, nice and quiet (better chance for a decent view as well as a bit of peace). Decent flat screen tv with very basic foxtel although the HDMI-in didn't work on mine. Clean, well maintained room with above average bits and pieces: 2 x queen beds, safe,kettle with tea and coffee, iron and board, plenty of storage, mini-bar that wasn't shockingly overpriced and, most importantly, desk with enough power.

WiFi - Free and not bad for a hotel service. reliable and fast enough for HD video streaming. No problem with using my VPN provider

Staff - No problems. Front desk staff helpful, knowledgeable and polite

Pool - yes, technically there is a pool but I have seen bigger Jacuzzis. Don't expect to do laps.

Food - Better than average breakfasts in the Bacchus restaurant; my kids would have loved the pancake making machine when they were younger and I'm so going to copy their potato and spinach rosti as an alternative to hash browns. I only needed room service once and it was very good - piping hot food inside of ten minutes - I doubt that it would have arrived faster in the restaurant. Poolside bar does a mean margarita although I might have been less tempted if I'd realised beforehand that it was going to be $22.

Overall? It's a big, concrete, chain hotel. Comfortable, clean and efficiently run. High on convenience lower on charm.

Tips: Unless you're a sound sleeper, try to avoid rooms below level 4. If you're attending the conference centre, there is direct access across a private shared plaza at the back of the hotel. Main access to this is via stairs next to the Bacchus Restaurant - but get someone to show you the quicker way via the service door on Level 2

Went for an event helpful staff easy access and great location beautiful view at night

Just spent 6 nights here. Absolutely loved it. Great location, great service, great food. Bed super comfy. Will definitely be returning.

This hotel has everything - location, facilities and service! Located in Southbank it's excellently positioned and walking distance to everything. The rooms, restaurant and bar were all wonderful. The breakfast buffet had a huge range as well as an omelette station! The service from all staff from concierge before we'd walked in, front desk, wait staff and even housekeeping was always very friendly and willing. Great place to stay!

I was there at a conference in podium. Nice place. Good food.

Beautiful hotel with lovely views of Brisbane CBD. The staff were helpful and friendly.

Rydges is a perfect place to take time out with friends and family with access to Southbank and the Brisbane City. Already checking the diary and planning our next stay [from Linda & Blue].

Highlights: Location- 2 minutes walk to Southbank, helpful and smooth reservation process, spacious room, modern and lovely, numerous amenities including nespresso.

Lowlights: Spotty room service, slightly bumpy check in, housekeeping skipped us one day. Our room overlooked a train line, but was high enough that with the balcony doors shut, it wasn't very loud.

In a nutshell: We would highly recommend Rydges and will absolutely return.

More Details: Beatrice in reservations was tremendously kind and helpful and sorted out a last minute cancellation for a second room we reserved.
Upon check-in the front desk were told that our suite had no view of the fireworks, which flipped me out, since the reason we upgraded to a suite was for the "partial" view. She told us they were sold out and there was nothing that could be done. Once in the room, the guy who delivered our luggage said that while we were in the , "bottom tier of the suites'" we should indeed have a partial view. So, after a couple of hours of fretting, it turned out the receptionist was mistaken, and we did in fact have a perfect view. Surprised our suite was considered a bottom tier suite, since the room was HUGE and absolutely superb. Gorgeous bathroom, kitchen, grand living area, etc. We were very comfortable and the fold out sofa was grand for a 6 year old. Our family came over for the fireworks and 6 of us sat around very comfortably!

All in all, a few hiccoughs on a crazy hectic check-in day, but fabulous hotel in a grand location.

Typical chain... Looks great with poor unwelcoming service.

The restraunt at street Kevel had excellent coffee. The pool side bar on the podium no so good. Better to go down stairs. The furnishings and fit out were faboulus and he seminar room. Was adequedte. Quite offer air con is an issue in these rooms however it was comfortable all day.
Had a little trouble iniyaly finding the lift and getting off at the right level. The concierge did tell us however he spoke too soon before our brains were ready to receive the information.

Great stay, superb accommodation. Right in the centre.

Brilliant service, top level, staff are amazing ... but the beds are so soft .. not for us ... couldn't sleep ... such a pity.

Room service is very good! Food is also good and delivered as soon as they can. Want to be back next time definitely.

Deplorable customer service from their manager. Utterly unacceptable.

The food was simply delectable, wine just amazing and the service impeccable! Thank you Christie and team :) marvellous flavours with just the right infusions. 3 complimentary courses of pallet balances (celery and vodka, gin sorbet and I cannot even remember what heavenly starters we had so check out my photos) - all to satisfy your whole dining experience. The carb and ravioli were favourites if I had to choose. Truly a night to remember and definitely will be back!

Great facility. Good rooms and clean, Restaurant serves good quality meals (breakfast and dinner) and poolside bar.

Nice clean hotel looks like a recent refurbishment. Amazing spot in proximity to Brisbane and Southbank

I was sick last night with food poisoning I had cold food we put in a fridge.We in qurantine days 7 now if we have microwave in the room will much different (room no microwave)staff good and helpful,room is clean We know it not easy this stage everyone working hard thank you.

The room was clean and attractive. The bed was fabulous. We had the best breakfast and a late checkout. It was a memorable stay we will repeat.

Went to the Rydges for a charity gala ball. OMG fantastic food and beautiful views of the city and South Bank.

The room was very quiet, clean and comfortable. Staff were helpful snd friendly. We asked for an upper level room to avoid road and rail noise and were put on floor 2 which is our only complainr. But as the room was so quiet this mattered little.

Clean and tidy. Comfy bed. Didn't eat there. Parking pricey.

Stayed for Supanova in November 2015. Loved the fact that the hotel is attached to the Convention Centre, made it very easy going back and forth. Hotel was lovely, very clean, staff were friendly and helpful, food was great. At the time I went the hotel had started doing renovations to some of the rooms (did not interrupt my stay at all), excited to be back in November this year again for Supanova (room is already booked!) to see the updates and have another thoroughly enjoyable stay. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

Went to the Soleil upstairs bar for a social event in the reserved area, was really pleasant and all the staff were friendly and helpful and the catered food was delicious. Would definitely visit again and recommend to anyone looking for a classy venue for small to medium size events

Great venue for social/work events, good staff and the finger food was done quite well.

Our stay was impressive! The best part was we were booked in to the Venue in the building behind for a show, what a lovely surprise to find that there was direct access through from the back of this Hotel, straight in! Then straight back after the event no worries! I love this Rydges! Can t wait to return!

Great presentation, great quality, good value.

Not our first time, not our last time!

Rooms were quite spacious on level 1. Staff very friendly, offering me a bottle of water when walked past the front desk after coming back from a walk. Easy checkin and check out. Room aircon was effective and quiet.

The rooms are lovely, clean and have all the mod cons. However I found that my room (608) was far from sound proof, even at an early hour. I could hear the cleaners in the hallways, people leaving and the people in adjacent rooms.

HQ Photo Booths have done photo booth and flower wall for several events (maybe 5?) at this location. Staff are always very friendly and accommodating. Function rooms are very very nice, and the upstairs function rooms have a beautiful view of the city. Would definitely recommend if you have a wedding or big function to organise.

I would recommend Rydges for presentations, functions etc.

Great hotel roomy apartment has just been refurbished. Perfect positioning will stay again

Staff are friendly and the pool and bar are nice and clean. Very close to the city, walking distance away

Had a beautiful lunch with my sister in which I gathered some strength from as she told me my beautiful mother was alive and very well... The food I had was very average and made me bitter and resentful to the staff I had trusted in the past...had broken bread with and had them in my master's dormatory making my bed but this time they stole my tag grand careera and while I was sleeping stole my G-Star jeans and my Armani trainers only to realize that my friends had shares in the ownership deeds thus leading me to the beliefs that they tried to con me and then only to realize that they would never fit comfortably into my shoes or wear a timeless piece and my G threads like the one and only... Adding insults to injury...

Then I tasted dessert and as the most beautiful sweetest creme Brulai cracked open my sister spoke of my Mum Mary and before the luscious internals of what is by far the best dessert of all time in my eyes had even touched my lips I was overwhelmed with a surging burst of energy and love that with no words could I explain of how they coursed vigorously threw me and lifted me out of the negative vortex I once dwelled for 2 long only to be send me floating to a cloud that is known by nothing else but in simplicity...
HOPE
Will she be the one for Tony B...

The room was beautiful the view was amazing and the location was epic

Nice and modern, with good sized rooms... You can use Chromecast with the TV in the room which is also a bonus! Centrally located with plenty of good places to eat nearby given it's in the heart of Southbank. Good pub downstairs which also helps! We got a cheap rate when staying here which was great value if you're traveling for work, but I'd think twice if I had to pay RRP out of my own pocket. Still highly recommended...

Enjoyed my stay in a huge corner suite with two 55" flat screen TVs and separate living room. Comfy bed and lovely modern and clean decor

Great location, service for the event was good. All in all a very positive experience.

Great location and facilities. Would recommend to anyone visiting or just a city getaway

A beautiful 5 hotel. It's got all you need. Staff are amazing too

Room very clean, staff always helpful and nice to deal with.

Love the refurbished rooms and free wifi. Still the same great service

We enjoyed our stay!! Friendly staff, clean rooms and the buffet breakfast was outstanding!!

Relaxed outdoor balcony area with good staff service

Had a few drinks at the poolside bar. Was very intimate. Found the service to be good and reasonably priced

Great food, great rooms and great service. What more could you need?

Excellent space on rooftop function area. Attentive staff, good layout to encourage mingling

Amazing friendly staff. Room was beautiful. Super comfy bed. Amazing food!

Attended conference, nice room, wifi, clean and tidy

Perfect location! Loved both the service and the hotel. Just gave 4 stars because there were renovations being made at that time ...BUT definitely will be back!