Mantra Richmont Hotel

One of the great things about the Sunshine Coast is that if you crave that bit of action that a city has to offer, Brisbane is less than an hour and a half away.

After nearly six months in my new home, I decided to visit some friends in good old Bris-Vegas and chose to stay close to where we had dinner planned in Fortitude Valley.

The Mantra Richmont Hotel opened just last year in Kennigo Street, Spring Hill and is just a short walk from all the hustle and bustle of Brisbane’s CBD and, of course, all the bars and restaurants of Fortitude Valley.

While part of the Mantra chain, this hotel has a bit of a boutique feel about it which is nice – especially for the price!

There is a gym at the hotel if you are so inclined but no pool, and also a small café located in the lobby for those in a hurry to get out and about.

In the renovated Queenslander right next door (and linked by a 2nd level walkway), you will find Kennigo Social House if you are looking for something more substantial, or a stiff drink.

The building was once a men's boarding house but now it serves up delicious breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The dinner menu is designed to share – my favourite!

The hotel itself has a 24-hour reception desk which means you can sort yourself out any time of day.

I had a very comfortable stay in a hotel room at the back of the building – the room was on the small side but more than enough space for one person. The queen bed was super comfortable, it had a decent bathroom with amazing shower pressure and Urban Skincare products (although the lighting could be better for makeup application), Vittoria coffee machine and tea making facilities.

All rooms are air-conditioned with LCD TV and iPod docking facilities.

If, like me, you have driven into the city, the hotel offers 24-hour parking for $20 but on the weekends, parking on the street is free and unlimited – a rare find in a busy city!

The Mantra Richmont is the perfect city getaway hotel, close to everything but far enough away to feel like you are getting away from it all and the price is right for those wanting to save some cash for all the shopping and eating and drinking...