Checking out the ultra-cool Calile Hotel
James Street in Brisbane has been adding cool and upmarket shops for years but the new hotel on the block sets a whole new standard.
A recent mid-week stay at The Calile Hotel was like staying in an oasis from the city! Even just walking through the lobby and admiring the pool shows the place is dripping with Insta-worthy backdrops.
Seriously, areas of this hotel transport you straight from Brisbane to California with swaying palm trees, a serious pool scene, top notch food and rooms in a dreamy pastel pink, beige and gold palette. You could imagine yourself in Palm Springs for sure.
On getting to the Calile, the lobby was busy but check-in staff – in fact all staff here – were friendly, smiling and efficient. This is probably one of the nicest hotel arrival experiences I have ever had in Australia. Despite being well ahead of check-in time, the room was ready, and our bags were whisked upstairs.
The pool area is gorgeous, and it is strange to think that we are in the heart of Brisbane. I found myself lusting over the mint striped umbrellas as we ordered a spritz to embrace the afternoon sun.
Hellenika restaurant is located on the pool level, and you can order off their poolside menu whilst lounging about on their deck chairs or cabanas (order the zucchini chips – trust me – they’re highly addictive).
Due to external dinner plans, I didn’t have a chance to test the rest of the menu, but rest assured I will be back poolside here in the future.
Up in our refreshingly minimalist and neutral room, the bathrooms are a sanctuary from the city with robes, slippers, and Grown Alchemist products.
There’s no traditional wardrobe here. All your clothes hang on an open rail over a long wooden bench where you can leave your bag open. It’s great to have enough space for two bags – especially when travelling with a girlfriend. This also makes it less likely that I will leave that spare dress in the closed wardrobe on my visits.
The large window lets in a lot of light but if you are a light sleeper, there’s an automatic blind for darkness and sun protection with controls right beside the bed. It was so effective; I was very confused when I woke up in darkness.
Don’t want to leave the room for a cocktail? No worries, you will find a pre-mixed negroni, martini, manhattan or old fashioned from Everleigh Bottling Co. in the mini bar. Tepid tap water isn’t for you either? In every room there's a carafe and glasses and on every floor, there is filtered water tap.
When you do leave, you won’t have that hotel hallway aircon freeze, the floor corridors are all open and naturally ventilated.
I didn’t have a chance to check out the Kailo spa or the gym on this trip, but I hear good things. The spa is the only one in Queensland to carry iconic French skincare range Biologique Recherche.
If you can be tempted from the day bed or lured from the pool, the Fortitude Valley neighbourhood that surrounds the hotel is a treasure trove of independent shops and art galleries. You will even score discounts at stores using your ‘friends of the Calile’ card you receive on check-in – bonus!
Be warned, this much effortless cool comes with a price tag. The Calile Hotel is probably one of the most expensive in the city. We scored a special deal with a midweek rate to make this an affordable experience and fantastic little mini break.
