If you’re looking for the best hotels for Riverfire Brisbane – then read on! This guide covers the best Riverfire accommodation 2024, all with incredible views!
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Wondering where to watch Riverfire this year, somewhere without the crowds? Why not book your own private place to watch the city light up? Staying in one of the city’s hotels really does offer some of the best vantage points for Riverfire Brisbane 2024 – and you won’t be fighting the crowds.
So, what is the best hotel for Riverfire Brisbane 2024? That really depends on where you want to stay and your budget. The best hotels to watch Brisbane Riverfire are the ones that offer incredible views of the river – either across to the South Bank parklands or the Storey Bridge.
Some Riverfire 2024 accommodation offer your very own private balcony to watch the fireworks from, while others provide huge windows where you can enjoy the views from the comfort of your room.
And you don’t have to just stay in your room; some of the best hotels for Riverfire offer pool decks or restaurants where you can enjoy the entertainment with other guests.
So the best hotel to watch Riverfire Brisbane – really depends on you!
But to help you make the right choice, this article covers a range of Brisbane Riverfire accommodation options – including luxury hotels with first class facilities as well as a few more affordable options.
So let’s get started and find the best accommodation for Riverfire Brisban 2024!
Main image credit thanks to Tourism and Events Queensland
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RIVERFIRE 2024 ACCOMMODATION MAP
From the map below, you can see the location of each of the Riverfire hotels Brisbane has that are featured in this guide.
Zoom in and out for a closer view.
BEST HOTELS FOR RIVERFIRE BRISBANE OVERVIEW
Below is a super quick overview of the best hotels to watch Riverfire this year, which are covered in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine which of these hotels with Riverfire views is perfect for you.
Keep reading below for a more comprehensive review of each of these hotels.
| HOTEL | LOCATION | ROOM AMENITIES | HOTEL FACILITIES | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporium | Southbank | Hotel room with wine fridge, mini bar, tea / coffee making facilities | Pool Day Spa Gym Restaurants Bar | Check Price |
| Rydges | Southbank | Hotel room with tea / coffee making facilities | Pool Gym Sauna Restaurant Bar | Check Price |
| Ivy and Eve | South Bank | 1, 2 & 3 bedroom fully self contained apartments sleeping up to 6 people | Pool BBQ Gym Cinema Parking Spa | Check Price |
| Evolution | CBD | Fully self contained 1 & 2 bedroom apartments | Pool Gym Spa Cinema BBQ | Check Price |
| W | CBD | Hotel style with mini bar, coffee machine & tea / coffee facilities | Pool Restaurants Bars Day Spa Gym | Check Price |
| Hyatt Regency | CBD | Hotel room with mini bar & tea / coffee making facilities | Pool Restaurant Gym Bar | Check Price |
| Oaks Casino | CBD | Fully self contained 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments | Pool Spa Gym Parking | Check Price |
| Stamford | CBD | Hotel style with minibar, tea & coffee facilities | Pool Gym 3 Restaurants and bars Parking | Check Price |
| Marriott | CBD | Hotel style with mini bar, coffee machine & tea / coffee facilities | Pool Restaurants Bar Pool Gym Parking | Check Price |
| Oakwood | CBD | Studio with microwave, bar fridge & tea / coffee facilities or fully self-contained 1 & 2 bedroom apartment | Pool Gym Parking | Check Price |
| Meriton Suites Adelaide Street | CBD | Fully self contained 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments | Pool Spa Sauna Gym Parking | Check Price |
| Crystalbrook Vincent | Fortitude Valley | Hotel room with minibar, coffee machine, tea & coffee facilities | Pool Gym Bar Restaurants Parking | Check Price |
BEST RIVERFIRE ACCOMMODATION
Below we review the top places to watch Riverfire Brisbane 2024.
Emporium Hotel South Bank
If you’re after panoramic views of Riverfire, then Southbank’s 5 star Emporium Hotel will be hard to beat!
For the best views, head to the rooftop – where at 21 storeys above, you have the most incredible views of the river and the city skyline. You’ll also find the stunning 23 metre infinity pool and The Terrace, where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.
A wide choice of accommodation is offered, with 143 suites to choose from.
Suites sleep up to 4 people in single or king beds. Each suite features the latest in-room automation and entertainment technology, including a Bose sound system and a high definition 55 inch mirror-finish TV. Ensuites have double vanities, marble walls and a separate toilet compartment. Other features include a coffee machine, kettle, fridge and desk.
Larger suites boast a balcony or terrace and the aptly named Exquisite Suite has a freestanding bathtub with views, plus your own bar. There are also the poolside cabana suites, which being on the rooftop; the location is ideal for watching the fireworks.
The Emporium Hotel features a gym, a sauna, a steam room and even complimentary Maserati transfers for those staying in the premier suites. And in addition to the Terrace on the rooftop, downstairs you’ll find the Signature Restaurant, Belle Epoque, their French inspired restaurant and the Reserve Wine bar.
This hotel is well situated, being just minutes from the popular South Bank Parklands and a 10 minute walk to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Many cafes and restaurants are within a short walk along Grey Street and Little Stanely Street. And the Southbank train station is just 150 metres from the hotel.
What we love?
The panoramic views across the Brisbane River and city skyline are phenomenal – it is undoubtedly the perfect choice if you’re after the best hotel view for Riverfire Brisbane.
What’s not to love?
Parking is expensive at $50 a day.
Summary
The Emporium Hotel South Bank is undoubtedly one of the best hotels to see Riverfire from. This hotel offers first class service and amenities and incredible panoramic views of the fireworks.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Rydes Southbank is another good option for those looking for the best places for Riverfire – particularly if you want to be in the Southbank precinct. The property offers a range of room types, some with fabulous river views where you can watch the fireworks from the comfort of your room.
Located just steps from the popular Southbank parklands, Rydges is close to the Cultural Centre and all the restaurants and cafes along Grey and Little Stanley Street. The South Brisbane train station is just 350 metres away, making it super easy to get around.
Standard rooms come with one or two queen beds and feature a fully stocked mini bar, coffee machine, a desk, a safe, a TV with on demand movies, a kettle, a fridge and ensuite with walk-in shower.
Suites offer guests additional space with separate lounge rooms and a kitchenette featuring a microwave. Some suites have a shower as well as a bathtub. Larger families and groups can book a two bedroom suite that sleeps up to 6 people.
Note that not all rooms and suites offer a river view, so be sure to double check when making your booking.
In terms of facilities, Rydges Southbank has a rooftop pool and a fabulous pool bar. Other dining options at Rydges Southbank include the award winning Bacchus Restaurant and the more casual CBD cafe. In room dining is also available.
Other hotel facilities include a gym, sauna, a 24 hour front desk, a self service laundry and fee paying valet parking.
What we love?
Super stylish rooms, some with fantastic river views, making it a great accommodation Riverfire option. Plus, this hotel is in a great location for exploring the Southbank Parklands.
What’s not to love?
The rooftop pool isn’t huge and doesn’t have a terrace with sun loungers. And some may not appreciate the live music around the pool area – not your relaxing style pool area.
Summary
For those looking for a gorgeous room near Southbank to watch Riverfire, Rydges Southbank may be just what you’re after.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Ivy and Eve Apartments by CLLIX
While a little further back from the river than the previous Southbank properties, Ivy and Eve Apartments still offer rooms with city views. The advantage of this property is that you get self-contained accommodation and a balcony from which you can enjoy the fireworks.
This property is just a 10 minute walk from Southbank, while the cultural precinct is just 5 minutes away. You can also walk over to Queen Street Mall in 15 minutes and the nearest train station is South Brisbane, just 400m away.
The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom resort style apartments sleep up to 6 people in queen beds. Each apartment has an open plan living area with sofas, a TV and a dining table. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and sliding glass doors leading to a balcony with seating and city views.
Keep in mind that only the apartments on the higher floors have river views, so be sure to book accordingly.
Ivy and Eve Apartments have a nice rooftop pool, which also features a spa and plenty of seating. The infinity style rooftop pool is part of a larger recreational deck area featuring an outdoor cinema, sun loungers, swing chairs and barbecues. There is an additional indoor area with dining tables, sofas and a pool table.
Other facilities at Ivy and Even include a gym and free parking.
What we love?
Not only will you get fabulous Riverfire views from high floor apartments, but you also get a fantastic rooftop pool, which is the best place to watch Rivferfire Brisbane 2024 if you don’t book an apartment with river views.
What’s not to love?
This is a bit of a residential/commercial area of South Brisbane – but still, you are surrounded by cafes and even a supermarket, plus you’re within walking distance of everything.
Summary
For those looking for the best place to stay for Riverfire Brisbane, where they can enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of their own balcony and within a short walk from the Southbank, Ivy and Evyn apartments are an excellent choice. Here, you get excellent communal facilities, a fun resort vibe and spacious, self contained accommodation.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Evolution Apartments
Directly across the river from Southbank, Evolution is absolutely perfect if you’re looking for the very best place to watch Brisbane Riverfire from.
While there are a range of accommodation options, only the 2 bedroom apartments at Evolution have the Riverfire views. Thanks to the floor to ceiling windows, you’ll be able to see the fireworks no matter where you are in the apartment and even enjoy them from the privacy of your very own spacious balcony.
In addition to fantastic river views, these apartments are in a central location too. You’re just a 10 minute walk from here to the Queen Street Mall or across the river to the Cultural Centre and Southbank Parklands. The nearest train station, Roma Street, is just 5 minutes away.
Studios sleep a maximum of two people in a queen bed and feature a kitchenette with a microwave and laundry facilities. The bedroom area can be partitioned off with a sliding door, which is quite handy for a studio.
The 1 or 2 bedroom apartments sleep up to 4 people in queen sized beds. Each apartment has an open plan living area with sofas, a TV, a dining table, plus a fully equipped kitchen as well as a washing machine and dryer.
In terms of facilities, Evolution features a heated outdoor lap pool, a spa, a gym, a cinema room, and BBQ facilities.
What we love?
The river views from the 2 bedroom apartments are the best in this entire guide -it really is the best spot for Riverfire Brisbane 2024 if you want to avoid the crowds.
What’s not to love?
While the apartments have all you need, they are quite small – still those views more than makeup for it!
Summary
If you’re wondering where to watch Riverfire Brisbane 2024 for the very best river and Southbank views, Evolution wins hands down. Here, you’ll enjoy the space and comfort of your own apartment and can enjoy the excellent communal amenities before and after the entertainment.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
W Brisbane
If you’re after uber funky hotels along the Brisbane River, where you can watch the sky light up, do yourself a favour and consider the W Brisbane. As well as fabulous river views from most rooms, throughout this chic 5 star hotel, you’ll find quirky furniture and colourful artwork.
The W Brisbane is well located along the river at North Quay. You’re just 650 metres from Brisbane Central Station and a 5 minute to the Queen Street Mall. Plus, you’re just a 10 minute walk across the river to the Cultural Centre and Southbank Parklands.
The rooms here are amazing! These high end, spacious rooms have thought of everything. The best part is that most rooms and suites feature huge oversized windows with views over the river across to Southbank – the ideal place to enjoy Riverfire.
Rooms at the W sleep up to 2 people in a king bed or 4 people in 2 double beds, with the option of adding another person in an extra bed for an additional fee. There are also some fancy suites offering separate bedrooms and living spaces. The presidential suite even comes with its own bar! Pet friendly rooms are also available.
All rooms have a TV with Chromecast, a coffee machine, a curved sofa, a safe, a mini bar, a Bluetooth speaker and a desk. The ensuite has a freestanding bathtub and a shower.
For more great river views, head to the WET Deck, where you’ll find a cool rooftop cocktail bar with a funky undercover pool. Two other restaurants at the W include The Lex (more great river views from here) and the Living Room Bar. Other facilities at the W include a day spa and gym.
If you’re still undecided, I’ve written a review on W Brisbane here, which might help.
What we love?
As well as the fabulous views from the comfort of your own funky room, this hotel is just uber cool! It’s the best hotel to view Riverfire Brisbane 2024 from if you want to do it in style.
What’s not to love?
Like most city hotels, parking is pretty pricey at $60 per day – but plenty of great deals are on offer, usually including parking.
Summary
The W Brisbane is a super cool hotel! It offers fantastic views for watching Riverfire from most rooms and facilities and provides five-star accommodation at a decent price.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
Located just steps from the Queen Street Mall, where you’ll find shopping galore, the five star Hyatt Regency is just a 15 minute walk to South Bank and 500 metres from Brisbane Central Station.
While not all rooms at the Hyatt offer Riverfire views, many suites and room options do; however keep in mind that there is no balcony, so you will be watching through the window.
Most rooms sleep 2 people in either king, queen or single beds. Each room has a desk, fridge, minibar, TV and kettle. There is a walk-in shower in the ensuite. There are also 1 or 2 bedroom suites, which feature a separate living room.
The Hyatt has a stunning rooftop pool located on the fourth floor. From the 20 metre long heated infinity pool, you’ll enjoy city views and lounges for relaxing, as well as the Hibiscus Bar and Terrace, which has live music every Friday night.
In addition to the Hibiscus Bar, there is Lennons Bar and Restaurant, which serves classic bistro meals. Other facilities at the Hyatt include a gym, a 24 hour front desk, laundry facilities, fee paying valet parking and room service is also available.
What we love?
A beautiful rooftop pool, shopping on your doorstep and river views – what more could you want?
What’s not to love?
While some rooms here offer river views, the windows are a standard size, so you won’t have fantastic views.
Summary
The Hyatt Regency is a little further from the river than other hotels in this article. However, it offers an unbeatable central location with everything you need within easy reach.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Oaks Casino Towers
Located just a few steps from the Treasury Casino, Oaks Casino Towers is another great option for those after a self contained apartment with incredible views for watching Riverfire.
At Oaks Casino Towers, you’ve got the choice of 1 (sleeping up to 3 people), 2 (sleeping up to 5 people) and 3 (sleeping up to 6 people) bedroom serviced apartments. Not all apartments offer river views, so be sure to book the right apartment.
All apartments offer fully equipped kitchens, with open plan living areas, laundries and huge balconies overlooking Brisbane River and across the Southbank Parklands.
Facilities on site include a 25 metre lap pool, heated spa, gym and parking (for an additional fee).
In terms of location, you’re just 200 metres from the top of the Queen Street Mall, and you’re only a 10 minute walk across to the South Bank Parklands.
What we love?
The river view apartments have huge balconies, which are ideal for watching Riverfire!
What’s not to love?
Generally, there is a minimum of 3 nights over Riverfire weekend – which makes it pricey – but grab a few friends and share the cost – make an entire weekend out of it.
Summary
If you’re looking for an apartment with a spacious balcony offering incredible views for watching Riverfire, Oaks Casino Towers is definitely where you want to book.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Moving on around from Southbank, every room at the Stamford Plaza offers river views looking out to the Storey Bridge – another Brisbane landmark that lights up during Riverfire.
At the Stamford, not only do you have fabulous views from your room, but you’re also in a central position, with just a 5 minute walk to the Queen Street Mall and 10 minutes away from both the Central Train Station and the Riverside Ferry, where you can easily get to the Southbank Parklands.
Classic style rooms sleep 2 people in a king or two king single beds. Each room has a TV, a minibar, a kettle, soft chairs, a desk and free WiFi. The marble ensuite has a separate bath and shower.
Suites offer additional space with a large, separate living room, and some have a beautiful open air terrace – the absolutely perfect place for watching the fireworks. The outstanding Stamford Suite has a baby grand piano, a freestanding bathtub in front of a picture window and a kitchen equipped with an oven, microwave, and fridge.
There are also river views from the stunning swimming pool, which also has a spa. Other hotel facilities include a 24 hour gym, a sauna and parking.
The Stamford also offers some beautiful restaurants and bars on site, including an Argentinian and Japanese restaurants. You can also indulge in one of Stamford’s famous high teas. 24 hour room service is also available.
What we love?
With every room offering a river view, this is one of the best places to stay in Brisbane for Riverfire.
What’s not to love?
Unless you book a suite, rooms don’t have balconies, so you’ll be watching the fireworks from your room window.
Summary
For the river views, plus the range and quality of rooms and amenities, this 5 star hotel is great value for money. It is one of Brisbane’s best luxury accommodations for budget-conscious travellers.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Brisbane Marriott Hotel
The Marriott is among the best Brisbane CBD accommodation options with river views. The 5 star hotel overlooks the river and Storey Bridge and is in a reasonably central location with the Queen Street Mall and Chinatown just a 10 minute walk away and 650 metres to Brisbane Central Station.
Standard rooms at the Marriott sleep up to 3 people in a king bed with the option of adding an extra bed at an additional cost. There is also an option for 4 people in rooms with two double beds. All rooms feature a desk, TV, sofa, fridge/minibar, coffee machine, kettle and a safe. The marble ensuite has a bathtub and a walk-in shower.
For those wanting more space, suites are available, which come with the addition of dual sinks and a whirlpool in the bathroom. There are also 1 bedroom suites which have separate living areas. Guests staying in a suite can access the Executive lounge, which includes breakfast and nightly drinks and canapes.
Not all of the hotel rooms at the Marriott have river views, so be sure to book accordingly. And keep in mind the higher the level, the better the river views.
Dining options at the Marriott include a restaurant and bar, as well as a pop up bar on the MDeck. Other facilities include an undercover swimming pool, 24 hour gym, sauna, on site parking.
What we love?
Rooms with river views have great views across the river to the Storey Bridge.
What’s not to love?
Rooms don’t come with balconies, so you’ll be watching the fireworks from your room window.
Summary
The Marriott Brisbane offers quality, river view accommodation in a convenient location, perfect for those heading down to Howard Smith Wharves after the fireworks.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Brisbane
If you want to have the Storey Bridge in view while watching Riverfore, consider staying at the 4 star Oakwood Hotel and Apartments. While not all apartments have river views, many do and they come with a good size balcony from which you’ll have front row seats to Riverfire.
The hotel sits between the CBD and Fortitude Valley, just minutes from the popular Howard Smith Wharves, where you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Fortitude Valley rail station is 750 metres away, or you can jump on a CityCat at Eagle Street Pier to South Bank, just 850 metres away.
Oakwood’s studio style rooms sleep 2 in a queen bed or two singles and come with a seating area, a safe, a TV, a kettle, a small fridge, and a microwave. The ensuite has a bathtub with an over shower.
For a little more, you can secure a one or two bedroom apartment. These rooms feature a separate living room with a sofa and a balcony offering city or river views. They also have the addition of a stove and dishwasher. Larger apartments also include a washing machine and dryer.
This hotel has a rooftop pool and spa, and while not overly big, it does offer fantastic views of the Story Bridge, the Brisbane River and the city skyline.
Other facilities Oakwood offer include a gym, fee paying parking, a 24 hour reception and a mornings-only cafe.
What we love?
Fabulous views over the river to the Storey Bridge and balconies so you can enjoy Riverfire in style!
What’s not to love?
The pool is quite small, so it is not ideal during peak periods.
Summary
Oakwood Hotel and Apartments are ideal for those wanting a balcony from which they can watch Riverfor with the Storey Bridge in prime position. Here you’ll get front row seats to the entertainment without the hefty price you expect to pay.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Meriton Suites Adelaide Street
The Meriton Suites in Adelaide Street is another option for those wanting fantastic Riverfire views from their own fully self contained apartment. This is actually one of Brisbane’s tallest hotels!
The aparthotel is on the far side of the CBD, just minutes away from the popular Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct. Central train station is a 10 minute walk away, as is the Queen Street Mall.
Now, for views of Riverfire, you’ll want to book into one of the Altitude Suites with a choice of two (sleeping 4 people) or three bedrooms (sleeping 6 people). These apartments are on floors 58 and above and have fantastic views across the entire city thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. You’re going to see the fireworks from all angles here!
In addition to the Altitude Suites, there are studios and one and two self contained apartments. Apartments come in a range of configurations, accommodating up to 4 people.
Each studio and apartment(including the Altitude Suites) has an open plan living area with sofas, a TV, a dining table, laundry and a fully equipped kitchen.
Studios have 1 bathroom with a shower, while the 1 bed apartments have 1 bathroom with a bathtub and over shower. The 2 and 3 bedroom apartments (including the Altitude Suites) have 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bathtub in the ensuite and a shower in the main bathroom.
Keep in mind it’s only the Altitude Suites that offer river views.
These Mertion Suites also feature an indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, gym, and parking.
What we love?
The views are incredible from the Altitude Suites – and being an apartment, you have plenty of space to enjoy those views.
What’s not to love?
While you’ll receive incredible Riverfire views, you’ll be doing so from inside as there is no balcony.
Summary
For incredible Riverfire views from your very own self contained apartment, the Meriton Suites in Adelaide Street are hard to beat.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Crystalbrook Vincent
Crystalbrook Vincent is another awesome hotel for watching the Storey Bridge come alight during Riverfire.
The hotel overlooks the Story Bridge and river, right by Howard Smith Wharves – one of the city’s most popular dining precincts. To get further afield, you’re just a 15-minute walk to the Fortitude Valley rail station and the centre of the CBD.
Not all rooms have river views, so be sure to book accordingly if you want to see the fireworks from your room. Individually themed rooms sleep 2 people in single or king beds. Each room has a desk, a sofa, a coffee machine, a kettle, a safe, a minibar and a TV. The rooms are colourful and packed with character.
The hotel also offers two bedroom suites. These larger suites feature a separate living room, kitchenette, and dining area equipped with a stovetop, fridge, and microwave. If you really want to splurge, book a room with a balcony or terrace – the ideal spot for watching the fireworks.
As well as fantastic views, Crystalbrook Vincent features a stunning rooftop pool with river views, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, 24 hour room service and free WiFi.
What we love?
The views of the Storey Bridge from here are awesome – you’ll certainly enjoy the fireworks from here.
What’s not to love?
Generally, rooms don’t have balconies, so you’ll watch the fireworks from your room window.
Summary
Crystalbrook Vincent is a great choice for those wanting views of the Storey Bridge during Riverfire. Not only will you have fantastic views, but you’re right on the doorstep of Howard Wharves Smith, where you can party afterwards.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO BRISBANE!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the perfect hotel to watch Riverfire.
Whether staying in Brisbane for one night or a few days, I highly recommend you check out our guide to Brisbane, which provides links to everything you need to know to help you plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can get all your questions answered and find even more great trip suggestions.
If you’re heading to Brisbane, you might also be interested in the accommodation guides such as:
- Fortitude Valley Hotels (coming soon)
- Southbank Hotels (coming soon)
- Brisbane hotels with river views (coming soon)