Novotel Brisbane South Bank

I had booked in for this hotel for two nights with kids. Had a comfortable stay. Close to south bank. Some staffs were friendly and helpful but some were not which i understood. Asked room upgrades when I made a booking, but wasn’t offered. After we checked in, resting quietly on bed, there was a knock on the door. One of the staff was standing at the door and just handed me a welcome card. I was like 🙄?? Isn’t that supposed to be placed on the desk or something before we checked-in? I wasn’t provided room cleaning on the second day and had to contact the reception as we needed towels. The house keeping staff who brought towels looked upset for whatever reason. And finally, when we came back from dinner in the city, the room was cleaned a bit. Seemed they were rushed to clean the room. Beds made badly, dirty glasses were not put away, and food crumbs i saw when i checked in were still on the carpet. Buffet breakfast was good and restaurant staffs in the morning were friendly and helpful. Kids enjoyed swimming in the pool. Overall the stay was okay but wouldn’t come back to be honest.

This was by far the nicest Novotel I have ever stayed in. Thien, who checked us in, was wonderful — after arriving exhausted from our flight from England, she personally came up to the pool area to let us know our room was ready early, which absolutely delighted us. I enjoyed a tasty coffee in the lobby, and although I didn’t order food, everything looked great. The hotel was spotless, stylish, and in the perfect location — close to everything yet peaceful and relaxing, with a playground just across the park. The rooms were very clean and spacious, with quiet air conditioning and a special view of the city and the South Bank wheel. The restaurant and bar were excellent as well. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again if I’m ever back in Brisbane — 10/10, thank you very much.

Novotel Brisbane South Bank claims it is a 4.5 Star Accommodation. Upon arrival no eye contact when checking in. Offered a discounted breakfast for each day of our stay. Yet when at breakfast the following morning name not on the list for this offer - after 4 different staff getting involved still felt uncomfortable with having to explain the offer that was given on check in. As a one off they advised will honour the discount for the breakfast for this morning and must pay straight after breakfast. Room was quite hot on entering and the air conditioner took some time to start to work. On the fifth floor and road noise heard easily. Housekeeping day 3 of our 5 day stay we requested an extra roll of toilet paper as only half a roll left and was advised by the lady cleaning room “no” as it meant she would have to go back downstairs to get extra ….. Check out day in the lobby and the man looks at us, totally ignores us and goes back to looking at whatever was on his screen. Eventually asking if we are needed something. Announces that we have a small account to pay before checking out and yes we are back to the mess up with the breakfast offer. Novotel trying to double charge us for breakfast. No apologies No asking how was your stay with Novotel and once again No eye contact when talking to us. Novotel this is the first time we have stayed at one of your hotels and will be the last. Feeling very disappointed with your lack of 4.5 star service

I want to be honest with this review because the experience started off quite stressful but ended very well. We arrived on New Year’s Eve around 4pm and had real trouble with parking. There was no clear guidance or parking service, which was confusing and stressful, especially arriving with kids. We had to head out to a function and only came back around 10:30pm. It was raining, late, and we still didn’t know what to do with the car. At that point, I was honestly leaning towards leaving a one-star review. When we went to reception, a lovely gentleman working there told me to give him a moment and that he would sort it out. He did exactly that and completely turned the situation around. Mariana was also amazing and incredibly helpful. From that moment on, everything changed. Generally speaking, the team is outstanding. Everyone was warm, friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. We used the restaurant every single day for eight days, and the staff were consistently smiling, kind, and professional. That level of service really matters, especially when you’re travelling with family. My only real feedback is around parking. When families arrive by car, especially late at night or in bad weather, they expect clearer support or assistance with parking. That part really needs to be improved. Other than that, the stay was excellent. The staff truly made the difference. Thank you to the team for turning a stressful start into a very positive experience overall.

Nice, neat, clean and met Novotel standards. Well located at Southbank, Brisbane with the CBD and many restaurants and sights within easy walking distance. On-site Parking is restricted for the size of the hotel. Alternate provided within walking distance but perhaps pre-book your parking if accessibility/mobility is a concern.

Firstly. I'll start by saying how lovely and helpful the staff were. From the front desk to housekeeping, they were professional , polite and helpful. That's about where it ended. The property is rated as 4.5 stars. I think they must be for the staff. I've never stayed in a hotel of this rating where the carpets were as filthy and an ongoing battle to get cold water from a bathroom tap.|Room service finishes at 2100 to be replaced by only lasagne and a bean salad until breakfast service. We ordered steaks on the first night. Although very tasty and well cooked, I don't understand why they arrived at the room without even a lid on the plate to keep it warm, let alone a warming trolley, so the result was obvious. Nor have I ever seen breakfast pastries served with no preserves (or even butter). When asked, the lovely receptionist sent some as 'a Christmas gift'. Very sweet of her, but also an odd situation. For those thinking 'well go out for meals; a) due to an injury this wasn't possible; and b) not the point at such a highly rated property.. |Also. the blanket in the room was coated with such a thick layer of dust, it was unusable. There are further issues I could speak about, but suffice to say if not for the staff, this Novotel would battle for 3 stars. Very disappointed 😞

Service from all staff members was really great. The buffet breakfast was one of the best I've EVER been to. Beds were the most comfortable out of any hotel on our 2.5 week vacation around Australia. Downside is the room is small and the bathroom is open with a sliding wall which is not ideal for privacy. This is not clearly shown in photos and was a disappointment to discover.

We had a lovely time. The rooms were great, friendly staff and delicious food for room service and in the restaurant. Recommend a few more pool loungers and the subtle sewage smell near the pool be addressed.