One of the most enriching things about traveling is the unexpected twists it throws your way. Exploring somewhere new often forces us to try a new spin on a familiar routine. This recently happened to me after a work assignment in the South Pacific.
My itinerary already took me back through Australia, so I stopped over for four days in Brisbane. The temptation to unwind in Queensland’s capital before the long journey home was too great to ignore, and I’m so glad I did. Of all the places I’ve visited, Australia does not rank among the most budget-friendly, but I was still determined to find ways to have a great time without breaking the bank. The biggest question was where to stay.
As I searched for the perfect place that was both refreshing and economical, I came upon an unexpected option — booking a short-term apartment. I never expected to have an entire apartment unit at my disposal during my visit to this beautiful city, but often, the most rewarding experiences in life take you by surprise.
If you’ve never considered this option before, let’s look at a few great reasons why you should keep this choice front and center on your travel radar, especially if you’re visiting Brisbane.
Welcome to “The River City”
After airfare, accommodations usually require the biggest chunk of change out of your travel wallet. For that reason, it’s important to be mindful of how much you spend. At the same time, your living space sets the tone for your overall trip, making it important to find somewhere that suits your needs and, if possible, your style.
Like anywhere else, Brisbane gives you options in every price range, with factors like location, amenities, and season playing a big part in determining what you’ll pay. I’m a big fan of searching for deals through travel booking sites, and Expedia is my go-to for several reasons.
- You can explore properties using a map view, allowing you to see the property in relation to nearby attractions.
- Each listing will also give you a list of nearby attractions and their walking or driving distance. This helps me become acquainted with nearby points of interest with plenty of time to research them in advance.
- You can easily see what amenities are available at each property.
- Expedia members get VIP Access, an additional discount on rates, and certain perks for staying at designated locations. These extra discounts can give you access to high-end establishments outside your usual price range.
These features came in handy as I made my search through the long list of available properties. I knew I wanted to stay along the Brisbane River, which winds through the heart of the city. The more I browsed available listings, the more I learned about popular attractions in the city and where I might want to be located.
I kept my search filters open to all property types (hotels, hostels, apartments, guesthouses, etc.), which is how I stumbled across the Hope Street Apartments by CLLIX. This apartment complex is one of several that offer short-term rentals throughout Brisbane and beyond. It was right in the location where I had envisioned staying, and the amenities were great.
What blew me away the most, however, was the aesthetic design. The unit was bright and open with floor-to-ceiling windows encasing the bedroom and living area. I’m a sucker for marble features too, which made up the kitchen and posh bathroom.
I was able to select a unit with a river view when I made my booking, and the spacious 17th floor balcony gave me a bird’s-eye view of the city below and the river beyond. It was relaxing to end the day floating above all the excitement of the city streets and watch ferries zip down the river.
As I mentioned, the bedroom was entirely wrapped in massive glass panes, and I chose to leave the blinds up as I tucked into bed. I fell asleep each night to the sparkling skyline and woke easily each morning to the city slowly stirring to life.
Apartment Location
When traveling on a budget, location can make a big difference in your bottom line. Roundtrip transportation to attractions and food delivery fees add up fast, so staying close to things that interest you can significantly cut down on costs.
I also prefer to stay in an area that feels secure and complements the overall vibe I’m looking for in my visit. For example, something trendy and upscale is a good choice when exploring metropolitan life, while a cozy beachside bungalow pairs well with unwinding in the sand and surf. When reconnecting with the wonders of the natural world, I prefer something off the beaten path . . . you get the idea.
Whatever you’re looking for, apartments can give you access to lively areas and local hotspots that tourists rarely get to see. The prices in these areas don’t include the upcharge that many tourist traps impose on visitors.
You’re also close to various forms of public transportation. This gives you the chance to explore further without dipping deeper into your cash reserves. The Hope Street Apartments put me within walking distance of bus stops, the metro station, and river ferry ports. This proved to be a great option for me since Brisbane CityCat ferries only charge AUD 0.50 per ride.
On my first day, I rode the ferry up and down the river, getting a unique perspective of the city gliding by on either side and a nice breeze along the way. All I had to do was tap my credit card against a digital reader as I hopped on and off, and I was good to go. The ferries run late into the night too, which gives you a stunning tour of the glittering skyscrapers after dark.
Hope Street runs within walking distance of the river, and if you follow the water for a few blocks, you’ll come to the area known as Southbank Parklands, a popular entertainment district with riverside pedestrian paths, cafes, and a manmade lagoon for visitors to enjoy.
The Wheel of Brisbane carries passengers in a mesmerizing loop above the buzzing river and bustling walkaways below. If you’re looking for easy access to the opposite side of the river, several bridges with dedicated paths for pedestrians will get you there in a matter of minutes.
Those in the mood for some retail therapy are in luck; the Queen Street Mall is right across the river from the Wheel of Brisbane. You can use the pedestrian bridge to access this outdoor mall day or night and enjoy a plethora of shopping options, restaurants, and specialty shops.
If you’re concerned about safety, don’t worry. There’s no shortage of people enjoying all of these areas, even after dark, so don’t hesitate to enjoy a pleasant dinner out or an evening walk on one of the well-lit paths. Most of the international trips I’ve made have been as a solo female traveler, and I would squarely rank Brisbane among one of the safest cities I’ve visited.
Check-in Process
If you’re curious about the check-in process at an apartment rental, it proved to be largely the same as at a hotel. The ground floor of the apartment complex included a front desk with an attendant during certain hours of the day.
A key fob provided tenants and short-term guests with secure entry to the front door 24/7, as well as the elevators. I received a helpful sheet of information when I check-in to help me connect to wifi, learn more about the facilities (like the pool, sauna, and fitness center), and call for assistance if I should need it after hours.
Not long into my stay, I experienced issues connecting my devices to the wifi. I still had some work-related things to wrap up, so this presented a concerning problem. To make matters worse, I could not connect to the Australian number that was provided for wifi assistance.
The front desk staff were so helpful in resolving this issue. I explained my trouble to the young lady at the front desk, and she made a call to the support company. Within 30 minutes of returning to my apartment, the issue was resolved, and my laptop was back in service.
An Entire Living Space
The biggest advantage to renting an apartment in the city is the use of an entire living space. A quick stop at a nearby grocery store helped me take advantage of the full-size kitchen and refrigerator. The cabinets included cookware and utensils, and the cupboards came stocked with dinnerware.
Cleaning up proved quick and easy with the built-in dishwasher, and a full-size washer and dryer gave me access to fresh clothes during my stay. The property was even thoughtful enough to provide dishwasher liquid and laundry detergent.
A spacious living area offered a plush couch and a large, sleek television with streaming capabilities. I also enjoyed several meals sitting at the dining table with a stunning view of the city just beyond the window.
Whenever I needed a breath of fresh air, the sitting area on the balcony brought me a step closer to the excitement of city life from floors above the crowds. A built-in desk area provided a dedicated space to tackle business matters, but I admit that I did most of my work sitting out on the balcony.
Amenities & Ambiance
The apartment offered a beautiful outdoor pool area on the 4th floor with a dry sauna when it was time to relax. And the adjacent fitness center provided a well-equipped space to maintain health and fitness targets. These recreational areas were less crowded during most of the day since full-time tenants were occupied with their weekly routines.
There were plenty of great grocery store options nearby to cut down on dining costs. I really appreciated the freedom this gave me to plan healthier meals that I could prepare myself. But whenever I wanted a break from the cooking, there were plenty of great restaurants within walking distance, as well as food delivery options.
Since the majority of my neighbors were permanent residents, things seemed quieter and had a more relaxed feel. I could also count on less foot traffic throughout the day when most tenants were at work. It’s worth mentioning that the facility did a great job ensuring secure 24/7 access and safety measures.
The Wrap-up
Apartments are a great alternative to hotels when it comes to your accommodation needs. Not all apartment complexes offer short-term rentals and they may be harder to find outside metropolitan areas. But they do offer some serious advantages when they are available. Travel booking sites like Expedia make this option easily searchable, and in my experience, the check-in process is simple and streamlined.
One of the best features of this type of property is access to locations and points of interest outside your typical tourist areas. This gives you the chance to enjoy the city like a local. Not only does this give you a more authentic experience in the city you’re exploring, it can help save you money in the long run.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on staying in a new city, more control over your meal prep options, facilities like laundry or a spacious living area, and a more laid-back feel overall, then plan your next urban adventure with a short-term stay in an apartment.
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