The Calile Hotel is the place to see and be seen in Brisbane.
The Palm Springs-style boutique property takes pride of place in the heart of the city’s James Street precinct, surrounded by high-end boutiques and some of the best restaurants in town.
Location and accessibility
The 175-key luxury hotel is as classy as the Newstead neighbourhood it resides in. Once checked in, everything any guest needs is within walking distance.
We’re talking boutiques like Camilla, Zimmerman, Sass & Bide, and Kookai, to name a few; restaurants and bars like Cru, Same Same, FatCow on James St, and Gemelli Italian.
There’s a Palace Cinema across the road, cafes at every turn, and for those looking to venture further afield, public transport is easy to come by.
First impressions
Classy, just like its clientele. Guests who arrive by cab or other transport are greeted by a welcome team upon arrival to the hotel.
I self-parked in the hotel carpark and made my own way to reception via a lift. As I stepped out of the lift, I was greeted by a team member and ushered to the reception desk for check-in.
Having been named among the World’s Best Hotels (#25), it goes without saying that The Calile impresses. The urban boutique vibe is felt from the outset. The location isn’t lost on any of the guests, nor is the company the hotel keeps.
Luxury accommodations
There are eight room categories to choose from at this, ‘Australia’s first urban resort’ – from Essential King to the top-tier Deluxe Suite.
I stayed in a 25 sq m Poolside King room on Level 3, which has a terrace overlooking the 28m pool deck, two levels below.
As expected, the room is well-designed and beautifully decorated. The dusty pink hue on the walls and the marble bar are accentuated by the contrasting copper tones used in the tapware, shower fittings and trim on the wooden furnishings.
I’m impressed by the mini bar selection, including the specially crafted Calile Spritz cocktail mixers; the Dyson straightening iron, and the blackout electric blinds.
The King bed is divine and the pillow menu extensive. I battled with getting the AC to just the right temperature for me, but other than that it was a very comfortable stay.
The rain shower deserves special mention, as do the Grown Alchemist amenities.
If you’re expecting a turndown service, be aware that it only applies to Suite bookings as part of the hotel’s Suite Benefits.
Culinary Quality
Hellenika is the flagship eatery, the team serving guests from the early hours of the morning until late, on pool level (L1). The menu boasts everything from breakfast wraps, crepes and soups; poolside Wagyu burgers and crumbed whiting and chips; to banquet sittings.
I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to dine at Hellenika during this stay, but from the number of guests choosing to do so and the free-flowing dishes and cocktails being served day and night, it appeared there were no complaints, and plenty of smiles all around.
The Lobby Bar is the establishment’s more casual eatery, and it’s located on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor seating options.
I had breakfast here, and for a Wednesday morning was surprised by how many patrons it attracted. Unfortunately, my presence hadn’t been confirmed with the hospitality team, so there was a bit of initial confusion and a short wait, but I was eventually provided a table in the compact inside dining area.
While not in a hurry, it was disappointing that I was forced to ask for a menu. After 15 minutes left unattended, I would have expected to be provided a menu upon being seated.
Once alerted, that staff took my order straight away (I had Googled the menu). From that point on the service was satisfactory but could have been better for a five-star hotel.
The couple seated beside me waited 20 minutes for their coffee order, agitating for their morning ritual. They appeared time-pressured, so with that in mind, my suggestion is if you have to be somewhere or have plans, seek out one of the many cafes nearby.
Outside of the hotel itself, for a dinner restaurant, I can highly recommend FatCow on James, it’s intimate, classy and the food as good as you’ll get at any top-notch steak restaurant. Our server, Anthony, is quite the character.
Do yourself a favour and have the Wagyu rolls and any of the steaks, they’re mouth-wateringly good.
Wellness and Recreation
The pool is the heartbeat of The Calile, not only for the socials, but for those who enjoy a spot of people-watching.
If you’re lucky, you’ll clock one of the many celebs who call this hotel home when they’re in town. I heard whispers that Kylie Minogue and Kourtney Kardashian had been among the celeb set to frequent the hotel.
In addition to parading poolside, guests can appreciate some quality ‘me-time’ at Kailo Medispa.
The team of experienced therapists offer guests everything from luxurious facials to body massages and laser treatments, and vitamin infusions. There are nine treatment rooms in total and a curated selection of products to choose from.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 60-minute body massage and must give special mention to my therapist, Isa. What a joy it was to experience your skills and happy disposition.
Word has it Bear Grylls had some pampering here recently, proving that even a rugged traveller needs some luxury attention every now and then.
Rounding out the hotel’s wellness offering is its gym and quiet Library room hub.
Guest Services
The team at the check-in counter were pleasant to deal with, but the lobby team and some of the junior staff came across as a little awkward at times. Nevertheless, there were plenty of hotel staff across the property visible and willing to help as required.
The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and for those frequenting often, or planning to, guests can join the Friends of Calile program, offering them exclusive benefits, including discounted rates and exclusive drink and dining offers.
The Verdict
Overall: The Calile Hotel is certainly worthy of its global reputation, but given its industry status and celeb appeal, there are some areas I expected would be more on-point.
Location 10/10 – no question.
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Universal Traveller — The Calile Hotel Brisbane: A Luxury Urban Oasis Reviewed by Melinda Healy
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