Wake up to a new morning in Capri by Fraser in Brisbane's CBD and you'll discover there's plenty to like.
From the front entrance it's clear that this hotel is rather an adventure. Award-winning design specialists, Ministry Of Design, have incorporated vertical garden walls and art installations which make the foyer seem more like a club.
Best of all the wifi is fast and free, yes, free.
On the ground floor is the new Pete Evans restaurant, Asana by Pete Evans which offers a mainly paelo menu. Don't worry about the paelo thing, the food is great.
Bells and whistles in the rooms include an iPod docking sound system, a big (48") smart television, a Nespresso coffee machine, microwave and a rain shower. Personally, I don't usually take advantage of rain showers unless it's a hair washing day, but it's nice to have the choice. Same goes for the Nespresso machine - why make it yourself when there's an ample selection of great coffee shops just metres from the hotel's front door? But if you want that coffee in bed feeling, it's at your disposal.
In my room the king-sized bed was surrounded by windows and electrically operated curtains. Opening and shutting the double layered curtains took a little getting used to and then provided some amusement.
There's a desk/workspace which also has a mirror, handy for makeup application if the bathroom/toilet is in use.
If you wander into the bathroom half asleep, you'll certainly wake up when you see the brightly coloured tiles. They could be hard on a hangover but the effect is bright and modern. Malin+Goetz toiletries, a fluffy bathrobe and slippers are nice touches that add a feeling of luxury.
Each room has a kitchenette big enough to prepare a small meal and a microwave to reheat takeaways. As there's plenty of dining choices outside, it's an additional boon to have this option. Asana also has a grab and go cafe option.
The gym is outfitted for a serious work out and there's a reasonable number and variety of machines. It might not be what you are used to at your favourite gym but it's certainly enough to keep fit on while travelling. As a bonus, the heated indoor swimming pool is on the same level so you can finish your workout there.
Adjacent to the gym is Spin and Place - a 24/7 launderette with Foosball and XBox Kinect.
The Albert Street location is handy to Brisbane's Botanic Gardens which offer plenty of recreational activities or just a quiet place to relax.
My room: Studio Deluxe
Ed+bK Rating: 3.8 out of 5
Bottom line: Rooms start at $159.
Best tip: Schedule a visit to the sauna and steam room.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK stayed as a guest of Capri by Fraser.