Queens Wharf Star Grand Hotel first look: Inside luxe accommodation as bookings flood in

From flashy decor to panoramic views of Brisbane from a luxurious bathtub, take an exclusive first look at the Star Grand Hotel at Queens Wharf.

The $3.6bn Queens Wharf precinct is just days away from its stage one opening and already its centrepiece, The Star Grand Hotel, is fully booked up.

The luxury hotel – which charges $5600 a night for its penthouse suites – opens just in time for Saturday’s Riverfire, is sold out across the weekend, and looks set to be soon fully booked up until Christmas.

The Sunday Mail was given an exclusive first-look around the world-class entertainment precinct, including inside the five-star The Star Grand Hotel.

Guests enter through a sweeping foyer – complete with an eye-catching chandelier and plush seating – which takes you through to the lobby bar and the Sokyo restaurant.

For VIP guests and diamond members, there is a private check-in and lounge with a green and gold colour pallette oozing prestige.

The Star Grand, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

But it’s on the upper levels where luxury is taken to the extreme.

From $5800 a night, guests can book one of four penthouse suites which boast open dining and living areas overlooking panoramic views of South Bank.

Along with a master and a second bedroom with accompanying ensuites, the penthouse also includes a third bathroom, small kitchen, walk-in wardrobe and even a private entrance in case guests are entertaining in the main living area.

However, the real spectacle is the master ensuite, which includes a round, lavish bathtub where guests can enjoy a bubble bath and champagne while admiring the views of South Brisbane – and for those staying on opening weekend, a world-class seat for Riverfire.

All 340 hotel rooms are sold out for the first four nights, including the four penthouses, the suites – which can be booked for $900 to $1500 per night – and the standard rooms, which are priced between $450-$600 per night.

The Star Grand, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

The Star’s chief operating officer hospitality Kelvin Dodt said booking demand had exceeded expectations.

“We expect to be really busy through until post-Christmas, at this point in time,” Mr Dodt said.

“Some days of the week we’ll be holding greater occupancy, and in particular, our weekends are our peak periods, so we have limited occupancy available to sell right now for our weekends in September and October.”

Natarsha Vidulic at The Star Grand, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Dodt said many of the bookings came from Star members wanting to be the first to experience Brisbane’s newest five-star hotel, as well as intra- and interstate visitors attending upcoming events at the Queens Wharf event centre.

“Whether we end up being 100 per cent sold out in October, November, December, yet remains to be seen, however, we’re more than encouraged with what we’re seeing at the present time,” he said.

The grand opening of Queens Wharf has been a long time coming.

Initially scheduled to take place in 2022, it has been delayed three times due to Covid and wild weather.

However, excitement for the precinct has not dwindled, with 650 reservations locked in at the newly opening restaurants for the first three nights, including at standout Japanese venue Sokyo.

With executive chef Alex Yu at the helm, a booking will be highly sought-after with a menu boasting mouth-watering dishes including truffle-infused lobster which has been grilled over Japanese charcoal, and Queensland yellowfin tuna served with a sweet aioli twist.

The Queens Wharf precinct will not just be a casino, Mr Dodt said.

“We believe that this will be a game-changer for Brisbane,” he said.

“It’s the only integrated resort that will be open in the world for a few years. It’s something very, very unique.”

One of the rooms at the Star Grand, Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

There is still a long journey ahead for the team behind Queens Wharf with Stage 2, which includes added food and beverage outlets, as well as the Dorsett Hotel, yet to come.

“The aim here is to see the precinct evolve over that period of 12 to 18 months and introduce new experiences for patrons, guests and visitors on a continual basis. It will really showcase and put Brisbane on the map,” Mr Dodt said.

Originally published as Queens Wharf Star Grand Hotel first look: Inside luxe accommodation as bookings flood in