The Brisbane hotel that made the world’s top 20
A Brisbane hotel is the nation’s only luxury property to make the inaugural list of the World’s Best 50 Hotels.
The Calile Hotel in Brisbane has been named the 12th best in the world and is the only Australian entry on the inaugural list of top global hotels.
The awards, run by UK publisher William Reed, come 21 years after the debut of the highly influential World’s Best 50 restaurants in 2002 and the World’s Best 50 Bars in 2009.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels were determined by a panel of 580 global industry experts and were unveiled at an awards ceremony in London’s Guildhall.
New luxury villa Passalacqua on Italy’s Lake Como was named the world’s best hotel, with Rosewood Hong Kong taking out No 2, Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River number three and the Upper House Hong Kong and Aman Tokyo rounding out the top five.
Located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, The Calile opened in 2018 and was designed by architects Richards & Spence. It was also named the best hotel in Oceania.
“Channeling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe in the heart of the city,” is how the World’s Best 50 Hotels described the property. “The Calile Hotel is the centrepiece of the chic James Street precinct, a leafy oasis in the centre of Brisbane that’s upping the city’s design and dining credentials at a rapid pace.”
The judges also hailed the hotel as key in the Queensland capital becoming a dining hot spot.
“Brisbane is becoming an increasingly interesting place to dine and The Calile’s six restaurants have been instrumental in making that a reality,” they said.
In London for the ceremony, The Calile Hotel co-owner Catherine Malouf said she was extremely proud to be representing her family and employees at such a significant celebration.
“This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to represent the Australian hotel industry on the world stage,” she said.
Calile Hotel general manager Rob Unson said being named 12th in the world was a fitting fifth birthday present for the 175-guestroom boutique hotel and a great win for Australian tourism.
“It takes an outstanding team to deliver outstanding guest experiences, and I want to take a moment to thank the hotel team – from our housekeepers to our pool attendants, maintenance and kitchen teams and our front of house guest service attendants – who go above and beyond to welcome our guests back through the arches time and time again,” he said.
“This accolade is a testament to their professionalism, and tonight is a win for them.”
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