W Hotel - Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane has always been somewhat overshadowed by its flashier southern siblings Sydney and Melbourne, but the arrival of the W hotel brand on the city’s river foreshore might be a sign of the times.

Taking up an entire city block in Brisbane Quarter – a new mixed use development in the CBD – the 312-room tower is designed by Australian architects DBI whilst Nic Graham, Fabio Ongarato and Amanda Love worked on the interiors.

Without straying from the W’s tried and tested formula for an outré almost psychedelic vibe of bold patterns and colour schemes, the designers incorporate quiet riparian themes that range from stylised timber river reeds lining the reception staircase to tidal markings based on river flood lines weaving through the corridors.

Local restaurant honchos Three Blue Ducks have opened an outpost featuring indelibly Down Under fare like Spanner crab scramble with green mango and house-made sriracha, and corn fritters paired with guacamole, fermented cabbage and labneh.