Guest Author - Yvonne Russell

Brisbane
Brisbane has been named Australia's most liveable city. It is the capital of the state of Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State. In keeping with its semi tropical weather, Queensland's lifestyle is relatively laid back. The city has the feel, to me at least, of a small version of San Francisco.

While more conservative than San Francisco, Brisbane is very much a happening city. The state has Australia's highest interstate migration. Young professionals, families and retirees are heading north to Brisbane for weather, lifestyle, beaches and jobs.

Business wise, Brisbane is booming. It is the Australian headquarters for Virgin Airlines, Kleenmaid and Boeing. If you are looking for a hotel in the city, in my opinion, you can't go past my own personal choice, The Royal Albert Hotel.

The Royal Albert Hotel
The Royal Albert is a small boutique hotel in the very heart of the city. It is directly opposite the main shopping complex, The Myer Centre. City shops trade seven days per week. Friday night is late night shopping till 9.00 p.m.

The hotel does not have a restaurant, but has an arrangement with The Mondial Cafe downstairs for room service if required. The cafe spills out onto the footpath, and is opposite a cinema and Borders bookstore.

The Visitor's Centre is in the mall in Queen Street, just around the corner.
Restaurants abound, and City Hall and King George Square Park are two blocks away.

The Royal Albert Hotel is well appointed. The only reservation I have is that you cannot open the sealed windows for fresh air. Choose from standard rooms and fully self contained suites. Double rooms start at about $US120 per night. Booking on a last minute hotel bookings site such as "wotif.com", may uncover some special rates. I would strongly suggest booking, as this hotel is very popular. The hotel also offers valet security parking, at an extra cost.

The atmosphere of The Royal Albert Hotel is more personalised than the huge sterile conglomerate hotels, and the rooms are quite spacious. The decor has antique style accents. However, The Royal Albert's trump card is its convenient central location.