The Park Hotel Brisbane

The Watermark is a smart, modern hotel that's best for travelers who don't need a ton of frills beyond their rooms. Interiors are well-kept and sharp, if understated. Orange leather armchairs and cushions give everything a pop of color, but the look is otherwise rendered in dark brown and white tones. There's plenty of comfortable seating in the lobby, but it's a functional space and not a social area, with steps leading off to the restaurant and conference rooms. The color scheme continues throughout the public areas of the hotel, giving it a formal, corporate feel. Aside from the bar and restaurant, and the pool, this isn't the kind of place where travelers mix and mingle, and it suits guests who will be out on business or seeing the sights. It also works a useful base for those visiting the nearby hospital. 

The Watermark Brisbane is on Wickham Terrace, opposite pretty Roma Street Parklands and just outside of the city center. It's a 15-minute walk to the city's best shopping and dining, including buzzing Queen Street Mall. The free Spring Hill bus loop into the center has a stop that's just two minutes from the hotel on foot. It's a 10-minute trip from there, though the bus only runs on weekdays. The area is mainly residential, so there are no restaurants or shops close by, but the park opposite has a cafe and occasional music events. On the far side of the park is Roma Street Station (a 10-minute walk) for connections to South Bank attractions like the Queensland Science Center and GOMA modern art gallery. Trains also leave from the station to Brisbane Airport, taking about 45 minutes. By cab, the airport is a 15-minute drive depending on traffic. Expect an 80-minute drive to the beaches of the Gold Coast. 

The Watermark's 94 rooms keep up the sharp, simple look found throughout its common areas. The monochrome decor is brightened with flashes of color in the orange pillows and striped bed runners, and patterned carpets nicely complement the taupe padded headboards. Flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, irons, pillow menus, minibars, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and Espressotoria coffee machines with two free daily pods come standard. Superior Rooms, some Deluxe Rooms, and Park Suites feature private balconies overlooking the Roma Street Parklands. Deluxe Rooms offer added living space with a chaise lounge. Park Suites are especially well-designed, adding separate living rooms with desks, wet bars, and splashes of turquoise in the spacious bedrooms. Bathrooms are modern throughout, with contemporary fixtures, roomy rainfall showers, and a good amount of counter space. Toiletries and hairdryers are included, and higher category rooms add bathrobes.

The Watermark is a popular conference hotel with several meeting rooms, but there's enough here for tourists as well. A small outdoor pool has a deck with a few lounge chairs and views of the parklands' trees and surrounding palms. However, being street-side means that there is some traffic noise. The hotel's restaurant, 551, is a stylish space serving a buffet breakfast with a la carte options, and a high-end menu of modern Australian dishes for dinner. Tapas and snacks are available from the bar and there's outdoor seating by the pool. The lack of business center or gym is surprising, but the self-service laundry room is useful. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and on-site parking is available for a fee.