Spicers Balfour Hotel is a small boutique property in New Farm, one of Brisbane's most appealing inner suburbs, a leafy neighbourhood of heritage houses, cafes and riverside parks about two kilometres from the CBD. Choosing it means trading the bustle of the city centre for a calmer, more residential feel, with the compensation that the best of local life is on your doorstep. New Farm Park, famous for its jacaranda trees and its rose garden, is within walking distance, and the Brisbane Powerhouse arts venue and the New Farm ferry terminal are not far away, giving you an easy riverside route into the city. Merthyr Road and Brunswick Street have cafes, restaurants and bars, and the Story Bridge is a pleasant walk along the river. The hotel is designed for guests who prefer individual character to a large chain feel, with a smaller number of rooms and a homely, boutique atmosphere.
Location and getting around
The CityCat from the New Farm ferry terminal carries you to the CBD and South Bank in about twenty minutes along the river, which is a scenic commute in its own right, and buses run along the main roads. A rideshare to the CBD is quick outside peak times. The suburb is walkable, with flat streets and good footpaths, and it is among the nicest areas in the city for an evening stroll.
The stay itself
Boutique hotels tend to have fewer facilities than the big towers, so check the booking page for what your room offers, such as dining, a pool or parking, and for the room categories available. Expect a more personal service style and an intimate, quieter atmosphere. If you need a big gym, a business centre or a large pool, a CBD hotel is a better match, but if you want a peaceful base and a local neighbourhood, it is an excellent choice.
Who it suits
Couples, repeat visitors, travellers who like walkable, cafe-filled suburbs and anyone who prefers a quiet retreat after a day in the city. Families can stay, though the property is not geared to children in the way that a South Bank resort is. Pair it with the Wheel of Brisbane, a river cruise and the Story Bridge, which are all easy to reach by ferry, and compare it with The Calile for a different kind of stylish base.
Book early for weekends and for the spring jacaranda season, when New Farm is at its prettiest.
Why stay here
- ✓Boutique New Farm location
- ✓Walk to New Farm Park
- ✓Near the Brisbane Powerhouse
- ✓CityCat ferry nearby
- ✓Cafes and restaurants on Merthyr Road
- ✓Quiet residential streets
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Easy riverside walk to the Story Bridge
Good questions
Where is Spicers Balfour Hotel?+
In New Farm, a leafy riverside suburb about two kilometres from the CBD.
How do I get to the city?+
Take the CityCat from the New Farm terminal to the CBD and South Bank, or use a bus or rideshare.
Is it good for families?+
It can work, but it is a boutique hotel with a quiet atmosphere, so check the facilities for your room type.
