Mercure, Brisbane

Advantages: Everything you need, neatly packaged into an attractive city
Disadvantages: Not on many people's itineraries - though it should be!

...I headed to Brisbane for a few days as a suitable stop over from Cairns to Sydney, and a suitable base from which to explore Fraser Island and Byron Bay. It was location more than anything that attracted me, but in the end Brisbane ended up being one of my favourite places during my time in Australia. Brisbane is in the middle of the east coast of Australia, just north of the Queensland / New South Wales border, and the capital of the former. The time difference between Brisbane and the UK varies, as does the time difference between Brisbane and Sydney since once adopts summer time and the other doesn't, but currently when it's midnight here, it's 10am in Brisbane. Though you can fly into the international airport from most of the Asian stop over options, most people fly into Sydney or Melbourne and then jump on a domestic flight. I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Very close to Tate Modern, and Southwark tube station
Disadvantages: Located on the other side of the river from the likes of Oxford Street

...I stayed at the London Mercure London City last weekend as part of a birthday treat from my boyfriend (I believe he booked it as part of a deal with rail tickets/show tickets/hotel, so am unable to tell you how much the hotel costs separately!). We stayed there for one night (a Saturday) after spending the day shopping in Oxford Street and the evening watching Phantom of the Opera at the London Palladium. We were able to check-in from 2 o'clock onwards, and we arrived at approximately 5pm. We were greeted at reception by a member of staff and a trainee, and were offered a smoking or non-smoking room. We opted for a non-smoking room and were given room 502 on the 5th floor. Room 502 is just a few steps away from the lift, and is forwards facing so you can see straight out into Southwark Street. It is a two-person room with a decent... Read review

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Advantages: Lovely
Disadvantages: No Star Attraction

...Brisbane is like a second home to me, I have been there many times because to see family. What I like most about Brisbane is the friendly atmosphere. This is what makes it so special. I can't imagine a more relaxed city. Brisbane lacks a big name attraction to draw as many tourists in as Sydney, but there are loads of places to visit in the near vicinity. The Gold Coast is an hours drive south. There you can find miles of white sand beaches, casinos, huge theme parks and a wicked nightlife. To the north is the sunshine coast, which is a lot quieter, but has some spectacular scenery. Brisbane itself has it's own unique charm. The Queens Street Mall is great for shoping and South Bank, in the city centre is a nice area for leisure. There's always lots of sport going on in the city. The Aussie Rules at the gabba is great fun. Don... Read review

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