Most hotel guides tell you how to get somewhere. This one is shorter, because you're already here.
Chester Hotel sits at 959 Ann Street, on the corner of Chester Street, in the middle of Fortitude Valley. The Valley is Brisbane's most concentrated few blocks. It has the city's best-known restaurant strip, its live music rooms, a Chinatown, and a short walk to the river. Here's how we'd spend time in it.
Ann Street runs through the Valley from the CBD towards Bowen Hills. From our door, James Street is a few minutes' walk in one direction. Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown are a few minutes in the other. Fortitude Valley station is close by, and the city centre is one stop away.
You don't need a car for any of what follows. If you've brought one, parking is complimentary.
Downstairs. Restaurant Dan Arnold is at street level in our building. It's dine-in only and books out, so ask the front desk to help with a table before you arrive.
James Street. This is the Valley's quieter, more considered side. It's tree-lined, low-rise, and full of restaurants run by some of Brisbane's better-known chefs. Gerard's Bistro, tucked down Gerard's Lane, does Middle Eastern cooking in a dark, textured room. Bianca is Italian and suits a long lunch. Hellenika serves Greek food beside the pool at The Calile. Essa, just off the main street, cooks over wood and changes its menu with the season.
Agnes. It's a wood-fired restaurant on Agnes Street and one of the hardest tables in the city to get. Book as early as you can.
Brunswick Street and the laneways. This is the Valley's faster side. Happy Boy serves Chinese food in a courtyard off Brunswick Street. It's loud, it's affordable, and it's often the meal people remember. The Chinatown Mall and the streets around it have Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese kitchens that don't need a booking.
The Valley has been the centre of Brisbane's live music for decades. Many of Australia's better-known bands played their first shows within a few blocks of here.
Fortitude Music Hall sits on Brunswick Street Mall and takes the larger touring acts. The Tivoli is older, smaller, and has more character. Black Bear Lodge is upstairs off the Mall and is the place for a small room and a band you haven't heard of yet.
Check what's on before you arrive. Big shows sell out, and the Valley is busiest from Thursday to Saturday. The front desk is open 24 hours, so a late return is no trouble.
The Valley slopes down to the Brisbane River, and the walk is worth taking.
Head towards New Farm and you'll reach New Farm Park, with its old fig trees and open lawns. The Brisbane Powerhouse is next to the park. It's a former power station that now hosts theatre, comedy, and a regular weekend program. In the other direction, Howard Smith Wharves sits under the Story Bridge. It has restaurants and a brewery on the water, and the cliffs rise behind it.
The CityCat ferry runs from New Farm Park, and it's the easiest way to see the city from the water. You can take it to South Bank, which we've covered in our South Bank guide.
Is Fortitude Valley a good place to stay in Brisbane?
It suits people who want to walk to dinner, a show, or the river. The CBD and South Bank are also close. Rooms at Chester are apartment-style, and there's a rooftop pool and gym for quieter hours.
How far is Chester Hotel from James Street?
It's a few minutes' walk along Ann Street.
Is Fortitude Valley noisy at night?
Parts of it are, particularly around Brunswick Street Mall late on weekends. Ann Street is a working city street, and the hotel sits back from the busiest nightlife blocks.
What time is check-out?
Check-out is 10am. Late check-out can be requested when you check in.
Chester Hotel is at 959 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. The front desk is open 24 hours, and the team knows the neighbourhood well. Ask them anything.
Photo credit: Tourism Australia
