Brisbane's BEST Apartments? Belise Awaits!
Brisbane's BEST Apartments? Belise Awaits! – A Review (with a few real opinions thrown in)
Okay, folks, buckle up! I just got back from a stint at Belise Awaits, and let me tell you, "Brisbane's BEST Apartments?" is a bold claim. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Prepare for a review that's less a sterile list and more a messy, honest, and hopefully helpful look at the experience.
First Impressions: Accessibility & the Nitty Gritty
Alright, let's dive in with the boring stuff first - gotta cover our bases!
- Accessibility: They claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests." That's a good start. Didn't personally need it, but I appreciate the mention. It's 2024, accessibility is non-negotiable.
- Wheelchair accessible: I didn’t roll around the place in a wheelchair – a mental image I'm now trying to shake! – but I noticed a few things. Elevators are definitely there. Based on what I did see, it looked pretty good. Of course, I’d recommend calling ahead and checking specific room types if you need to.
- Getting Online: Wi-Fi is FREE, baby! Everywhere. In the rooms, in the public areas, everywhere! Which is essential because, let's be honest, we're all addicted. I’m looking at you. They also have LAN connections, like… for people who exist. That's a nice touch. Internet services were… well, it worked. No complaints.
- Internet: The entire thing is available and working, so to make sure you are connected.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And a Few Little Grumbles)
My room was… well, it was a room. A very nice room, truth be told. Let's get into those details:
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), alarm clock (does anyone actually use these anymore?), bathrobes (yes!), bathroom phone (who calls from the bathroom?), bathtub (ah, the luxury!), black-out curtains (essential for afternoon naps!), carpeting (a bit dated, but clean), closet, coffee/tea maker (crucial for morning grumps!), complimentary tea (nice!), daily housekeeping (heaven!), desk, extra long bed (yay for stretching out!), free bottled water (hydration is key!), hair dryer (a must!), high floor (made me feel important!), in-room safe box, internet access – wireless (duh!), internet access – LAN, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar (tempting!), mirror, non-smoking (thank god!), on-demand movies (tempting!), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator (perfect for chilling that other bottle of water), safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels (all the trash TV you could want!), scale (yikes!), seating area, separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), shower, slippers (yes!), smoke detector (safety first!), socket near the bed (brilliant!), sofa, soundproofing (amazing!), telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
- Rooms, in short: The rooms are pretty well-equipped, with a lot of attention to detail.
- The Little Annoyances: The coffee was instant. Instant! In a place like this?! A minor quibble, sure, but come on, Belise, step up your coffee game! Also the lack of power outlets at a time where you can't take a walk without seeing someone on their phone, charging on the go.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Does Belise Deliver?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Let's talk food:
- Restaurants: Yes, plural! There's an a la carte restaurant, another buffet, maybe a salad, soup, and international cuisine.
- Poolside Bar: This is the money. Sipping a cocktail by the pool (more on that later) is pure bliss. Happy hour is a must.
- Breakfast: Asian? Buffet? Western?! Okay, I tried the buffet. It was fine. Standard hotel breakfast fare. They also offer breakfast in the room and breakfast takeaway so you can be lazy.
- Other Bits: Coffee shop (needed!), snack bar (always good!), room service [24-hour] (a lifesaver!), and a bar (obviously).
Here's my take: The food is solid, not mind-blowing. But the convenience? Unmatched. The poolside bar is the highlight.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Ah, the Good Life!
This is where Belise really shines. Let's get into the pampering.
- Pool with a View: OMG. The pictures don't do it justice. It's stunning. Seriously, I spent a solid afternoon just floating, gazing at the city. Pure bliss.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Yep, all that decadent goodness. I had a massage, and it was… transformative. Okay, that’s a bit much, but it WAS fantastic. I ended up in the sauna, and the steamroom as well. I felt like a totally remade being.
- Gym/Fitness: They have a fitness center. I looked at it. Didn't use it. I was too busy relaxing. (Don't judge!)
- Other Amenities: You've also got a Body wrap, Body scrub, and a foot bath.
But the Pool? The pool is the experience I want to tell you about
It isn't the biggest, it isn't the deepest, it's isn't the most glamorous pool you will see but when you immerse yourself in it you can't help but feel a sense of relaxation, a perfect end to the day. The pool is the very embodiment of a moment.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Circus
Let's be honest, we're all a little obsessed with cleanliness these days. Belise seems to take it seriously:
- Hand Sanitizer: EVERYWHERE.
- Daily Disinfection: Yup, they're doing it. Common areas, at least.
- Room Sanitization: They apparently clean rooms between stays.
- Staff Protocol: Staff trained in safety protocol, which is a big plus.
- Other Touches: Hand sanitizer, and individually-wrapped food options.
I felt safe.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks of Being a Guest
They thought of almost everything:
- Business Facilities: Meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, Xerox/fax in business center. If you actually need to work, they’ve got you covered.
- Services galore: Air conditioning in public areas, business facilities, concierge, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, essential condiments, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, safety deposit boxes, the list goes on…
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, car parking (free!), taxi service, valet parking… They make it easy to get around.
For the Kids (And Those Who Just Act Like Them)
- Babysitting Service: Yep.
- Family/Child Friendly: The pool area and the convenience factor make it a great option for families.
- Kids Meal: They had that, too.
The Verdict? Belise Awaits… And It's Probably Worth It
Okay, after all that rambling, is Belise Awaits worth the hype?
Here's the deal: It's not perfect. The hotel is not faultless. But it's really, really good. The rooms are comfortable, the amenities are plentiful, and the location is great. It ticks all the boxes without being boring.
My Emotional Takeaway: I’d go back. I’d recommend it. Will it be the best apartment experience? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's a solid, enjoyable stay and the experience I had in the pool? That alone is worth it.
Final Recommendation: For a comfortable, convenient, and relaxing stay in Brisbane, Belise Awaits is a solid choice.
SEO-Friendly Summary (for the search engines):
Brisbane Apartments Review: Belise Awaits offers premium accommodation with fantastic amenities, including a pool with a view, spa services, and excellent dining. The Belise Awaits apartments are fully accessible, with [free wi-fi] and many options for leisure and relaxation. Book your stay at Belise Awaits for a memorable Brisbane experience!
Aberdeen Luxury Getaway: Kamloops' Best Kept Secret (BC, Canada)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my (slightly chaotic, let's be honest) Brisbane adventure, all stemming from a week-long stay at the swanky-sounding Belise Apartments. Prepare for a rollercoaster worthy of the Gold Coast itself!
Belise Apartments Brisbane: My Home Base (and Source of Minor Panic)
First off, the Belise. Sounds fancy, yeah? Well, it IS fancy. But let's be real, the "ultra-modern" design makes me feel like I'm living in a spaceship sometimes. Finding the light switches at 3 AM? Absolute nightmare. And don't even get me started on the automated blinds. One wrong button, and BAM, sun blasting your eyeballs at crack o' dawn. Anyway…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coffee Quest (aka Mild Disaster)
- Morning: Arrived at Brisbane Airport. Smooth flight, thank the heavens. Uber ride to Belise. Seriously, the city is gorgeous, so many vibrant colors and the architecture is actually impressive, for being a small city. Check-in was a breeze (thank you, friendly receptionist!). Apartment? Stellar view, especially the sunrise. Immediately, the sheer level of cleanliness and modern design made you feel like you’re in a luxury hotel room. So far, so good!
- Mid-Morning: The Coffee Quest commenced. Brisbane, I'd heard, was a coffee mecca. Needed caffeine to combat the jetlag and the lingering fear of automated blinds. Wandered the surrounding streets, desperate for a decent brew. Found a place called "Brewtiful Beginnings". Sounded promising. Ordered a flat white. What arrived? Something that resembled dishwater with a hint of coffee. My soul wept.
- Afternoon: Recovered from the coffee trauma with a glorious nap. The bed at Belise is like sleeping on a cloud. Seriously, I think I could have stayed there all day. But, alas, adventure calls.
- Evening: Riverside stroll along the Brisbane River. Beautiful, even though I almost tripped over a rogue tree root. Found a charming little bistro (finally!) and had a perfectly acceptable pizza. Watched the city lights twinkle. Feeling a little less jet-lagged, a little more optimistic.
Day 2: South Bank and the Art of Getting Lost (and Loving It)
- Morning: Decided to embrace the Brisbane sunshine and hit up South Bank Parklands. The lagoon was tempting, but I'm not a huge fan of public bathing.
- Mid-Morning: Queensland Art Gallery. Wandered for hours, absorbed in the vibrant colors and abstract brilliance. I even tried to buy a painting. The price tag convinced me however that it was out of my reach.
- Afternoon: The Great Lost Expedition. Decided to “explore” some side streets. Got gloriously lost. Actually, I quite enjoyed it. Found a hidden cafe with AMAZING avocado toast and cold brew (redemption!). The people are seriously friendly here, offered me directions and even a recommendation or two, I feel like I’m home.
- Evening: River cruise. Touristy, yes, but the views were spectacular. Watched the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues. Had a glass of wine. Life felt…good.
Day 3: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Great Snuggle Debacle
- Morning: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! This deserves its own section because, holy heck, it was adorable.
- The Koala Encounter: Okay, so you can hold a koala. This is the whole reason I came. I have to admit the koala felt very smooth and cuddly. BUT, I can’t deny that the koalas were less enthused about my embrace. Koala’s are seriously like, "Lady, get off me."
- Afternoon: Spent hours cuddling the koalas. Then the kangaroos! The kangaroos were kinda scary, TBH. They look all innocent but I swear they are all judging me.
- Evening: Back at the Belise, ordered takeaway Thai food. The apartment's balcony became my private dining room, which overlooks the sparkling city lights. Bliss.
Day 4: The Brisbane River Regatta (and My Embarrassing Moment)
- Morning: The Regatta! The city was buzzing with the excitement of the Regatta, I heard that locals took it very seriously. Went for a walk, found a spot by the river. It was all a wonderful spectacle.
- Mid-Morning: Decided to embrace the “local vibe” and try to take a picture. I should have been ready to take the picture; The boat was going at the speed of sound! After a whole 15 minutes of failure to take photos. Embarrassing.
- Afternoon: Went to the Queen street mall. I saw a shop, the window had a great dress. I had to buy it.
- Evening: Pre-dinner drinks at a rooftop bar. The views were sensational. I kept myself from falling. Ordered some cocktails, they were great.
Day 5: Day Trip to the Gold Coast (and the Sand That Wouldn't Be Shaken)
- Morning: Decided to take a day trip to the Gold Coast. Famous for its beaches, I was very excited. Uber to the train? Smooth. Train ride? Surprisingly comfortable. The ride was about an hour.
- Afternoon: Surfer's Paradise! The beach was lovely, but the sand. That sand. It. Got. EVERYWHERE. In my shoes, in my hair, down my…well, you get the picture. It was worth it though, to see the waves.
- Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Romantic!
- Late Evening: Back to the Belise. Tired, sandy, but content.
Day 6: Exploring Fortitude Valley and the Search for the Perfect Cocktail
- Morning: Explored Fortitude Valley, the city’s entertainment district. The atmosphere was very youthful and fun. Walked down the shopping streets.
- Afternoon: The Great Cocktail Hunt began. Had to find the perfect cocktail that was worth the time.
- Evening: Found a great bar, ordered a cocktail. It was perfect. Went home elated.
Day 7: Departure (and the Bitter Sweet Farewell)
- Morning: Last sunrise over Brisbane. Sigh. Packed my bags. This apartment is really great.
- Check-out: The most efficient check-out experience ever. No drama, no fuss.
- Departure: Headed back to the airport. Brisbane, you were an adventure. Thanks for the coffee, the koalas, the sand, and the memories. Belise, you were an alright home base. I will miss you.
- Final Thoughts: Brisbane, you charmed me. You made me laugh. You made me a little bit lost and a lot bit happy. The Belise Apartments, with their sometimes-confusing modern design, were the perfect spot to call home. I shall return! (Perhaps with a better grasp of light switches.)
Okay, spill. Is Belise Awaits actually *the* best apartment in Brisbane? Because I've heard some things... (mostly good, but you know...)
Look, "best" is a loaded word, right? It's like asking if pineapple belongs on pizza (it *should*! Fight me!). But Belise Awaits…oh man.
Here's the deal: *for me*, with my weird priorities (proximity to good coffee shops **and** a park where I can pretend I'm a graceful woodland creature), it's pretty freakin' close. I've lived in Brisbane my whole life, seen apartments come and go… and some, well, let's just say the walls *breathed* a bit too much in the rainy season. Belise? Solid. Feels like they actually *built* it, not just, y'know, slapped it together with chewing gum and hope.
The "best" part is subjective. Is it the *absolute best* for a rock climbing enthusiast who wants a view of the Story Bridge? Probably not. But for me, craving a comfortable life the location is just perfect. Think about the location. I like the fact that it's in a quiet area, but still close enough to some really great restaurants.
But listen, it's not perfect. There was that one time the elevator decided to take a permanent nap for, like, three days. And the gym? Well, let's just say I've seen more advanced equipment in a high school weight room.
So, no, it's not *flawless*, but it's damn close. And I’m still obsessed with the view. It just *gets* me.
What's the deal with the “views” everyone raves about? Are they really *that* good?
Okay, the views. Buckle up, because this is where I get a little... poetic. Or maybe just slightly unhinged with appreciation.
Yes. They are. Seriously. I'm talking: Wake up, stumble to the balcony in my pjs, and BAM: The Brisbane River glinting, the city skyline twinkling like a million tiny diamond teeth, and the Story Bridge looking all majestic and... bridge-y. It's the kind of view that makes you actually *want* to get out of bed in the morning, which is a huge achievement for a person who considers "snooze" a life philosophy.
I remember, the first time I visited the display apartment, I genuinely gasped. My jaw actually dropped. The guy showing me around probably thought I was some kind of real estate nut, but I couldn't help it. It was just… gorgeous. I think I made some noise resembling a dying walrus.
And then there are the sunsets. Oh, the sunsets! They turn the sky into this swirling canvas of orange, pink, and purple. Seriously, I’ve wasted so many perfectly good hours watching sunsets just because it’s THAT good. It’s ridiculous. But, you know, worth it.
Is it worth the price? That you need to figure. But for me the view itself is enough to give it a try.
Okay, so the views are good, but what about the actual APARTMENTS themselves? Are they liveable? Spacious? Do you feel like you're living in a shoebox?
Shoebox? God, no! (Unless you *want* a shoebox, in which case… maybe look elsewhere). The apartments themselves are actually well-designed. I hate cramped spaces, claustrophobia is a real concern. Honestly I’m a space hog so the thought of a cramped space can stress me out enough to make me move out.
They're pretty spacious, even the smaller ones. And the layouts are smart, which is a huge bonus. I'm not tripping over furniture every five seconds. (Which, honestly, is a solid victory in my life). I also hate tiny closets. I need space. And, this is a big one for me, the windows! They're big and let in so much natural light. It makes such a difference. I hate apartments that feel like dungeons.
The finishes are good too. Not *super* fancy, but definitely not cheap and nasty. You know, granite countertops, nice appliances… stuff that makes you feel like you're actually living in a grown-up apartment and not a frat house. It's not over the top, thankfully – less to get obsessive over.
It's definitely liveable. Comfortable. And the best part (so far), the soundproofing. I have notoriously loud neighbors, but I barely hear them. A huge win.
What amenities does Belise Awaits offer and are they worth the extra cost?
Amenities, huh? Okay, let's break this down. Belise Awaits throws a few perks your way but I’d say some of them aren’t necessarily worth the price alone – but the overall package makes it worthwhile.
There's a gym, as mentioned. It's functional, it has treadmills and weights, but it's not a proper fancy fitness center. I mean, it'll do in a pinch if you don’t want to leave the building. Then there's a pool, which is a real winner, especially in Brisbane's glorious heat. Nothing beats taking a dip after a long day. Then there is the rooftop area with BBQ. Imagine your friends and family. You can see why this could be a great lifestyle.
The *biggest* amenity for me is the location. Easy access to absolutely everything. I used to hate driving, but with the location I am just so much happier and feel more relaxed.
Are the amenities *worth* it? Depends how much you use them. If you're a pool rat and gym junkie, absolutely. If you're like me and mostly use the pool and occasionally visit the gym, maybe not. But factor in the location, the views, and the overall feeling of the place, and it becomes a much better deal.
Is there anything that REALLY annoyed you about living there? Let's hear the dirt!
Alright, time for some honesty. Because, yeah, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. (Although, the sunsets… seriously, I’m still not over them).
The biggest annoyance? The car park. Okay, it's not the worst thing in the world, but at peak times, getting in and out can be a bit of a nightmare. It's not a *major* drama, but it's enough to make you swear under your breath when you’re late for work.
Also, the occasional maintenance issue. Nothing catastrophic (so far!), but stuff happens. Like that time the hot water went out for a day. Cue me and a cold shower (shivers). The management are pretty responsive though, so it wasn't a *huge* deal. But still, cold showers are an experience.
And, I mentioned the gym earlier, right? Still could be better for the price. I'm just being honest.
So, the real dirt? Not a deal-breaker, but a minor inconvenience. It's just real life, right? But it does mean, at times, I’m frustrated.
