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Our Story

Emporium transcends traditional classifications, beyond simply a “property development” or “hotel” to create a class of its own. Emporium is a pillar of pioneering vision. It is a master class in mixed use precincts, an exhibition in elevating amenity into an art form, and a showcase of making a place into an experience.

Emporium is an evolution. While it now stands in South Bank as part of the $600-million-dollar Southpoint precinct as an icon of contemporary construction and design, its inception has been decades in the making.

Exterior of the hotel entrance at Emporium Hotels South Bank

The Emporium story began in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in the early 2000s with architect/designer development duo Anthony and Francine John. The visionaries behind The Anthony John Group undertook the first urban renewal of its kind in Brisbane at the time, bringing together residential, commercial, retail and a hotel in one unique, vibrant precinct. And just as its namesake Emporium precinct was without equal, Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley was too a leader in its class.

Then & Now

With Anthony and Fran’s constant desire to push the limits of expectation, their ability to be ahead of shifting trends and their hallmark design-driven approach to development, they launched the inimitable Emporium Hotel South Bank in October 2018. Billed as “the last piece of South Bank” it was certainly a case of saving the best to last. South Bank’s first 5-star hotel set new standards for style, comfort and service, with the new Emporium taking the mantle from its predecessor as ‘Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the 2019 World Travel Awards. It also carved its own niche by combining the 143 luxury hotel suites with the 220 fully serviced Emporium Residences, taking the honours as ‘Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences’ in 2018 and 2019. This rare integration of hotel and residences - along with the impressive line up of premium bars, dining and events, including the iconic Terrace rooftop – are truly defining characteristics of the Emporium.

In the year that was 2020 Emporium Hotels, in partnership with Training Evolution introduced the Emporium Academy, a 12 month program commencing February 2021, to ease the pressure of leaving high school and preparing 15 year 12 graduates for a career in hospitality. Students will able to study and learn offsite at Training Evolution's Milton Campus and return to our exquisite hospitality environment to complete hands on work integrated learning. Upon successful completion of the program, you will earn a nationally recognised qualification, the Diploma of Hospitality Management. The best of both worlds come together conveniently to provide students the best possible learning experience.

While Emporium Hotel South Bank has quickly gained instant icon status, its core commitment to innovation and exceeding expectations will continue to leave a lasting legacy. This is only the beginning.

 

Hotel crew gathered for a meeting at Emporium Hotels South Bank

Awards & Honours

Emporium Hotel is committed to ‘surprising and delighting’ each guest. For us, it is about remaining connected with our guests through the creation of enchanting memories and breath-taking splendour. We are pleased to present the following as testament to our approach.

2024

Chef Hat (13)
Signature
AGFG Chef Hat Awards

2023

Bronze - 5 Star Luxury Accommodation
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Queensland Tourism Awards

Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
World Travel Awards Oceania

Wedding Venue - 4 - 5 Star Hotel (Top 3)
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Australian Wedding Awards

Wedding Venue - 5 Star Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Australian Wedding Awards (Queensland)

Hotel Reception
Emporium Hotel South Bank
ABIA Wedding Industry Awards

Function Coordinator (Finalist)
Emporium Hotel South Bank
ABIA Wedding Industry Awards

1st Night Honeymoon
Emporium Hotel South Bank
ABIA Wedding Industry Awards

Chef Hat (13)
Signature
AGFG Chef Hat Awards

3 Glass Rating
Signature
Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards

5 Plate Rating
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Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence

Top 50 Restaurants
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OpenTable Australia

Best Hotel Room Service (Finalist)
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards

2022

5 Star Luxury Accommodation Bronze Winner
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Queensland Tourism Awards

Best Hotel View Finalist
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards

Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
World Travel Awards Oceania

Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences
Emporium Hotel South Bank 
World Travel Awards Oceania

Traveller Review Award (9.3/10)
Emporium Hotel South Bank
Booking.com

Chef Hat (13)
Signature
AGFG Chef Hat Awards

3 Glass Winner
Signature
Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards

delicious. 100 (#54)
Signature
delicious. 100

Wine Bar/Brewery & Boutique Spirits Winner
the Terrace
Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence

2021

Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
World Travel Awards Oceania

Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences
Emporium Hotel South Bank 
World Travel Awards Oceania

Accommodation Hotel of the Year
Emporium Hotel South Bank
QHA Awards for Excellence

Best Hotel Bar Accommodation Division
the Terrace
QHA Awards for Excellence

Best Restaurant Accommodation
Signature
QHA Awards for Excellence

Chef Hat (13)
Signature
AGFG Chef Hat Awards

3 Glass Winner
Signature
Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards

2020

Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
World Travel Awards Oceania

Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences
Emporium Hotel South Bank 
World Travel Awards Oceania

Travelers’ Choice Award for Hotels in Australia
Emporium Hotel South Bank    
Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Awards

The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Brisbane, Australia
Emporium Hotel South Bank  
Luxury Lifestyle Awards

3 Glass Winner
Signature
Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards

Chef Hat (12)
Signature
AGFG Chef Hat Awards

2019

Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel South Bank
World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania

Australia's Leading Hotel Residences
Emporium Residences South Bank
World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania

Best Boutique Bar Queensland
the Terrace Rooftop Bar
QHA Awards (Queensland Hotels Association)

Wine List Of The Year
Signature
Courier Mail Food Awards

Delicious 100 Restaurant
Signature
Sunday Mail Delicious 100 

2018

Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel
Emporium Hotel
World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania

Australia's Leading Hotel Residences
Emporium Residences
World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania