The Calile Hotel, Brisbane

The Calile Hotel sits on James Street in Fortitude Valley, the leafy Brisbane strip known for fashion, food and art, about a ten minute stroll from the Fortitude Valley train station. It has 175 rooms and suites, plus a pool deck lined with cabanas and day beds that is kept for staying guests.

Under the white-brick arches at street level you will find boutiques, restaurants and Kailo Medispa, along with a gym and a library. For couples, the draw is a polished city wedding and a holiday hotel at one address, with the whole James Street neighbourhood on the doorstep for guests.

The main celebration usually happens in the Grand Room, four linked spaces that open into one room for up to 280 seated banquet style or 300 for cocktails. Smaller weddings can take Grand Room IV with its private Terrace, which has gold mirrored ceilings, fans and heaters, and seats 30 for dinner. The Grand Room Reception by the pool holds 150 standing and suits arrival drinks. Up on Level 2, the open-air Amphitheatre takes 120 for drinks or 60 for a seated dinner. Resident chefs and event planners handle the details. Ask the team about ceremony options on site, the music curfew and minimum spends.

With 175 rooms and suites, most guest lists can stay under one roof, though each room is limited to two adults, so families may need extra bookings. Hellenika serves Greek food beside the pool, SK Steak & Oyster is in the building and the Lobby Bar runs from first coffee to nightcap. From Brisbane Airport, the Airtrain ride to Fortitude Valley is around 40 minutes, then it is a short walk. The concierge can also book private transfers from the airport.