Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX — Hotel in Brisbane City

The start of my experience with Ivy Eve was discouraging, and I have to admit it may have worsened over the trip. The summary: staff lying about room availability over the phone, the place looks fancy but several cases of cutting corners, eg smoke alarms without battery backup (but technically legal for another 15 months), slightly better than orphanage grade toilet paper, and just big enough rooms that are tight to move around in, including a shower door that hits the toilet bowl. Will not return.

First, I booked a two bedroom apartment for a conference, and on the morning before check-in found my colleague was unable to attend due to poor health, so thought I'd call to try and downgrade to a single room if possible to avoid charging the charity I'm here for unnecessarily. I was told she would "look and see" if a room was available while I waited on hold, but then advised that there wasn't one. Fair enough, I thanked her and hung up and thought I'd look at their direct site, and surprise there's a single appartment available that'd save the charity $400. I wouldn't object if they'd just said it was against policy and too late to change, but lying doesn't give a great first impression.

Secondly upon check-in, the smoke alarm looked broken so I asked reception who sent someone to check and advised it was "meant to be like that", so I had a closer look, and they don't close properly because there's no battery installed, meaning they rely on mains power only, which apparently is still legal in Brisbane until 2020. But safe? Make your own call.

The bathroom looks classy, but the toilet paper is only slightly better than orphanage grade, the ensuite shower hits the toilet bowl, one of the toilet seats didn't line up with the bowl, and hot water takes well over a minute to flow.

The cost cutting is visible in the room size too, the walkways in the lounge, bedrooms and shower are just wide enough to navigate, though would be challenging for any larger people.

Will not return. It appears classy and has a nice view, but putting a Kit Kat and couple of water bottles and soft drink cans in the fridge isn't enough to outweigh the rest of the...

The staff in the reception area are all smiles and have top-class interaction with you as you check in. However, they are minimal in the sense that you don’t encounter them as you go through the complex, which adds a home-like vibe.

I absolutely love the room! When I first saw it, I was blown away. It was clean and very charming, with a modern design language. Despite being a small space, it feels much bigger than it is.

They left the TV on a jazz channel that only plays audio, which set the perfect pace and mood. It made me feel like I was coming home, not entering for the first time.

I love the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let in plenty of natural light. If that isn’t attractive to you, they have screens and blinds for privacy. I personally never used them though.

The bedroom and bathroom are phenomenal, both radiating the same clean and modern design language.

The kitchen is fully stocked with all the appliances you could need, including a dishwasher and electric kettle. There’s also a washer and dryer in the bathroom.

The recreational area on level 5 is a lovely perk, and I’d give it a “chef’s kiss”. The pool and jacuzzi would have been enough for me, but the spa area, grill area, and relaxing spaces are excellent bonuses.

Attending functions at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre was convenient because it’s just a 3-4 minute walk away. There are numerous bars and restaurants nearby, as well as a 7-Eleven convenience store, supermarkets, and the Wheel of Brisbane. The River City Cruises, Queensland Museum, Queensland Cultural Centre, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre are also close by. You’ll be close to many attractions and won’t easily get bored. For shopping, eating, or simply hanging out, the Queen City Mall is about a 15-minute walk away.

I was very hesitant to go, but I highly recommend this apartment complex. Your plans and stay in Australia will be enhanced by...

My wife and I have now enjoyed two separate stays at Ivy & Eve, both times as I was scheduled to attend a multi-day conference. Conveniently, literally a two-minute walk up the street.

Ivy & Eve is a fantastic option, complemented by great location, excellent customer service, and enough local food & drink to satisfy an army!

The complex is impeccably organised, with friendly and skilled reception staff seemingly present at all hours. They were accommodating with my requests, and any email communication sent was promptly answered by various parties.

The arrival process is simple, even if driving. Head directly into the underground carpark and find a visitors spot. Take the lift up to reception, where you'll receive further instructions and your fob and key. Jump in the lift, select your floor (access denied to other floors as a security measure), and up you go. Access is granted for certain areas, such as the gym or pool.

Our initial stay was in a conservative one bedroom apartment, with street views. It was very clean and tidy, and met all our needs. No striking backdrop, but a comfortable space with all the mod cons, a hot shower, and a comfy bed.

Our second stay had us upgrade to a two bedroom apartment, with city views. We were also considerably higher, which added to the appeal and appreciation of the landscape below. The apartment was much bigger, with both a second bedroom and bathroom. More than we needed, of course, but it was nice to have the extra space. Again, everything was clean, tidy, and secure.

Overall, and as much as I'm not a 'bright lights, big city' guy, I always genuinely enjoy my time at Ivy & Eve and look forward to the next. The location is perfect, with so much to do and see, and all so very close. The staff are wonderful, and even having your own designated parking spot is a huge plus. For me, both visits have been a solid 5/5. Thanks very much and keep up...