The Johnson
Spring Hill
The Johnson is Brisbane’s first Art Series Hotel – a luxury art-themed hideaway in a commanding contemporary white building on a corner of inner city Spring Hill.
Abstract artist Michael Johnson’s works adorn the walls throughout, there are art books in all of the rooms and apartments, a striking giant sculpture in the front courtyard and little touches like a splotch of ‘paint’ above the room doorways and a mini canvas and paints for guests in the mini-bar basket of goodies.
Cutting edge design and attention to detail feature throughout The Johnson, from the foyer to the rooms to the tropical bar and restaurant area while the jewel in the crown is the stunning 50m infinity lap pool (designed by swimmer Michael Klim) on the 5th floor rooftop.
From the pool there are some of Brisbane’s quintessential and best vistas over historic Spring Hill with its jacaranda trees and tin pyramid roofed cottages clinging to the sides of the narrow streets. Sun lounges lined up alongside the pool share the view as do a cluster of cabanas where guest can gather for drinks, eats (menu available) and meet-ups.
Guest facilities include 87 suites, from studio to 2 bedroom deluxe as well as 2 penthouse suites for some real indulgence. All have Art Series Signature beds, a fully equipped kitchenette and free Wi-fi. There’s also a spacious well-equipped gymnasium on the same floor as the pool with ceiling to floor windows that share the Spring Hill view and blue Lekker bicycles available for guest use.
Secure basement parking is available to guests, as are conference and office facilities, and in each room there’s an espresso pod machine.
Dining facilities are also onsite at street level, with casual garden style bar restaurant Tumbling Stone open for a la carte breakfast, all day grazing, drinks and tapas.
The extensive drinks list includes local craft beers (Green Beacon, Stone & Wood and Fortitude Brewing) on tap, with bottles divided into Lager & Kolsch, Ales & Blondes, Red & Dark Beers and a selection of International Beers.
There’s also a great range of boutique Australian spirits with a smattering of quality international and wines from the best growing regions of Australia and the world.
On the all-day designed-to-share menu are bar nibbles such as toasted artisan breads with beetroot hummus or house chips with citrus salt and kimchi aioli as well as dishes such as Fenugreek Spiced Squid with saffron emulsion or Roulade of Sovereign Lamb breast with sweet romesco sauce, beet leaves and feta and Desserts such as Poached rhubarb crème brulee with ginger snap or Peach Granita with white chocolate mousse and cinnamon sable.
Recommended at Tumbling Stone is the a la carte breakfast menu, which makes a refreshing change from the standard hotel buffet breakfasts. Accompanied by excellent in-house barista coffee are dishes like Chilli Scrambled Eggs with Persian feta, pesto, green and Turkish bread, House Made Sourdough Crumpets with burnt honey ricotta and caramelized peaches or Spiced Pumpkin Hot Cakes with candied pecans, double cream and maple syrup.
Need to know – If arriving by car, take the driveway entrance to the left of the hotel on Boundary Street and use the intercom to alert reception, who will buzz you in. From the car park there’s another security door with intercom leading to a small foyer and from here a lift takes you up to reception.
Nice to know – Art tours of the hotel are available and signed prints of Michael Johnson's works are available to purchase. The Johnson has serviced offices onsite for lease.
Must Do Nearby - Cafes: Sisco, Spring Hill Deli Cafe, Holy Moly, Jak + Hill; Restaurants - Creole Soul Kitchen, Bishamon Japanese; Parks & Gardens - Roma Street Parkland; Historic - Spring Hill Baths, St Johns Cathedral, Old Windmill
Must Do Brisbane.com was a guest of The Johnson
