Photo: Wikimedia CommonsThe Calile is the hotel that put Brisbane on the design-lover map, an urban resort on the leafy James Street strip in Fortitude Valley. Its pastel arches, palm-fringed pool deck and sun-lounger scene draw as many locals for a poolside cocktail as overnight guests. Rooms are airy and Queensland-relaxed, and the ground-floor restaurants and boutiques mean you barely need to leave. Even if you are not staying, book a day pass or a table at Hellenika next door to soak up the atmosphere.