The welcome
Positioned under the base of Brisbane's historic Story Bridge, the hotel's entrance is dramatic. As I approach on a drizzly night, the curved street lamps create a cinematic atmosphere, which is mirrored inside the hotel with dark walls covered in artworks by its namesake Australian painter. Vincent Fantauzzo made a name for himself with his photorealistic portraits of celebrities, including his wife, actress Asher Keddie, and the Art Series hotel is modelled on his high-contrast contemporary aesthetic. The hotel's moody Melbourne flavour is quite a step away from what most international travellers will expect when arriving in subtropical Brisbane, which usually adheres to a more familiar pastel and palm-fringed look.
The neighbourhood
The Fantauzzo is an integral part of the revitalisation of the heritage-listed Depression-era Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s newest waterfront entertainment precinct. A handful of venues, including Felons Brewing Co and Mr Percival’s, are already open and, judging by their crowded outdoor tables, very popular. Several more eateries are due to open this year. From the hotel, it is an easy 20-minute riverside walk to Brisbane’s central shopping streets, or 30 to 40 minutes to the South Bank entertainment area.
The room
Of the 166 guest rooms, I am in a river-view studio. It has an arresting vista that takes in the industrial ironwork of the Story Bridge, the Brisbane River and a glimpse of the city. The rooms are modern with a playful edge, each featuring different works by Fantauzzo. Mine includes a large monochrome portrait of Keddie and cute touches such as a small canvas and paints that are available for purchase.
The service
The service is good, particularly given the hotel is only in its second week after opening when I visit. The staff are friendly in the laidback way you can expect in any decent Australian hotel. However, the suggestion that I pop across the road to eat at the neighbouring brewery, which was by this point full with large groups of rowdy bank holiday revellers, after arriving alone and visibly fatigued after a 14-hour flight, was a little off the mark for a simple dinner recommendation. After a bit of research, I found a much more suitable Italian restaurant only a short walk away.
The scene
The hotel is described as a "masterful blend of architecture, nature and art". But with LED strip-lights in the hallways and recovery kits with paracetamol and electrolytes on the minibar, the target clientele appears to be young hipsters looking for a city break close to nightlife rather than die-hard art lovers.
The food
Across the road from the Howard Smith Wharves eateries, the hotel has one restaurant, a relaxed Italian offering called Polpetta. I choose to go somewhere with a little more atmosphere for dinner, because the restaurant is empty given that it is the tail end of the Easter holidays and the hotel is new. But the a la carte breakfast proves to be a worthy addition to Australia's famed brunch culture. Try the maple roasted pumpkin, turmeric hummus, beats, soft boiled eggs, sprouts and rye soldiers (for Dh54).
Loved
The close-up bolts-and-all view of the 1930s Story Bridge, framed by the heavy black windows in my studio, was as dramatic as Fantauzzo’s high-contrast paintings. I also wanted to take home the green velvet chaise lounge.
Hated
Nothing, really. But there seemed to be some teething issues with the fire system and the emergency buttons in the lifts, since I left breakfast to find half a dozen Australian firefighters tramping around the lobby, which was more amusing than alarming. It is a good choice if you want all the comfort of a quality hotel combined with the boutique quirks of a trendy guesthouse. Whether you enjoy this place may depend a little on your taste in art – Fantauzzo's popular, celebrity-focused style tends to divide critical opinion. But if you're more interested in having a bit of high-end fun, this place has party time written all over it.
The bottom line
Rooms at The Fantauzzo start from about Dh577 a night, including taxes and Wi-Fi, or Dh681 with a la carte breakfast. For details visit www.artserieshotels.com.au/fantauzzo/
