I booked this hotel because people attending the same meeting in Brisbane were going to stay there. The location is lovely - right on a nice stretch of the river - but I was totally frustrated by being unable to go online with my Mac Air laptop. The hotel website lists "wireless internet access" on the first line of its room features, but it isn't the case. The so-called wireless access requires initiating access with an old-style phone plug. I haven't had a computer for several years that's had a slot for them! Reception couldn't grasp the problem and the plain-English interpretation that requiring a wire means it ain't wireless, and put me through to someone (in Japan?) who couldn't help either (not surprisingly).
Maybe the first warning should have been that the booking engine wouldn't work with Safari.
Plus I really hate that faux 18th/19th century furniture that some hotel chains have. A dark, ugly pastiche of baroque, empire and classical revival.

Perfectly located, with many excellent restaurants within a few minutes walk. Staff and service are top notch. If you are a runner/walker, the paths along the river and through the botanical gardens offer miles of options. Search the internet for excellent prices.

I booked a night's stay at the Stamford Plaza because we were going up to Brisbane to see Judith Lucy's stand up show (HILARIOUS!!!! Go and see it!), and I was sick of staying in minimalist, cold and clinical apartments. I wanted plush, good service and just a nice big hotel room with a little luxury thrown in.

I got a great rate ($175 for the night) through one of the online booking websites, and was expecting something a little nicer than the Ibis or Grand Mecure, or similar standard hotel rooms.

Oh boy. We got to the hotel, entered the lobby, and the grand foyer area was GORGEOUS! It is too difficult to describe really. It isn't even a foyer...it's a huge area, with sweeping staircase and outdoor sitting area around a pond, lovely reception desk, concierge area, couches, lift area...it's gorgeous, simply gorgeous.

When we arrived to check in, it was only 1pm and there were no rooms ready. We were able to leave our bags with the concierge who was to bring them up to our room when it was ready. We wanted to go shopping anyway, so would come back later and be let into our room then. No problem. Everyone was courteous and friendly.

When we came back, we saw our bags were still sitting by the concierge desk. They seemingly had been forgotten in the busy day's work, but it was no problem. We got our room key from the front desk and the concierge followed us up in the lift with our bags.

The room. Oh, the ROOM. I could live there, seriously. It's MY kind of room. Warm, sophisticated decor and furnishings. SPECTACULAR view. We were on the 7th floor and I've stayed in MANY hotels in Brisbane before (most of which were higher than the 7th floor), and have never had a view like this. It was of the river and houses over the other side, and the pool down below. I sat on the window seat for quite some time, just enjoying it all.

The bed was a king size and really comfortable. So comfortable in fact that the next morning we didn't want to get up! The bathroom was so nice, I wanted to stay in there instead of going out to dinner! (Yes, I know, I'm weird) It was marble and had a huge vanity area and the best part for me was the louvered sliding doors. I have a major love affair with louvered sliding doors. It's just me, heheh.

The location is good, though I do wish it was about 3 blocks closer to Queen Street Mall, as we did find the walk a bit tiresome...on the first day we walked there from the train station, then walked back to the mall, then walked back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and the show, and then walked back out again. The next day we walked to the mall for breakfast and more shopping and then back again to pick up our bags (which the hotel so kindly held for us while we shopped, after we'd checked out), and then had to walk straight back where we'd just come from to get the train home. Tiring, but good exercise I suppose! Although if it were closer to the mall, then we'd have missed out on the beautiful view, and also the nice, quiet location away from the majority of traffic and lunatics that come out at night in the city.

We didn't make use of the pool (too cold), or the mini bar (we never do), but I actually right now miss that room. I lay on the bed for a while just taking it all in.

I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. We are staying there every single time we go to Brisbane now. No other 5 star hotel even comes close!

The Stamford is a lovely heritage style hotel. Only criticism would be that the rooms and pool area are a little bit dated but still quite nice. Beautiful views over the river and located near the Botanic Gardens. Breakfast is particularly good and able to be eaten al fresco by the river under a garden canopy. Our favourite hotel in Brisbane!