It is hard to imagine Brisbane City without its towering skyscrapers and bitumen streets. But if you look closely, you are able to capture glimmers of a simpler time, with scatterings of heritage-listed buildings dotted throughout the city. One such building is the Inchcolm Hotel, sitting pretty on Wickham Terrace. The site was originally known as Inchcolm, the home and medical practice of Dr John Thomson, built in the 1880s. The current Art Deco meets Neo-Georgian building was constructed in the 1920s, continuing to house a medical practice. And throughout all those years, one thing remained – the building always had class. From silky oak wall panelling and floors to one of the first elevators in Brisbane, The Inchcolm had the finest of finishings.

In 1997, the building was purchased by its current owner (who was actually born in the building!) and transformed into a New York-style boutique hotel. While the building still held its original unique character and air of glamour, it was decided this year that it needed a refresh and expansion. After closing for a number of months, The New Inchcolm Hotel and Suites has reopened, holding true to its charming 1920s style. The expansion increased the number of rooms from 26 to 50, including one- and two-bedroom rooms and two-level loft suites. Each room is bespoke and different, from intricate details such as wallpaper texture to more obvious differences, like carpet and hard furnishings. Throughout the hotel, its rich history is obvious, and although guests are treated with modern luxuries, it still exudes a certain clandestine character. From the original silky-oak-lined elevator (with a new motor of course) to mirrored ceiling panels in the lobby, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another time all together. And when hunger strikes or your looking to wet your whistle, you can meet your comrades at in-house Thomson’s Reserve Restaurant, or Socialites Bar.

For contact information and trading hours for Thomson’s Reserve and Socialites Bar, check out our Stumble Guide.