Valley girl

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After spending all morning (and into the early afternoon) tasting (oh, and drinking too) the finer things that Brisbane has to offer, it was time to check into our suite at the Emporium Hotel in Fortitude Valley. I’d been told 10 years ago, “the Valley” – as it’s known to locals – was not the most desirable district in Brisbane. Since then however, it’s undergone an extreme makeover to emerge the hottest place in town. This is where you want to be for the best bars, clubs, restaurants and boutiques in the city. Sounds like my kind of hood.

As we open the door to our corner suite, the three of us erupt into squeals. There are two huge rooms, two deluxe bathrooms, all the latest mod cons and best of all – the interior styling is pure contemporary chic, my favourite. But wait, it gets better. Sitting on the side table is our very own complementary bottle of bubbly and a dozen chocolate-dipped strawberries. We flop down matchstick-style on the feather soft king size bed – strawberries in hand – and let out a collective *sigh*. Could it get any better? The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is yes.

We spend half and hour recharging the batteries, then make our way up to the rooftop terrace for a dip in the aquamarine lap pool. Back in the suite while changing from our swimwear, I notice a lovely brochure on the bedside table. No, it’s not room service, it’s something I’ve always dreamed about. Literally. It’s a pillow menu. After a quick perusal, I pick up the phone and order a traditional feature down style. Can’t wait to try it out tonight.

Lauren then suggests we go for a walk around the boutiques, restaurants and cafés that make up the Emporium complex (the block where the hotel is located). As soon as I step out the lobby door, I almost fall down in shock. You see, there was a boutique that I wanted to visit in the Valley called Jean Brown. Basically it’s one of the most amazing designer accessories stores in the whole of Australia, stocking the likes of YSL, Balenciaga, Lanvin and Chloé. Stopping in there was on my to-do list while I was up here and I was prepared to print out a map and walk there if I had to. But there was no need. It was RIGHT NEXT DOOR. Half an hour later, I had a brand new pair of Miu Miu heels (reduced from $745 to $290) in my hot little hands. To celebrate we headed back to our deluxe room and popped the cork from our bubbly. Cheers!  

Details: Emporium Hotel
Address: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Website: Emporium Hotel

Details: Jean Brown Gallery
Address: Shop 62, Emporium, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Contact number: 1800 253 992
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5:30pm
Website: www.jeanbrown.com.au

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- Jessica Montague