Get to The Point

January 20, 2015

Words by Danielle Lancaster. Images by Danielle Lancaster and food image courtesy The Point

I’m a Brisbane girl. Born in the city that once was tagged the ‘big country town’, things have changed.

Back in those days trams still shuffled patrons up and down the city streets, the New York Hotel in Queen Street (where the Myer Centre now is) was still operating and Queen Street was open to two-way traffic.

The historic New York Hotel, opened in 1860, had become a meeting place for country folk on their way to the Brisbane show, aka the Ekka. By the time I was born it had been the scene where my maternal grandfather, Pop John became a cripple.

Pop John supplemented the meagre farm income with shearing contracts. He also suffered from sleep walking. Each night in the shearer’s quarters his mates would barricade him in his room so we wouldn’t wander, however while in in Brisbane to see his first prize wool clip at the Ekka no one did. He walked during his sleep, so I am told, off the second floor and never walked again; leaving my grandmother to bring up eight children.

Now to ‘The Point’.

Due to work and business I get to travel back to my birth place every so often. That’s how I discovered The Point Brisbane.

Situated at Kangaroo Point, it’s a hotel leading the way.

I have free wi-fi, chocolates on my pillow each night and nothing seems to be a problem: even after seeing my truck loads of photography gear for a mere two night stay.

The ease of access to the city was a definite advantage. For a 7am meeting in George Street the cab cost me $10.00. For other activities I took the short walk to the ferry and easy access to any city venue I wanted to visit.

However, the biggest delight for me was the view from the balcony. I do love a balcony. It rates top on my list for accommodation requirements as it allows me to sit, relax and take in the night views of any city. I love listening to the sounds, seeing the sights and the changing smells of a city as it turns from day to night – each is so different.

My balcony was awesome with plenty of room for seating and my tripod! A must in a photographer’s world. I had a wide view of the Story Bridge, the city and the continuing parade of cars exiting and entering the modern metropolis of Brisbane.

The other big advantage I found with The Point while working in Brisbane was the dining options. Lambert’s Restaurant I have since discovered is getting a name in Brisbane. Using locally sourced and only high quality ingredients it is open to the public and not just those of us staying at The Point. If you get carried away like I did with photographing the changing landscape from the balcony they provide efficient room service – same top chef presenting same top cuisine. Close by, and less than a five minute walk, is the Story Bridge Hotel and other smaller restaurants offering a selection of varied cuisines.

The benefits keep on rolling in: check out is 11am, not 10am, secure parking, a pillow menu (that I must make sure I try next visit and there will be a next), access to Press Reader which means I can see all the newspapers online and free, 24 hour room and guest services, heated pool, gymnasium and an express check-out.

So why would I stay here again?

My top points of The Point
1. Free Wi-Fi. When I travel it’s usually for business and I need to keep in touch

2. Easy and cheap accessibility to Brisbane CBD

3. Dining options

4. Balcony – don’t think I need to reiterate how awesome this was

5. Service. Polite, courteous and respectful

Plus the chocolates:)