I don’t know about you, but when I think vacation/holiday/relaxing time away, I usually think swimming, cold drinks, warm sunshine, reading, eating, and chilling out.
Which is actually exactly what happened when we spent the first part of our family Christmas holiday at the Brisbane Marriott. A city hotel is not a choice that first comes to mind when you’re on a beach vacation, I’ll admit – but when I received the invitation to have a little time away in the city with room service, poolside cocktails and housekeeping, well that certainly reminded me one should always keep an open mind!
Given our Christmas Day was going to start in Brisbane anyway, it worked out exceptionally well. Especially when we were told we’d be staying on the Executive Level, a la Obama, with afternoon tea every day and canapés and drinks every night. Tough days, dear reader. Tough days.
We arrived the day before Christmas, and the kids wasted no time getting into the pool with their dad and I wasted no time settling in via the spa. One aromatherapy massage with relaxing oils later, I was in full holiday mode. I even made sure to do some last minute work and email in the car on the way to the hotel so I could fully indulge in fluffing my brain with rejuvenating holiday endorphins.
I somehow even jammed both my bracelets together as I rolled over on the massage table and my lovely masseuse made the joke I’d handcuffed myself in order to stay, as she tried to unscramble the silver with her oily fingers. I couldn’t stop laughing, which I guess adds to happy brain chemical production. Win-win.
Grandma played with the girls in our room later while the husband and I retreated to the Executive Lounge for the promised canapés and drinks. We made ourselves a little cheese platter and sat near the window, seeing Brisbane with new eyes after our year in Melbourne.
We stuffed ourselves silly with all the vegetarian (some even vegan, actually) options during dinner at the Motion Bar and Grill – breads, dips, a veggie curry, and a pumpkin soup. The girls had kid-size pizzas and coloured in quietly until it was time to go for a drive and visit the Christmas lights.
The next morning, Biggie and I left a sleeping dad and sister, and had a few minutes to ourselves to have a cup of tea and a read of the newspaper in the Executive Lounge before breakfast. As you do. Excellent for when you don’t want to put the kettle on in your room, waking all and sundry. We clearly made use of the facilities so I’d definitely spring for executive level again on our next stay, as I know we’d get our money’s worth.
Soon after, we headed back to the lobby for breakfast at Motion, and introduced both girls to the best holiday treat of all – Coco Pops for breakfast. Bigs loved it, Smalls not so much. She ate three tubs of yogurt instead, and some Vegemite toast.
Not me – I could be found pouring truffle oil onto my morning mushrooms. Heaven help me, that was good!
More swimming was on the agenda before meeting friends and wandering around the Botanical Gardens. We chilled out in the afternoon – me with magazines provided for guests, and the girls with Christmas cartoons. Dad had met a friend in the city for a beer.
So chilled.
Christmas Eve dinner was a festive affair complete with Christmas crackers, and we were very well looked after by staff working hard through the holidays. Leon, Orsolya, and Lyla made sure we were comfortable, had plenty of food (confit garlic pizza bread, more pumpkin soup, a lentil pie with whipped mash, more kid pizza, and fries with aioli), and had excellent wine to hand. The atmosphere was good, the Christmas cracker jokes bad. It was awesome.
Santa had no trouble finding us overnight, and the girls woke to some new dresses and playthings. Peter Rabbit was invited to a special tea party before we headed down to breakfast dangerously close to the end of the first sitting. We had to scarf down our goodies in 15 minutes, but our waitress Rihanna was so wonderful she organised coffee and a takeaway plate of pancakes and syrup for us to enjoy at leisure in our room. Our other waitress Shanie chatted with the girls about what presents Santa had brought, which was sweet. The girls even hugged Lyla as we arrived, they were so excited. Everyone was so great and made our Christmas morning very special.
After a leisurely start with coffee and a bit of reading, it was time to check out and continue the festivities with our Brisbane family, which included me eating basically a whole tray of potato bake before heading to the Sunshine Coast where I made good friends with a bottle of rum and some Bon Jovi. A very successful start to a very relaxing holiday!
For more info, or if you’d like to book your own stay, pop over here. They’ll totally look after you.
*We were guests of the Brisbane Marriott. Everything was included, except dinner both nights.
Lilybett and Boy says
This looks great. I love a good hotel stay (although us being in Brisbane would mean visiting in my mother-in-law so… ummm… maybe won’t be rushing there.
Veggie Mama says
Girrrrl you made me actually lol. Time it for when she’s outta town 😉
Denyse Whelan says
What a wonderful way to spend some time with your lovely kids & hub pre Chrissy! Awesome! Hope it’s been a great return visit to Qld all-round! d xx
Veggie Mama says
Apart from the rainy weather we have now, it’s been great! Very relaxing. I hear you’re moving to the coast soon too?
sarah says
Looks like fun! And not to mention, stress free:)
Santa bought my 3 year old son some of those little kitchen utensils from aldi. When he pulled them out of his stocking he said “I think these are for you mum” Thanks buddy lol
Veggie Mama says
HAHAHAHAHAHAH! Get back in the kitchen, woman.
sammie@theannoyedthyroid.com says
Love me an executive floor – sounds like you’ve all had a great getaway! Happy Holidays! x
Veggie Mama says
It really adds that extra level of radness, huh!
The Plumbette says
This is the second time I’ve read about the Marriott. ( which is a good thing!) I really want to go to the Dome and enjoy the spa treatments. I’m thinking for my 31st Birthday because my 30th was hijacked having a baby! 🙂 hope you had a fabulous Christmas! Your girls are gorgeous! I reckon they would enjoy playing with my two. Xx
Veggie Mama says
I think they would have a ball! Dome was really nice, I’ve been to plenty of spas, but this was such a great one. The service was awesome and the massage divine! You should definitely go xx
Reannon @shewhorambles says
Dude, I am ALWAYS friends with Bon Jovi but I don’t think anyone is actually friends with Rum. Especially if it had a polar bear on the label. That shit is evil!
tracie c. says
what a lovely holiday!
i adore the little gown your girls are wearing in the last pic!
Vanessa says
OMGness, what a fabulous stay! How was the location? Where in Bris Vegas is the Marriott? I’d love to spend a weekend there at some stage and love the sound of this place! x
Karin @ CalmtoConniption says
Executive levels rock! I was first introduced at a hotel in Cairns and haven’t looked back since. Nothing beats happy hour.
Katie Rainbird says
I think you should be a travel writer.
Mushroom Enthusiast says
Truffle Oil on your mushrooms! Wow, has that been done before?? A true mushroom lover.. Glad your Christmas was a good one. Hope you and your tribe rip out a great 2015..
Permanent Procrastination says
I used to always stay at the Gold Coast Marriott as a kid, with their own beach. Love that place.
Tegan xx – Permanent Procrastination
Veggie Mama says
Oh yes, I’ve been there!
ornaments says
Thank you very much for the information and i never go brisbane but next year i should visit this hotel.
Steven Johnson says
I peer inside the knit stocking, hoping she’s left me her contact information.