Leisure and Learning Combine at The Calile Hotel

At Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel, guests are invited to connect through events that enrich and inspire.

Article by T Australia

The Calile Hotel_TFE_2The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Photograph by Sean Fennessy.

We’ve come to expect a lot from hotels: sumptuous decor, trendy onsite bars and eateries and an array of amenities are de rigueur these days. But an in-house book club and artist talks? Family-owned The Calile Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley offers guests unique cultural experiences that are designed to provide connection and pique curiosity. “Curiosity is one of our most important values. Artistically, it breeds creativity, favours individuality over sameness, and keeps us open to possibility,” says co-owner Catherine Malouf.

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The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Photograph by Sean Fennessy.
The Calile Hotel_TFE_4
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Photograph by Sean Fennessy.

The cultural programming explores art, design, literature, performance and music — activities that The Calile believes enrich lives and connect community. Current and future events include conversations with authors Anna Funder and Trent Dalton and playwright Suzie Miller, as well as a long lunch with landscape designer Paul Bangay. Such real-life interactions can transform a hotel stay, opening it up to the unexpected. “Our desire to challenge the norm creates opportunities to surprise and delight our guests,” says Malouf. 

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The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Photograph by Sean Fennessy.
The Calile Hotel_TFE_5
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane. Photograph by Sean Fennessy.

Guests can also join the in-house book club, with titles selected in partnership with Riverbend Books and available to order via room service. Curl up in the library or lounge poolside and be open to making literary connections with other guests. For the hotel’s upcoming fifth birthday in October, the book club will feature “Zigzag Street” by Nick Earls.

From $390 a night, thecalilehotel.com.