We booking our romantic night in Brisbane over the net. Wanting to do something different than the 'standard' 5-stars, we decided on an upbeat looking 'retro-renovated' (yes, photos and wording online) boutique hotel. The short walk to Southbank, Convention Centre and QPAC didn't include a ferry ride and taxi trip. The location is sooo badly worded. Upon entering the driveway and seeing the "Units Now Sellng" sign hanging from the building, I wish we had of known that it was THIS building in preparation for demolition and rebuild of new highrise apartments. We unknowingly checked in and were given keys - throughout the trip in the antiquated, smoke smelly slow lift thinking (hoping) that it would get better (as per the images online). The door opened, the smell hit us and the decor made me want to be sick!! It took us 1 minute and 2 phone calls to get out of there, go down to the lobby and advise that we were unhappy with the quality of the room. The Manager was gracious - had our credit card slip in his hand and ripped it up in front of us. Almost like he had been expecting it. He did however argue that he had never said the room we were getting was like the one on the website (indeed, I think there might be only one of those in the whole building - if at all). The lesson - Trip Advisor at all times is necessary when relying on online bookings. Don't trust the website's own images and copy. They can mislead and make your best intentions miserable. if it's for something really important - you can be left devastated. STAY AWAY from Ryans on the River - it smells and it's getting demolished. Pay the extra, get a good nights sleep and save yourself this horrible experience. Kerry Gold Coast

Forget about the pop art photo, there is probably only one room like that (the managers office). We asked for a river front room (extra cost) and got one on the first floor. The trees were obstructing the views of the river, so next time we will ask for 2nd floor or up. The hotel is 5 stories high, and each floor has 2 river front rooms . The rest of the rooms are at the back or face the river sideways. All have small balconies, with 2 plastic chairs. The room and especially the bed, was comfortable, sheets were clean. The room was furnished with a small dining table and 2 chairs..The decor was a soothing sage green and white. The bathroom (with shower only) was very small, and old but clean, with a good water presure. Everything worked. As the hotel has free parking, we left the car and took the ferry. The location is excellent, just in front of the ferry with good connections to city and suburbs. I would rather stay in this hotel with its superb location, then in a more expensive mid city hotel.

Ryans location on Kanagroo Point is unique. You get great views, short walk to the River Ferry and one block from a rollicking upscale bar scene. The rooms are a major disappointment. Their on-line photos and the reality of the rooms don't match at all. The decor is dated and the carpet, bed covers, etc are tired looking. Friendly management and the location almost make up for the poor rooms, but not quite. The marketing materials misrepresent the rooms. When you open the door and see what you've paid for you are disappointed. And thats a poor way to be introduced to a lovely city. Check out the Quest nearby. It's a managed apartment and a reliable chain. The Brisbane Jazz Club is nearby and should not be missed. Regardless of where you stay go to this club, it is a one of a kind experience.

This hotel is in a perfect location in Brisbane. A short ferry ride takes you across the river into the CBD and a short walk takes you to Riverlife where you can hire bikes ect. The entrance is stylish and the manager is friendly and very helpful. Our problem was with the standard of the room. The website gives you an impression of retro looking rooms but the reality is they are just very dated! The bed covers had cigarette burns and various stains, the pillows were in desperate need of replacements and the fridge, while handy to have in the room, made a noise like a steam engine. They really need refurbishing and a good clean.

We stayed at Ryans on the River, and had excellent service during our stay. Tasty fresh breakfast was served on the veranda, next to the pool. David the manager was very polite, and above all most helpful to us . Room was clean and very comfortable. So nice to have a power shower to relax in and then sit on the room balcony and enjoy the sights of Brisbane CBD in the evening, and watch the flying foxes come up river to roost. I would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to our friends and family.