Brisbane's BEST Serviced Apartments: Astor Awaits!
Astor Awaits: Brisbane's Best Serviced Apartments… Or Is It?! (A Messy, Honest, and Totally Biased Review)
Okay, so, Brisbane. Sunshine, River City, and… finding a decent place to crash. I've been there. Done that. Got the tourist-bruised t-shirt to prove it. And let me tell you, the serviced apartment game is a minefield. But, after a very recent stay, I'm ready to spill the tea (complimentary, hopefully, from the Astor Awaits). Let's dive headfirst into this supposed "Brisbane's Best" and see if it’s all sunshine and rainbows, or just a slightly damp umbrella.
Accessibility & Safety: Because, You Know, Not Falling Over is a Good Start
First off, let's be clear: I’m not in a wheelchair. But I know a good accessible setup when I see it. And Astor Awaits seems to have put some serious thought into it. Elevators? Check. Wide doorways? Apparently, they did the thing! I didn't personally investigate every nook and cranny (that would've been a whole other adventure), but everything felt accessible. And you know what? That makes a massive difference for anyone with mobility needs, or even just hauling a suitcase!
And safety? In these times? Crucial. They've got CCTV in common areas and outside, a 24-hour security. All good stuff, to be honest. All the "anti-viral cleaning products" and "room sanitization between stays" stuff? Well, it sounds good, right? I didn’t bring a microscope, but the place felt clean. Like, not-been-lived-in-by-a-pack-of-feral-cats clean.
Now for the messy part…
COVID-19 Protocols: The Good, The Maybe, and the… Slightly Confusing.
They've got all the standard stuff: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, physical distancing of at least 1 meter…. Fine. But, I gotta admit, I'm always a bit sus about these things. Like, is it just surface level, or are they actually doing something? The "daily disinfection in common areas" sounds impressive, but I never saw it happen. Did I miss it? Possibly. Was I too busy stuffing my face at breakfast? Almost certainly. And the "room sanitization opt-out available"? I didn't even realize that was a thing.
Honestly, I'd prefer to see them doing the cleaning, but at this point, you're supposed to just trust that they do, right? The big plus? Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I like that!
Rooms: My Happy Place (and a Few Quirks)
Okay, the actual rooms at Astor Awaits… Let's just say I was very impressed.
- Air conditioning: essential. Brisbane is hot, ya hear?
- Blackout curtains: Bless them. Sleep is sacred.
- Free Wi-Fi: and it actually worked! (Take note, other hotels. I need my Netflix!)
- A real, honest-to-goodness, coffee maker: I am a coffee addict, and I need a good morning jolt. Check!
- Refrigerator: Yes! To keep all those beers and snacks cold in the fridge.. oh yeah.
- Additional toilet: if you have a big family this is fantastic.
- In-room safe box: Secure.
- Desk: Perfect.
- Bathrobes: Ohh yeah.. what a life.
The little things matter, guys. Seriously. Slippers? A lovely touch. Bathrobes? I practically lived in mine. There's that little 'extra' that you just can't get in some places.
Now, a few minor gripes (because, you know, nobody's perfect): My room's window that opens was a little bit too small, but hey! I can get fresh air. No room is perfect, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Couch)
Alright, let's talk about the food, because, for me, it's almost as important as the bed. Astor Awaits had all sorts of options:
- Breakfast [buffet]: good, not amazing, but hey at least I don't have to cook!
- Room service [24-hour]: yes! Excellent for that midnight craving.
- Coffee shop: essential caffeine fixes.
- Snack bar: great for when you're feeling peckish.
- Restaurants: a few to choose from, including Asian cuisine.
- Poolside bar: drinks.
- Bottle of water: hydration.
Basically, you won’t starve. Not a bad start, eh?
Services and Conveniences: The Little Helpers
- Concierge: helpful!
- Daily housekeeping: nice.
- Laundry service: critical for me.
- Currency exchange: handy.
- Convenience store: for emergency snacks
- Elevator: a lifesaver with luggage.
- Business facilities: for work, I guess?
- Car park [free of charge]: Win.
- Airport transfer: convenient.
All of the little things that make life easier, yeah?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Ah, Bliss (or at Least a Decent Sauna!)
I'm a sucker for a good spa. And Astor Awaits delivers:
- Swimming pool: perfect for hot Brisbane days.
- Pool with view: nice.
- Spa: The big one.
- Sauna: good for detox.
- Steamroom: even better!
- Gym/fitness
- Massage: (I almost forgot that, I'm so sorry!) Worth it.
- Foot bath
Seriously, the spa area was a real highlight. I spent approximately three hours in the sauna, sweating out all my travel anxieties. It was glorious.
For the Kids and Other Family Stuff: The Whole Family
- Babysitting service: peace of mind.
- Family/child friendly: good.
- Kids meal: great!
The Verdict: To Book, or Not to Book? That is the Question! (Answer: YES, with caveats!)
Astor Awaits isn't perfect. No place is. But it's damn close. It nails the basics: cleanliness, comfort, and a generally pleasant vibe.
Here’s my pitch:
Tired of bland hotel rooms? Craving a Brisbane escape that's more "home away from home" and less "sterile box"?
Book your stay at Astor Awaits!
Why?
- Spacious, stylish serviced apartments: Perfect for couples, families, or solo adventurers.
- Unbeatable location: Explore Brisbane's best attractions with ease.
- Relax & Recharge: Pamper yourself in the spa, hit the gym, or unwind by the pool.
- Unbeatable comfort: Everything, from the coffee to the sheets, is designed for relaxation.
- All the things you need, and few things you don't
But wait, there's more! (Because I'm here to sell you on this):
Limited-time offer!
Book your stay at Astor Awaits this month and receive a complimentary spa treatment!
Don't delay! These offers won't last long!
Click here to book your Brisbane escape at Astor Awaits today!
So, go! Give it a shot. I'd recommend the spa too. Seriously. Get the massage.
Tangerang Paradise: Stunning 3BR Asatti Apartment Near ICE BSD!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a living breathing travel document… or at least, it's my attempt at surviving Brisbane while trying to eat a decent mango. And yes, the Astor Serviced Apartments are involved. Get ready for a beautiful mess.
Brisbane Brawl: A Semi-Coherent Itinerary (Astor Apartments as Base Camp)
Day 1: Arrival & Mango Mania (and Mild Panic)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Land at Brisbane Airport. Sun's already trying to fry me. Immediate struggle with the automated train – I swear, these things are designed to be more confusing than my tax return. Managed to buy a Go Card, triumph! Feel like a local already.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at Astor Serviced Apartments (fingers crossed it's not a total dive). Quick check-in. Place seems… decent. Clean-ish. Okay, so far, so good. Room has a tiny balcony, instantly envision myself sipping wine and contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, where to find the nearest decent coffee).
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee emergency! Found a cute little café a few blocks away. Coffee was good, but the cafe owner (a hipster with a beard longer than my arm) kept staring at me. Maybe I had bedhead.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Mango Mission: INITIATED. God, I came to Brisbane for one reason: to feast on mangos. Went to the local fruit market. Glorious. Ripe mangos the size of my head. Bought a whole box. Made a complete and utter mess peeling and cutting them (rookie mistake – youtube tutorial next time). Mango juice everywhere. Clothes, counter, floor… worth it. Absolutely worth it. I'm pretty sure I've achieved a mango-induced euphoria.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempted to walk along the South Bank. Stumbled around in a daze in the heat. Eventually gave up and found a shady spot next to the man-made beach (which is… weird, but sort of charming?). People-watching. Observed a family of ducks waddling by. Contemplated the existential nature of ducks.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner. Found a Thai place nearby. Pad Thai was perfect, even though I spilled some of it on myself. Always a good sign. Walked back to the Astor, feeling slightly sunburnt and very full.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Collapse on the bed. Scrolling through my phone, still covered in mango juice. Realize I have somehow managed to spill the entire box of mangos all over the balcony. Guess who won't have a nice evening on the balcony, staring at stars?
Day 2: Art, Altitude and a Brush with Disaster (sort of)
- Morning (9:00 AM): After a disastrous night battling mango stains, started the day feeling much better. Coffee and toast on the teeny balcony. Decided to get some culture.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Okay, some of it was good. Some of it… was not. Saw a giant, disturbing sculpture that I'll be having nightmares about. But, the Indigenous art exhibit was stunning. Truly moving.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Attempted to climb Mount Coot-tha for the views. My stamina is clearly a joke. Made it about halfway before I was out of breath and needing a break. The view from where I got up to was still pretty.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drove to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Oh. My. God. Koalas! Tiny, fluffy, eucalyptus-munching balls of adorable. I may or may not have shed a tear. (Don't tell anyone.) They also have kangaroos hopping around, which is still very weird (but great!).
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a pub near the Astor. Fish and chips. Standard pub fare. The beer was cold, which was the most important thing.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Back to the Astor. Writing, planning, and feeling slightly less overwhelmed. Maybe this Brisbane thing isn’t so bad after all. Still missing the mangoes.
Day 3: River Cruise, Rainy Blues (and a near-miss with a pelican)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee, balcony gazing (minus the mangos). The sky is grey, but I press on.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Morning River cruise. Brisbane from the water is pretty. The stories they tell? Less informative. I was half-listening, half-watching the pelicans.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM- 4:00 PM): The heavens opened up! Spent the afternoon trying to find shelter. Ended up at the State Library, hoping to read. Couldn't concentrate, just watched the rain. Got a bit down.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Strolled towards the river. Ran into a gigantic pelican. It came this close to pooping on me! I swear, it gave me a look.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Found a cozy little Italian place. Pasta and wine. Needed comfort food.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Watching TV in the apartment. The rain is really coming down now. Feeling a little homesick. But hey, tomorrow is another day, and another chance for mangoes!
Day 4: The Botanic Gardens, Retail Therapy, Home Bound
- Morning (9:00 AM): Coffee, balcony (still). The sun is peeking through, feeling optimistic!
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Beautiful. Absolutely stunning. So many plants, so many paths. Felt like I had some space, and I finally got the break I needed (with more mangoes if the store is still open).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Retail Therapy. Went to a shop (after a quick snack), and bought way too many things. Guilt set in later after I got back to my apartment.
- Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM): Packing my suitcase. Feeling a mix of sadness and relief.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Had a last-minute dinner, a delicious meal, and realized I'm going to miss this place.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime): Quick tidy of the apartment. Last goodbyes to the balcony. The memory of the mangos is fresh. Goodbye, Brisbane. I'll be back!
Final Thoughts:
Brisbane, you're a mixed bag, a mango-stained, pelican-dodging, weather-whimsical, and utterly charming place. My trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, emotional, and at times, utterly ridiculous. But that's what made it real. The Astor Apartments were a decent base, and the mangoes were glorious. I'll be back! And next time, I promise to master the mango-peeling. Maybe. Probably not.
Escape to Yogyakarta: Luxurious 3BR Javanese Villa Awaits!
1. So… what *is* the point, anyway? Like, seriously?
Oof. Big question, right? Okay, okay, deep breaths. I've tried to figure this one out, I really have. Spent hours staring into the void, pondering the meaning of it all… and ended up ordering pizza. Look, I *think* the point isn't one giant, easily-digestible nugget of truth. It's more like… a collection of moments. The good, the bad, the pizza-fueled-existential-crises. My own personal anecdote? Trying to remember the last time I didn't feel like a total fraud. Wait, is that the point? Maybe it's embracing the fraud-ness? The thing is, I haven't decided yet. If anyone figures it out, let me know. I'll bring the pizza.
2. How do you deal with… *everything*? Like, the sheer weight of existence?
Ah, yes. The crushing weight of… laundry. And deadlines. And the existential dread of opening the fridge and realizing you have *nothing* to eat. Look, I'm not perfect. I REALLY wish I was, but… I'm not. I scream into a pillow, I eat ice cream straight from the carton, and sometimes I just… stare. I stare at squirrels, at clouds, at the ceiling fan, willing it to magically fix my life. But what *actually* works? Okay, this is embarrassing, but… talking to my dog helps. He’s a terrible listener, but a good cuddler. Plus, he never judges my questionable life choices (like the aforementioned ice cream consumption). Also I once almost went crazy because of a project and all I did was find a quiet place, where I cried for a while, and then went back to working. It will pass. It's never easy, though. Seriously I'm not very good at handling everything.
3. What are some of your *biggest* failures and how did you cope? I need some relatability.
Oh God. Okay, are you sitting down? Because there's a *lot*. My first attempt at baking a cake? Utter disaster. A burnt, lopsided, inedible… *thing*. I cried. I seriously did. Then, I ate a whole bag of chips and vowed never to bake again. But I did, eventually. Now the cakes are… okay. Getting back up on my feet is difficult. I'm still getting over the amount of times that I've failed. But after a while, it's just me that I have to get better for. So that's what I do. It's the only way.
4. On a scale of "meh" to "total meltdown," how are you doing right now?
Hmm… let's see. Right now? Probably a solid "slightly stressed, but caffeinated enough to pretend otherwise." Actually, now that you mention it, my stomach is doing a little dance. Maybe a 6 now. Okay, is this my limit? Should I be going for a 7? Oh wait, I'm so overwhelmed I'm starting to be unable to make decisions. 8! Yeah, 8. I love it. This is great.
5. What are your biggest regrets?
Where do I start? Okay. I regret that time I didn't audition for the school play. I regret all the times I chose the wrong food combination. I regret not taking more risks. I regret not saying "I love you" to a few people when I had the chance… I honestly think about this all the time. It haunts me. But it's also, I guess, a part of being human. Otherwise, there's no point. I will never forget that I once… you know what, never mind.
6. What are you passionate about? What gets you *really* excited?
Okay, so, that's a good question! The one thing I am passionate about is… cats. Especially my cat. I'll go to war for that cat, if I have to. I'll fight the world for him. Other things? Uh… books, but only the ones that make me feel alive. And… good coffee. And really, really bad horror movies that I can watch with friends and make fun of. Honestly, I like a lot of seemingly ordinary things, but I like them a lot.
7. Do you believe in… *gestures vaguely at everything*… destiny? Fate? Free will?
Ugh. Don't even get me STARTED. I go back and forth on this one. Do I believe that some things are just… *meant* to be? Maybe. Like, my dog was just *meant* to be mine. The rest? I don't know. I like to think I have free will, but then I remember that time I ate an entire family-sized bag of chips in one sitting, and I start to have doubts. But also? I believe in making your own destiny. Take a step at a time, you'll figure it out. At your own pace. I hope.
8. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? (Feel free to go into detail)
Oh, God. Okay, buckle up. This one's a doozy. One time, in high school, I was dating this guy, and, for whatever reason, I thought it would be a *great* idea to write him a love poem. I poured my heart and soul into it, read it in front of him, and then… he laughed. Not a little chuckle. A full-on, belly-laugh. He said it was "adorable." I wanted to crawl under a rock and die. The good news? It made a hilarious story, and I learned to write better poetry. The bad news? I still cringe sometimes. And look, I know this is supposed to be embarrassing, but I can't help but laugh at myself now, at how bad that poem was. And also, that person is still present in my life. And he still remembers that.
9. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Hmm. Tough one. There's the obvious ones, like "treat people with kindness," and "don't eatSerene Getaways
