The big attraction for us is the free wireless internet in the room as I'm self employed and have to keep in touch. There's an outgoing mail SMTP - just ask at reception for it and you can set your computer based mail programme up. Some places want to fund their superannuation from 'net charges so we give them a wide berth. Also the very reasonable (for Brisbane) tariff of $114 per night is important. The only negative is on street parking (though immediately outside the premises) and in our case an upstairs apartment - though there are some at ground floor. Great to be able to borrow (free) a few DVD's too. Excellent advice from reception saw us using the City Cat ferry for the first time which is superb value at under $6 per adult all day long on the Cats, buses and (I think) some trains. We were upstairs near the main road but were not bothered by road noise (I'm a light sleeper) as the windows were double glazed. Good to see a proper split system air conditioner of the inverter type (not the on / off cheap type).

Room cleanliness was about 80% - just a little more effort in the nooks and crannies plus some paint touch ups and it would be great. We noted a trend here and other places this trip of only 1 face cloth being provided yet there were 2 towels. The separate kitchen was very well equipped. Decent sized fridge and freezer too which is another big plus as we cook our own meals. Microwave as well as a gas cook top. Very comfortable bed. Shower very good (we don't have a high pressure system at home and found the shower more than adequate).

Location is very handy to the city with the bus stops very close and the ferry terminal about 15-20 mins walk away. A good variety of shops are close by too.

Yes, we will stay again next time we're in Brisbane.

I stayed in one of the Heritage Apartments, and it was the perfect place for me. Conveniently located about 5-10 minute's walk from the Valley, there's a bus stop just outside the building (which can take you through the Valley, the CBD, Southbank and the West End) plus it's just around the corner from a great little strip of shops and restaurants. The location was perfect for going out and having fun (and sightseeing, for what it's worth in Brisbane!) but also the room was spacious, well-equipped with kitchen, King size bed, my own enclosed verandah, everything I needed to stay in and have a relaxing night in.
The manager was more than willing to help out with advice on the local area, there is a selection of DVDs for free hire and free internet access, as well as a nice shared courtyard area. The only problem I really had with the room was the water pressure in the shower wasn't as great as it could be, but it still did the job and certainly wasn't enough to ruin the experience. I would absolutely stay there again.

i've debated whether to submit a review, as I don't want this place to be booked out every time I need to travel to Brisbane!! I'm a business commuter and for the last year I've travelled to Brisbane nearly every week. I stay at the Allender because it has character, it has fully equipped kitchens so I can cook my own meals, and it is in a great location near the river, parks, and shopping. The owners are very helpful and have put a lot of heart into the place. It's no chain hotel, and its sheets and towels don't smell like bleach (as you'd get at the bigger places) - and that's exactly what I like about it. It's comfortable, very well priced, and overall it helps me feel more 'normal' when I'm away from home each week. I completely disagree about the street noise referenced in one of the other reviews, and I find the neighborhood quiet and tranquil compared to many others in Brisbane.

I stayed here for 5 days - Nathan was a really nice man and would help anyway he could. I was on my own for this trip so it was nice just to go down and have a chat. Even with issues not relating to the stay Nathan would help out - I was worried a little at going there as one of the reviews said it was noisy - I gets that just the people you get - you can never blame that on the owners -

the road is very quiet too - great for parking and right next to a bis stop ...
why am I writing so much? because nathan and his parents were really nice to me and I really appreciated it.