Picked this accommodation based on Trip Advisor reviews and the photos on Allender's website as they looked trendy, bright and modern, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to our expectations - the room was quite tired looking, with faded upholstery on the chairs, thin carpet, very small sink area in the bathroom and a kitchen which needed some more basic items. However, the room was clean, we experienced no noise in the evenings (we were in a studio room on the top floor at the front of the building) and it was a 5 minute walk to a supermarket, a few restaurants and cash point which was handy.

New Farm itself is actually more of a 15-20 minute walk to the Riverside walkway, a nice walk to the city centre, but it will then be a further 30 minute walk on top of that to get there. Alternatively, you can walk the 15-20 minutes to the City Cat Ferry which is then a further 5-10 minute trip to the centre - these run very regularly throughout the day. If you plan on using a lot of transport in one day, get a Saver Ticket which costs around $5.70 and you can use this on the City Cat, Ferry, Buses and trains within a certain area and is excellent value for money.

Also, on the Allender website, it says that it's 5 minutes to the exciting nightlife at Valley pubs and clubs - this would be a 5 minute taxi ride not walk, as Fortitude Valley, is more of a 20-25 minute walk, but there are some nice restaurants on route, before you get to the centre where there are plenty of bars, restaurants, etc.

With regards to our host, we have to say that she was very honest - we tried to pay for our accommodation on our mastercard, which was declined and we had to try another one, but she later contacted us to say that the payment had actually gone through and sorted out a credit for us. However, she wasn't the best with local information - when we asked, she told us that the nearest Tourist Information was at the airport - it's actually in the middle of Queen Street in the city centre!

On reflection, we would have preferred an apartment nearer the heart of the city centre or
the centre of Fortitude Valley, as when we booked trips, it was a bit of a trek first thing in the morning to get to pick up points.

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.