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.