Looking for the best family hotels near Brisbane Cruise Terminal – in a central location that won’t blow the budget? Then read on – this Brisbane hotels near the cruise terminal guide covers all the best family hotels!
For families coming from outside of Brisbane to start their cruise, chances are you’ll need somewhere to stay before or after your cruise – or maybe even both! So where should you stay to make it easy to embark and disembark your cruise?
The Brisbane cruise terminal is, to be honest, in the middle of nowhere, 12 km northeast of Brisbane city centre. You may not want to book any of the city hotels; if you stay in the city, you’ll find you have a bit of a drive to reach the cruise terminal.
While there’s not a wide choice of accommodation near the Brisbane cruise terminal, there are still a few decent options for families – all of which we will cover in this guide.
To help you choose one of the hotels near the cruise terminal Brisbane offers, this guide provides all the information you need, such as how far away the hotel is from the terminal, the hotel facilities and anything else you may need to know.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Brisbane cruise terminal recently moved locations from Hamilton to Luggage Point near Myrtletown in Pinkenba. Be careful with any outdated information you read online, as it may be referring to the location of the old cruise terminal.
This guide is completely up to date, so you can rest assured that when reading this guide, you’re getting trustworthy current information.
Click here for details of the closest parking to the cruise terminal.
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Best Family Hotels near Brisbane Cruise Terminal Map
From the map below, you can see the location of all the hotels near the Brisbane international cruise terminal covered in this guide.
Zoom in and out for a closer view.
Best Family Hotels near Brisbane Cruise Terminal Overview
Below is a super quick overview of all the Brisbane Cruise Terminal hotels for families covered in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine the perfect Brisbane Cruise Terminal family accommodation.
For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Hotel | Drive time to cruise terminal | Location | Room Facilities | Hotel Facilities | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ascot Budget Inn | 20 mins | Ascot | Room with 2 large beds Kitchenette | Free parking Laundry | Check Price |
Link Portside Apartment | 20 mins | Hamilton | 2 bedroom self-contained apartment with double bed in each room | Free parking | Check Price |
Pullman  | 20 mins | Airport | Room with 2 large beds Tea / Coffee | Pool Gym Restaurant | Check Price |
Airport Motel | 20 mins | Hamilton | Room with a large bed and 2 singles Tea / Coffee | Pool Laundry Free parking | Check Price |
Domain Serviced Apartments | 20 mins | Hamilton | 2 bedroom apartment with double bed and 2 singles | Free parking | Check Price |
Airport Riverview Motel | 20 mins | Hamilton | Room with a large bed and 2 singles Tea / Coffee Microwave Toaster | Free parking | Check Price |
Novotel  | 15 mins | Airport | Room with 2 large beds Tea / Coffee | Restaurant Bar Gym | Check Price |
View Brisbane Hotel | 25 mins | Hamilton | Room with a large bed and 2 singles Tea / Coffee | Pool Gym Restaurant Paid parking | Check Price |
Comfort Inn | 20 mins | Northgate | 2 bedroom apartment for up to 6 people | Pool Free parking Restaurant Free airport drop off Laundry | Check Price |
Airport Ascot Motel | 20 mins | Hamilton | Room with a large bed and 2 singles Tea / Coffee Microwave | Free parking Laundry | Check Price |
Where to Stay for the Brisbane Cruise Terminal?
Before we look at our recommended Brisbane cruise terminal accommodation, let’s talk briefly about the best area to stay in.
First, the cruise terminal recently moved to Pinkenba, 12 km northeast of Brisbane city centre. It’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The terminal was previously in Hamilton, which is much closer to the city centre, so be mindful of this when looking at hotel listings.
When writing this article, I noticed many hotels have not updated their information and still say they’re near the cruise terminal when they are referring to the old terminal.
There isn’t any accommodation super close to the new cruise terminal, so wherever you stay, you’ll either need a car, rideshare or be willing to take a taxi to reach the terminal.
If you plan on staying in Brisbane for a while, booking a hotel in the city centre makes sense. But if you stay a night before or after your cruise, you’re better off staying near the new terminal. Staying in a city centre hotel will mean more cost getting to and from the cruise terminal.
For accommodation near the Brisbane cruise ship terminal, your best bet is to stay either by the airport (perfect for those families flying into Brisbane) or along the Brisbane River in the suburb of Hamilton.
Hamilton is great for families wanting budget hotels close to the Brisbane cruise terminal, as accommodation here is much cheaper than airport hotels. Plus, the closer you are to the river, the closer you’ll be to the Portside dining precinct. This area is great for grabbing food for the kids, and there’s even a cinema if you have a bit of time to kill.
There are also some great family hotels near the Brisbane cruise ship terminal in the residential areas of Ascot and Northgate.
Best Family Friendly Brisbane Cruise Terminal Hotels Review
After hours of research and exploring, I’ve shortlisted 10 of the best family accommodations near the Brisbane Cruise Terminal.
These are among the best Brisbane Cruise Terminal budget accommodation options for families and are all in a good location so you can reach the cruise terminal or airport.
Ascot Budget Inn
The Ascot Budget Inn is a modern three storey hotel that is a 20-minute drive from the cruise terminal. The hotel is also a 3 minute walk from Doomben train station, which can take you into the city or to and from the airport. A bus stop nearby can drop you to Marine Road, from where it is a 15 minute walk to the cruise terminal.
Standard family rooms feature 2 double beds, an ensuite with a shower, free WiFi and tv. Larger families are also catered for in spacious rooms, which sleeps 5 people in 2 doubles and 1 single bed.
All family rooms have a kitchenette with a fridge freezer, an oven, stove and microwave. Rooms also have a washing machine and balconies with seating.
What’s to love?
This hotel has a budget friendly price with the bonus of a kitchenette for self catering. Plus, it is only 500 m to a Woolworths supermarket to pick up groceries or last minute snacks for your cruise.
What’s not to love?
There are 2 double beds, so kids will need to share. However, if this is a no-go for your family, upgrading to a two-bedroom apartment with 2 single beds in the second bedroom is possible.
Summary
Ascot Budget Inn is one of the best equipped – and most affordable – accommodation Brisbane cruise terminal hotels have to offer families. It is perfectly comfortable for a one night stay, but if you want to stay longer, I’d recommend finding more spacious rooms.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Link Portside Apartment
Link Portside Apartment is a contemporary property in Hamilton that is 200 metres from Portside Wharf’s swanky cafes and restaurants of Portside Wharf.
It is a 20 minute drive to the cruise terminal or you can catch a bus from nearby Remora Road, which will drop you to Marine Road, a 15 minute walk from the terminal. The hotel offers secure undercover parking for guests.
Spacious, light filled apartments sleep 4 in 2 bedrooms with 2 double beds. There is an open plan living area with sofas, a tv, a dining table and a kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, dishwasher and fridge. There is also a washing machine and dryer.
Each apartment has a balcony with seating and river views.
What’s to love?
This spacious, modern, self contained apartment is conveniently located for Portside restaurants.
What’s not to love?
Due to its generous size and convenient location, this apartment is pricey for a one night stay.
Summary
If you want space, convenience and a comfortable, quiet night’s sleep before or after your cruise, Link Portside is one of the best Brisbane cruise terminal hotels.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel
The Pullman is a 5 star hotel within walking distance of Brisbane Airport though the hotel also offers a shuttle service. It is a 20 minute drive to the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, public transport is not an option from this hotel (it would take over 1.5 hours and involve changes).
Modern rooms feature 2 double beds, a safe, tv, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar. There is a shower in the ensuite, plus breakfast is available for an additional fee.
Pullman Brisbane has an outdoor pool, a gym and a restaurant. There is on site parking and WiFi is free.
What’s to love?
The hotel is only a short walk from the airport if you arrive or leave by plane. The cruise terminal is reachable by taxi, so you can avoid needing a hire car.
What’s not to love?
Whilst the hotel facilities are good for kids, the rooms are fairly standard and kids will have to share a double bed. If you bring a car, you must pay $40 for parking daily.
Summary
Pullman Brisbane is convenient for the airport and for the cruise terminal. The cost is expensive for what you get compared to other hotels, but for a 5 star hotel, it is good value for money.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Airport Motel
The Airport Motel in Hamilton is a 15 minute drive from Brisbane Airport and the cruise terminal. You can catch a bus outside the motel to Marine Road, a 15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. It is a 15 minute walk to Portside Wharf and 13 minutes on foot to the nearest Coles supermarket.
Family rooms have 1 double and 2 single beds, a fridge, toaster, kettle and tv. The ensuite has a shower.
The motel has a small outdoor pool, a 24 hour desk, free WiFi and overnight parking, plus it offers a shuttle to (but not from) the airport. A continental breakfast and a laundry service is available for an additional cost.
What’s to love?
The hotel is conveniently located for shops and restaurants, and its low price is hard to beat in this area. And the kids will love having their own beds.
What’s not to love?
You will all be sleeping together in one compact room with a dated (but clean) decor.
Summary
This budget friendly and super convenient hotel is adequate for a one night stay before or after your cruise. For price and location, I think it’s one of the best motels near Brisbane Cruise Terminal for families.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Domain Serviced Apartments
Located in Ascot, Domain Apartments is a 20 minute drive from the cruise terminal. You can reach the terminal by bus in under one hour. The property is a five minute walk from cafes and restaurants and a supermarket is across the road for last minute groceries.
The hotel has 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for families sleeping up to 5 people in double and single beds. An interconnecting apartment can sleep 7 people, which is ideal for larger families.
Each light-filled apartment has a spacious open plan living area with sofas, a tv and a kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher and fridge. It also features a washing machine and dryer. Free WiFi and free parking is available.
There is a good sized balcony with seating and city views and the two ensuites have a walk-in shower. Each apartment is accessed by a pin code for added security.
What’s to love?
These modern apartments offer lots of space for families, with wall art and soft furnishings adding a cosy touch. You will be close to a supermarket and a good range of dining options.
What’s not to love?
Domain Service Apartments is in the residential area of Ascot, so there’s not much around to do though you will get a good night’s sleep because of this!
Summary
These gorgeous apartments offer comfort and space in a good location at a reasonable price. The range of apartments available makes this hotel a good choice for multi generational groups.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Airport Riverview Motel
Airport Riverview Motel is a 1 minute walk to the river and the nearest shops and restaurants. It is a 20 minute drive to the cruise terminal or you can reach it in under one hour by bus and a 15 minute walk. Although if you arrange it in advance, the motel will provide a free shuttle to the cruise terminal.
This 3 star motel consists of just 12 rooms and is not your average motel as wall art and colourful features are abundant in the rooms. Family air-conditioned rooms have 1 double bed and 2 single beds, a tv and desk plus a kitchenette with a fridge, toaster, microwave and a kettle.
Free WiFi and free parking is also available.
What’s to love?
The motel offers good sized family rooms and is cheap compared to other accommodation near Brisbane cruise port. Plus, its kitchenette is useful for preparing light meals.
What’s not to love?
Families will have to share one room and its quirky decor may not be to everyone’s taste!
Summary
Airport Riverview Motel offers comfortable rooms with good facilities in a convenient location. If you can arrange a free transfer to the cruise terminal, you could save yourself a taxi fare or a bus ride lugging your bags.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Novotel Brisbane Airport Hotel
The Novotel Hotel is located within the airport precinct. It is a 15 minute drive or taxi ride to the cruise terminal and Portside Wharf is 10 minutes away by car. The Direct Factory Outlets shopping centre and Skygate mall (with a 24 hour Woolworths) is across the road from the hotel.
If you have stayed in a Novotel before, you know what to expect – high end communal facilities, spacious, clean rooms and a fabulous buffet breakfast (always a hit with kids). Novotel Brisbane Airport has a 24 hour front desk, a bar, a restaurant, a gym and a spa. There is an airport shuttle if you need it.
Spacious family rooms have 2 double beds, a desk, a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and a tv. The ensuite has a shower.
What’s to love?
This hotel is the closest to both the airport and the cruise terminal. Shops, cafes and restaurants are a few minutes walk away.
What’s not to love?
Although the rooms are a good size, kids will need to share a bed. The buffet breakfast costs extra and you will also have to pay for on site parking.
Summary
The hotel is in a great location and has everything you need on one site. If you like to know exactly what you are getting in advance, a chain hotel like the Novotel is a good choice.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
View Brisbane Hotel
The View Brisbane Hotel is a multi storey Hamilton hotel that is a 5 minute drive from Brisbane city centre and 10 minutes from the airport. It is a 25 minute drive or an hour’s bus ride (includes a 15 minute walk) to the cruise terminal. For dining options, Portside Wharf is a 5 minute drive or a 30 minute walk from the hotel.
View Brisbane Hotel has a large outdoor pool, spa, sauna, and gym. There is a restaurant, a 24 hour front desk, room service and free WiFi.
Family rooms have 1 double and 2 single beds, a desk, a safe, minibar, a tv and a kettle. The ensuite has a shower, and each room has sliding doors leading onto a small terrace or balcony. The decor is a colourful classic style.
What’s to love?
View Brisbane is reasonably priced for the facilities and standard of the rooms. It offers gorgeous river views and boasts one of the best hotel pools in the area.
What’s not to love?
Although kids will have their own beds, families must share a room. Plus, if you are driving, parking costs $15 a day.
Summary
This central, well equipped and comfortable hotel is a good option if you are staying in Brisbane for a few days before or after your cruise.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Comfort Inn
Comfort Inn in Northgate is an 8 minute drive from the airport and the hotel offers a free airport drop off each morning. It is a 20 minute drive or taxi ride to the cruise terminal. Public transport to the cruise terminal is not really an option as it involves changes. If you want to go to downtown Brisbane, the hotel is a 5 minute walk from Northgate train station – which will take you straight to the city centre.
Families can book a 2 bedroom apartment with 1 double and 2 single beds. There is an open plan living area with a sofa bed, a tv, dining table, plus a kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, microwave and fridge. The bathroom has a combined bathtub and shower.
The hotel has a small outdoor pool, a restaurant, a laundry service, free WiFi and free on site parking. Breakfast is available at an additional cost.
What’s to love?
The apartment offers lots of space for large families and has a good kitchen for self catering. Having a bathtub is useful for younger kids.
What’s not to love?
Northgate is a residential area, so there’s not much happening though you’re only a short walk from the train station which will take you straight into the Brisbane city centre.
Summary
For the facilities, location and spacious well equipped apartments, the Comfort Inn is great value for money. This hotel is a good option for anyone travelling without a car and arriving by plane or train.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Airport Ascot Motel
The Airport Ascot Motel is a 5 minute walk to the City Cat terminal for quick and easy access to downtown Brisbane and Portside Wharf for dining. The hotel is a 20 minute drive or 40 minute bus ride (includes a 15 minute walk) to the cruise terminal. Brisbane airport is only 8 minutes by car and the hotel offers a paid airport shuttle.
Compact family rooms have 1 double and 2 single beds, a safe, tv and a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and kettle. The small ensuite has a shower and there are interconnecting rooms for larger families.
The hotel also provides free WiFi, guest laundry and free undercover parking.
What’s to love?
The hotel is cheap for families and the kitchenette is a useful bonus. It boasts a convenient location for dining and has good transport links.
What’s not to love?
The family rooms are small and you will all have to sleep in one room.
Summary
Airport Mascot Hotel is a good option for families travelling on a budget looking for a one night stay near the cruise terminal.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on family hotels near the Brisbane cruise terminal helpful. Other great guides you may find helpful include things to do in Brisbane with kids, things to do on the Gold Coast with kids and things to do on the Sunshine Coast with kids.