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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Kingsford Smith Motel offers excellent customer service high quality, clean, comfortable and modern rooms. Fine dining restaurants, bars and shops near and in the picturesque portside wharf precinct, not to forget the Eat Street Markets and Racecourse Road all within an easy walk. Eagle Farm and Doomben racetracks are both close by. We offer 24-hour check in service and a complimentary drop off Shuttle to the Airport terminals, racetracks and the Tangalooma ferry terminal. (Drop Off service only) *Please note the Shuttle drop off service is Subject to availability.
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The Kingsford Smith Motel is lauded for its impeccable cleanliness, with guests often highlighting the spotless rooms and modern bathrooms. It's known to offer excellent value, recognized for its cost-effective dining and convenient location. The attentive service provided by the staff garners consistent praise, ensuring a warm welcome with personalized touches.
Amenities at the motel receive high marks for their cleanliness and comfort, adding to the pleasant atmosphere of the establishment. While the rooms are celebrated for their comfort and modern amenities, the front-facing ones may experience some noise issues.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Cost-effective
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Wow, I just don't know where to start, as everything at Kingford Smith Motel is just THAT good! The manager Helen is the epitome of everything that is good in this world. I had a complicated flight cancellation/delay issue, which ended up taking almost a week to resolve, but Helen looked after me every step of the way doing everything she could, and with such ease, to accommodate my daily flight cancellations. She's warm and friendly, treating everyone as if they are a guest in her home. Not only that, she is incredibly respectful, kind and appreciative of her housekeeping staff, who in turn do an incredible job. It all is testament to the way a business should be managed. What a breath of fresh air! The rooms are immaculate and spotlessly clean down to the fine details, and delightfully equipped with little treats, and fresh milk for your tea or coffee along with all the other niceties. Plus a great bonus when you book direct! As I was there for a week I got to explore the whole area on foot where I found great restaurants, cafes, the best gelato, a Woolies, a Coles and Brett's Wharf, where you can catch the City Cat into Southbank, the CBD and beyond. Plus of course the quick proximity to the airport! Thank you so much again for your warmth and care, I shall be back every time I'm traveling through Brisbane! Until then...
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Date of stay: November 2024
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Book direct and you get a free adult beverage!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from G M, General Manager at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 11 Nov 2024
Dear Balikini What an amazing review and the kindest of words you have left us. You were an amazing and gorgeous guest yourself. It was our absolute pleasure looking after you for the week you had with us. Originally only staying one night we did our best to ensure you had a bed to sleep in for the rest of the week. We love all of our guests, and nothing is ever too much for us. Especially your circumstances. We were so relived finding out you finally got to your destination. I know we will see you back when in town for your next adventure. Stay safe and have a wonderful day. Again, thank you for your kindest of words. Regards Helen & Cam
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Cam and Helen are always so welcoming to return guests as we are. It is the best location for an overnight stay before an early flight the following morning. A short walk to the wharf for a good selection of restaurants if you don't wish to go downtown. Rooms are always impeccably clean and nothing is too much trouble for them with any needs we have had.
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We really liked this motel it was easy to find parking was a breeze. It was very easy and close to walk to eating places across the road at the wharf precinct. The reception area was very inviting the staff friendly and professional to deal with, check in out was very quick. The room were very good sound proofed and quiet, quiet modern with good tea making facilities free water and 2 free juices upon check in which was lovely. The beds were comfortable linen nice and soft and room could be darkened quite easily for night sleeping. Set up in bathroom very good as well . We will be back for sure when the next cirque show . Very happy customers.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Heaps of eating places across the road to have a look at and eat from. Had IGA supermarket which...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from G M, General Manager at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 15 Oct 2024
Hello LTaylor73 Thank you so much for making the time in sending us your awesome rating. It means so much to us knowing you had a comfortable and enjoyable stay with us. It was lovely having you and hope to see you when in town next. Have a lovely day and take care. Regards Helen & Cam
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Just like the photographs. Recent renovations are to a high standard with details like night sensor light in bathroom combo rainfall shower. The room is spotless, the bed good, the massive Tv with Netflix, Fox Sport and Prime loaded and working . Biscuits, chocolates, face washers and generous daily refill of all of the amenities. Water in fridge. Even on a sold out Saturday i found a free parking spot. Wifi works and free. Good size bar fridge, shower cap...had it all except ice. I am sure they use a room spray after servicing so when you walk back in it smells so nice. They thought about the design, the surfaces and finishes durable. With good maintenance and housekeeping the standard should be maintained and i will be back for sure. Just a note that at 5'1" even on tip toes could not see a thing in magnifying mirror...way too high for many women and it does not tip down. Negative was i had noisy neighbours thumping about and talking loudly. Recommend ear plugs if that is a trigger for you. No noise from Kingsford Smith Drive. No mini bar and did not see a vending machine. No cafe or restaurant small breaky menu in my photos. Thanks Helen and Cameron, lovely stay, very impressed.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:upper floor might get less noise from carpark
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Star Group, Owner at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 31 May 2022
Hi Margaret, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that our wonderful staff could help you out and make you feel comfortable. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Warm Regards, The Kingsford Smith Motel Team
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I stayed in Kingsford Smith Motel earlier this October. Unfortunately, I have fairly ambivalent thoughts. On the positive side, the hotel's location is commendable, being a 10 minute drive from the airport. Nonetheless, the surroundings were not at all boisterous. The receptionist who greeted us was not only courteous but especially informative, giving information about local restaurants as well as how to get to Brisbane CBD via the ferry. Nevertheless, the hotel room is a mixed bag. It is reasonably large for the price (around $190 for the cheapest room, but we booked the Triple Room which was a little over $200). Of the two beds, one was quite large and both were definitely comfortable. Upon entering the room, there was additionally a lovely letter and some chocolates on the bed, which was pleasant.
Unfortunately, however, despite recent refurbishing, much of the room was more dated than what I expected from looking at the photos and reading the rave reviews. The walls had some scruff marks, and one of the chairs had a noticeable dirty mark by the side. These were far from egregious but was not what I expected. Further, the bathroom is aged and differs with what the photos. While not too unclean, the shower is diminutive and clunky, and the water was far from the best. Overall, I found this motel to be mediocre. The location and the staff were exceptional, but the room was older than my anticipations.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Co-manager Helen was very friendly and efficient in dealing with my initial enquiries, a special request, check- in and free shuttle to the airport. Support staff also very good. Grounds well maintained.
Room was clean, comfortable and quiet
The only significant fault was the poor tile laying in the accessible bathroom. A lot of the water from the shower ran towards and pooled around the drainage grate in the middle of the bathroom. In my opinion this presents a slip hazard for guests and employees. At the least you may get the bottom of your jammies wet if you are not careful.
Sea Grill restaurant very close to the motel, was quite satisfactory for dinner. Pork spring rolls were good - crisp and tasty, not greasy. Seafood meals were well prepared and served in generous proportions.
Not a fine dining establishment, but reasonably good value.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:About 700 metres to Bretts Wharf (City Cat),Hamilton Pub, Dan Murphy, and a small Woolworths store
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from G M, General Manager at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 23 Apr 2024
Hello JJJfolley Thank you for your rating of the Motel. It was an absolute pleasure looking after you and knowing you had such a pleasant experience with us. Regards to the bathrooms we are aware of this issue and are making arrangements in getting this attended to. We hope to see you next when in town. Have a great day. Regards Helen & Cam
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The motel was beautifully presented with modern decor. The bed was so comfortable and I got a really good nights sleep. I just got back from overseas so it was lovely to find in my room complimentary chocolates and biscuits and bottled water. The owners couldn’t be more helpful. I made a mistake when booking the free shuttle but they came to the motel anyway to take me to the airport. Make sure you book with them directly so all your $ goes towards supporting an Australian business rather than the big international booking sites. It’s rare nowadays to find an independent motel run by the owners and I’ll make sure I go back to support them.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our first time staying in this area of Brisbane and we were delighted by the friendly service received from reception Staff and their easy 24hr check-in. The Newly renovated Deluxe King room was beautifully decorated making us feel as though we had stumbled upon a hidden gem that was great value for money. The location makes it incredibly handy for those needing quick access to the airport or M1 Highway, there are plenty of eateries within reach, both Doomben and Eagle Farm racetracks are a short walk/drive away, and Eat street/ Portside is just 2-min down the road. The room itself was very clean with small yet thoughtful touches making your stay feel that bit extra special (e.g. welcome note with helpful info on arrival). Tea and coffee area was filled with decent coffee and tea options with the supply of fresh milk (which was super pleasing to see!)
My partner and I booked via booking.com, but we will 100% book direct next time around as their website is very easy to navigate, and we would love to fully support this business again. Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Star Group, Owner at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 7 Apr 2021
Hi Sherpa747928, On behalf of the Kingsford Smith Motel team I thank you for taking your time to share your 5 star review! It's so lovely to hear your stay in Brisbane was at the perfect location in our clean cosy room with easy 24 hr check in. At the Kingsford Smith Motel we strive to provide high standards of accommodation and cleanliness along with exceptional customer service to our guests. So the team will be delighted to hear on your visit you found the location fantastic, room clean and modern. We hope to welcome you back again soon! Wamest Regards, Julie R
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Stayed at the Motel prior to our cruise for 1 night for the first time and were treated like long time guests with a warm and friendly greeting . Our entire family of 3 generations stayed there and all had the same opinion of the rooms, motel , location and warming hosts as fantastic and wouldn’t hesitate to return and to recommend. Everything was to a high standard and the little touches of chocolates in the room and a nice cold drink on arrival certainly was unexpected and makes a nice touch . Thanks Paul and Nicole
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from G M, General Manager at Kingsford Smith Motel
Responded 23 Apr 2024
Hello 875PaulR Thank you for your rating and kind words. It was lovely having you all staying with us. You have a beautiful family, and it makes us happy knowing you all had a wonderful stay. Hope the Cruise holiday went well for you. Hope to see you next time when in town. Take care. Regards Helen & Cam
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Liked · Stayed one night for a 14 hour layover, location was great 10-15 min drive from the airport and the CBD. 5 minute walk from the Wharf where we grabbed dinner and some snacks from IGA. Check In process was really nice and personal with the staff. Room was clean and as expected.
Disliked · Our room safe didn't work, but for a one night stay it didn't affect us specifically. The bathroom is small with the toilet very very close to the sink. There is also a small step into the bathroom that both my wife and I both stubbed our toes on going in a few times.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There is a nice Asian restaurant just around the corner. Nothing fancy, casual dining catering to all tastes, the food we had was excellent and well priced.
Derby, United Kingdom479 contributions176 helpful votes
We just got taxi which wasn’t a lot. And could go when we needed to be there. So not sure about shuttle service, folk there are wonderful on reception they will soon put you right.. e mail them. Enjoy:
There are more places to choose from in the Brisbane area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$197 - AU$259 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kingsford smith hotel
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandBrisbane RegionBrisbane
NUMBER OF ROOMS
40
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
