Under Brisbane’s golden sun, where palm trees sway above pastel façades and terrazzo walkways glimmer in the heat, The Calile Hotel continues to redefine what it means to be both local and world-class.
Once again, this architectural gem on James Street has captured international attention -earning the No. 34 spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025, marking its third consecutive year as the only Australian and Oceanic hotel on the prestigious list.
For The Calile, this isn’t just another accolade. It’s a resounding affirmation of vision, hospitality and place. Since its opening in 2018, the family-run hotel has cultivated a serene urban oasis that celebrates subtropical living—an elegant fusion of design, community and understated luxury. Each curve of concrete, each cool breeze through its open-air corridors, whispers a story of Australian modernism perfectly attuned to the climate.
Co-owner Catherine Malouf, representing the Malouf family and The Calile team at the London ceremony, described the recognition as both humbling and momentous:
"To have been selected three years in a row marks a significant affirmation of The Calile’s place on the global hotel-industry stage,” she said. "It reinforces our reputation as a desirable destination for international travellers coming to Brisbane.” Her words resonate deeply with a sense of pride—not merely for the hotel itself, but for the city it calls home.
General Manager Chris Kemlo echoed the sentiment, recognising the achievement as a reflection of Brisbane’s rising star in global tourism. "Being recognised among the world’s best hotels for the third consecutive year is an incredible honour and a testament to our remarkable team,” he said.
"The professionalism, consistency and genuine care for our guests define The Calile experience.” His tribute to the staff captures what visitors so often describe: a rare blend of warmth and refinement that makes every stay feel effortless, yet extraordinary.
Beyond the accolades, The Calile’s true allure lies in its philosophy—its ability to turn hospitality into a cultural exchange. The hotel’s partnership with local arts organisations and its ever-evolving collaborations with nearby boutiques and creatives have transformed it into more than just a luxury stay. It has become a meeting place, a modern agora where travellers and locals gather to share in Brisbane’s creative rhythm.
As the awards ceremony unfolded in London, Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, praised the selected destinations as "exceptional experiences that inspire travellers around the globe.” Among glittering contenders from six continents, The Calile stood tall as a celebration of Australian hospitality—a reminder that beauty, authenticity and human connection can be as powerful as grandeur.
For Brisbane, The Calile is more than a hotel—it’s a beacon. A testament to what happens when vision, design and community come together in perfect harmony under the Queensland sun. As it basks once more in global recognition, The Calile continues to invite the world to experience not just its rooms, but its rhythm—a rhythm uniquely and proudly Australian.
