Miss Midgley’s isn’t just another boutique hotel, it’s a love letter to Brisbane’s history, creativity, and design.

Set in a 160-year-old heritage building once home to artists, teachers, and even an orphanage, this elegant New Farm retreat has been reimagined by mother-daughter duo Lisa and Isabella White into one of the city’s most distinctive stays. The result? A heritage-listed sanctuary that feels both timeless and fresh, with bold colour palettes, arches of Brisbane tuff stone, and interiors that blend European charm with modern edge.

Named after Annie Midgley, an artist and educator who opened a private school in the building in 1905, the hotel channels her fearless, creative spirit across its five artfully restored apartments. Each suite celebrates design excellence, think custom joinery, high ceilings, and playful nods to the building’s colourful past. The hotel’s motto, “not famous, yet known,” couldn’t feel more fitting: Miss Midgley’s has become a whispered favourite among travellers who value thoughtful design and quiet luxury over the predictable five-star formula.

Perfectly positioned on James Street, Brisbane’s fashion and lifestyle hub, Miss Midgley’s places guests at the centre of the city’s creative pulse. Yet, behind its charming stone façade, it offers a tranquil escape, a “home away from home” for those seeking to unwind, explore, and connect with Brisbane’s design culture. The building’s careful restoration also tells a story of sustainability: solar panels, recycled materials, and passive design ensure this historic beauty treads lightly into the future. In every detail, Miss Midgley’s honours its namesake’s legacy; bold, curious, and ahead of her time.

Quick Bites

• What to Eat: Wander down James Street to nab a table at Same Same or settle in for wood-fired seafood at SK Steak & Oyster.
• What to Drink: Sip an espresso martini at The Green or toast the evening with a signature cocktail at The Calile Hotel bar, both just a stroll away.
• When to Go: Perfect for a luxe weekend escape or a midweek city break.
• Cost: Rooms from ~$280 per night
• Where to Play After: Explore the boutiques of James Street, unwind with a walk through New Farm Park, or catch a show at Brisbane Powerhouse.
• Vibe Check: Bold yet serene; a masterclass in colour and heritage. Think European charm meets Brisbane sunshine.
• Book It: Stay at Miss Midgley’s