Now Open: Australia's First LyLo Has Brought Its Budget-Friendly Sleeping Pods to Brisbane's Former Limes Hotel

If you're travelling to the Sunshine State on a budget, or you're a Brisbanite who knows someone who is, the River City's first pod hotel has opened its doors to give the Queensland capital a new affordable accommodation option. LyLo Brisbane has taken over well-known digs, turning the former Limes Hotel into its first-ever Australian site — and more spots on the Gold Coast and in Fremantle in Western Australia are swiftly on the way.

One of EVT's hotel brands — sitting in a stable that also includes QT Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels & Resorts, Atura Hotels and Independent Collection by EVT — LyLo first set up shop in New Zealand in 2022. Across the ditch, you'll find one of the brand's locations in each of Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Now, it's Australia's turn, beginning with its debut abode at 142 Constance Street, where a private sleeping pod starts at $69 per night.

Limes Hotel's old digs has been given a complete revamp, and now house rooms with either four or six pods, as well as private ensuite rooms, plus family and group rooms. For pod guests, there's a choice of female-only rooms. If you're booking in for the family or group experience, you'll be in a room with a queen bed, two beds and an ensuite.

Of course, the pods come cheaper than the rooms — and for the pod experience, you'll get a king single bed with privacy screens, your own lighting and fan in each pod, a mirror, wifi, and power and USB charging ports, as well as an adjacent luggage storage locker.

No matter which accommodation choice you go with, everyone gets access to a wellness space with spin bikes and views over Brisbane, plus a coworking space with free wifi. Where Limes Hotel's rooftop bar and cinema previously sat, LyLo has transformed the upper level into a hangout with a communal kitchen and games. Also on offer: wine, self-pouring beer and tap cocktails.

For the hotel's look and feel, IndigeDesignLabs and local Meanjin artist Jordache Gage have turned the building's facade into a tribute to the Brisbane River, and the plants and animals found around it, via a blue-, orange- and purple-hued artwork atop grey. Inside, the decor skews light, bright and airy, with greenery aplenty in shared spaces.

"From our innovative communal spaces to our commitment to guest comfort in unique sleeping formats, LyLo Brisbane sets a new standard for travellers seeking affordability without compromising on quality. Opening our doors in Brissie is just the beginning of our journey, and we've already got our next LyLo properties in the pipeline to continue expanding our presence across Australia," said LyLo Managing Director Tim Alpe.

"We are stoked to be welcoming adventurers, digital nomads, families and more as they embark on a new way to stay, enjoying our innovative pod rooms and immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of LyLo."

Find LyLo Brisbane at 142 Constance Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane — head to the hotel's website for further details.

Images: Vaughan Brookfield.