Oaks Hotels And Resorts

One of the most heartbreaking moments I have ever experienced was on Friday. We booked accommodation in the morning for my partner. After completing the booking and paying the full amount, I contacted the istay river staff to confirm our reservation. I informed them that my partner and I had lost our small travel bag containing our physical bank card. However, I mentioned that my partner had a digital bank card on her app, and the staff assured me that it would be fine as long as they could see her name and card number, and that other details were acceptable. We informed them that we would arrive in the evening as we needed to stay in Brisbane for a few nights while sorting out our new home. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily and cold that evening, and to make matters worse, my partner was pregnant. When we arrived at the accommodation, the staff lady treated us with extreme rudeness, not even offering a simple greeting. She looked at us in a disgusted manner. It's important to note that my partner is Aboriginal and I am of brown ethnicity. In a rude manner, the staff lady demanded my partner's ID. Later, she asked for the physical card, to which I replied that we didn't have it, but I had informed the service reception in the morning about using the digital card. However, she denied our entry, without even attempting to understand our situation or engage in a conversation. It was clear that her behavior was fueled by racism, as we witnessed her welcoming and greeting white people with respect, unlike her treatment towards us. At that moment, the guy who had initially approved our arrival came out, confirming that it was indeed him who had given us permission to come. An argument ensued between the staff lady and the guy right in front of us. Eventually, he asked me to show the digital card, but unfortunately, the account had insufficient funds, and the transaction declined three times. To add to our distress, it was raining heavily, and my phone battery had died. Eventually, we had no choice but to leave. As we were leaving, the staff lady laughed mockingly, which only fueled my anger. My partner was devastated by the entire ordeal and expressed how this is a daily reality for Aboriginal people, regardless of whether they are customers or not. Both of us had to spend the night on the streets, feeling like homeless individuals. I don't care about my own experience, but my pregnant wife did not deserve to be treated this way.

Istay is not great to stay at at the moment. Lots of works going on and so banging starts at 730 on some days. One lift so often waiting for 10 minutes to get to and from apartment. Double bed is two singles pushed together. This is common except beds are different heights. Really not comfortable. Service was good but couldn't recommend due to other issues at this time. Nov 2023.

The rooms are yuck - carpet stinks- it’s a mystery with the lifts. Room has fan and not air condition. Dining table chair leather has come out. Lifts is another issue it’s a night mare. Though have paid it for few nights my all money is wasted and I hardly believe that this kind of apartment is in the city. If someone has a carpet allergy please do not come here it is the worst place to stay.

Beware!!!! Do not book here unless both elevators are operational. Spent so much time waiting for the only elevator in the hotel to service 41 floors of tenants and guests, allow 10-30mins to get to ground or your floor. Unpredictable and we were late for our event 2 days in a row. Not ideal for teenagers, stranger danger situation, some creep popping his head out from the stair well. There' is construction happening 24/7, the rooms windows and doors block more of the sounds Staff very friendly and helpful, location was handy. Rooms not 4 star, 2.5.

There is only one functional lift and you have to share it with people who arrive for short stays who are also not aware of the current repairs that are being undertaken..You can sometimes spend 30 mins just to get to your apartment. I would avoid booking any room here until they can confirm the lift situation is fixed. At the moment its chaotic and not worth your money whether for a short stay or as tenants within the complex.