As part of a long weekend getaway from Brisbane to Stanthorpe, I stayed at the incredible Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick, Queensland. This unique accommodation in Australia looks like a Gothic castle on the outside, which is what originally drew me to it. The Abbey of the Roses is actually a heritage-listed converted convent or nunnery. It’s even been referred to as “Australia’s Downtown Abbey”.
As soon as I saw the photos of this castle-like accommodation in the small town west of Brisbane, I knew I had to stay there for myself. I was incredibly pleased with my experience and want to share my spectacular stay for future visitors to the Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick, Australia.
Key information about staying at the Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick
Before we get started, here’s some important information for staying at this unique accommodation in Australia:
- Address: 8 Locke Street, Warwick, Queensland 4370, Australia
- Price: From $115 USD to $320 USD per night. Check Booking.com for the latest prices.
- Phone +61 746 619 777
- Email [email protected]
- Official website: https://www.abbeyboutiquehotel.com.au/
Note: The Abbey Boutique Hotel is advertised “adults only”, and is not suitable for children under 18 unless the entire accommodation is booked out.
How to get to Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick
Warwick, Queensland is located partway between both Toowoomba and Stanthorpe, and Brisbane and Stanthorpe.
The Abbey Boutique Hotel is a 2-hour drive southwest from Brisbane, and about 1 hour south of Toowoomba. Although the official address of the Abbey is on Locke Street, the entrance to the Abbey Boutique Hotel is off of Dragon Street.
History of the Abbey Boutique Hotel
The Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick was constructed in 1892 as the Our Lady of Assumption Convent, the second convent in Warwick, Australia. The two-story sandstone building is an example of Victorian and Gothic architecture, which was adapted to the sub-tropical Queensland weather.
When staying at the Abbey Boutique Hotel there are plenty of opportunities to learn about its past life as a convent. Many of the rooms within the hotel have print-out signs in the doorways explaining how the space was used in the early 1900’s. Some rooms were used as dorms for the nuns, one as an infirmary, a guest room, and another was the private quarters of the “Mother Superior” nun.
Learn more about the history, construction, and design of the Abbey Boutique Hotel on the Queensland Government Heritage website here.
Checking In and First Impressions
I first saw Abbey Boutique Hotel at the entrance off of Dragon Street, where large metal gates open up to a gravel road and a small parking lot. The hotel had Christmas lights, or fairy lights, hanging from a wooden arch that lit up sections of the exterior.
Although the front of the Abbey looks like a Gothic castle, the back reception area looks like an Australian Queenslander building with a large wooden patio and a veranda on the second floor. I rang the buzzer and was greeted by one of the owners who promptly checked us in and showed us to our room.
The interior of the Abbey Boutique Hotel was just as historic as the exterior, with beautiful aesthetic touches like antique tables, mirrors, and bookcases lining the hallways. The floorboards were wonderfully creaky, adding to the historic ambiance of the property.
My Room, "The Cozy Nun's Cell"
At the Abbey Boutique Hotel we stayed at the budget-friendly “Cozy Nun’s Cell”, which was fitting for staying at the converted convent in Warwick. The room had a window that opened up to the front courtyard of the Abbey, a small fridge, TV, fan, and coffee and tea amenities. Small perks like bathrobes, nightlights, phone chargers, and hot chocolate were provided too.
The room had a private bathroom but it was not attached to our Nun’s Cell room. The bathroom was located a short walk down the hallway where a number of private bathrooms were numbered, which we had no issues with. Towels and toiletries were provided in the bathroom-shower.
For two people staying one night as part of a long weekend getaway, this unique room was the perfect place to stay. The size was similar to staying in a private room at a hostel, but the experience was much more luxurious.
Other Rooms at the Abbey Boutique Hotel
Any unoccupied rooms at the Abbey had their doors open and were lit up, so we were able to take a peek at some of the fancier room options as well. Because the whole boutique hotel was booked for a wedding over the weekend, we were one of few guests staying on a Wednesday night.
The other rooms in the Abbey Boutique Hotel range from Queen rooms with private verandas, to Deluxe Suites with four-post bed frames, fireplaces, contemporary private bathrooms, couches, stained glass windows, and even in-room bathtubs.
Check out which rooms are available at the “Downton Abbey of Australia” here.
Meals at the Abbey Boutique Hotel
The Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick has a full kitchen and dining area for guests and outside visitors. No walk-ins are accepted, so booking in advance is essential by phone or email. 2-course meals start from $48 AUD per person, and a variety of starters and mains are available. Some light snacks, like a wine and cheese platter, can be ordered by guests regardless of booking ahead.
The Abbey Boutique Hotel also offers a number of classic breakfast options that can be ordered a night prior. The hotel has a large primary dining area that is often used for receptions and events, and a number of private dining areas that can be specially reserved.
Facilities and Amenities
Roaming around the interior and exterior of the Abbey Boutique Hotel is well worth it on any visit to Warwick, Australia. As mentioned previously, a dining area on-site is available for guests and visitors if meals are booked in advance.
A beautiful little chapel is also located at the front of the building near reception, which is one of the reasons why the Abbey is a popular wedding destination in Warwick.
Little surprises await around many corners, including access to a scenic veranda and little reading nooks. A kitchenette is also available for guests to use.
This unique accommodation also has a massive grounds area and courtyard, which can be explored during the day.
One fitting activity available on the grounds of the “Downton Abbey of Australia” is a giant chess set.
Activities
The Abbey Boutique Hotel offer a number of activities for visitors and groups that can be booked in advance. Events hosted at the Abbey include high teas, murder mystery dinners, and even a Christmas in July. Self-guided tours can be booked by outside visitors for $10 AUD per person (booking in advance is essential).
Things to do near this unique accommodation in Warwick include visiting the historic Warwick Pringle Cottage Museum and the historic Warwick train station and steam train, the Downs Explorer. Be sure to check out the Town Hall and Visitors Information Centre to learn more about Warwick and the Southern Downs region of Queensland!
Abbey Boutique Hotel furry friends
The real boss behind the Abbey Boutique Hotel in Warwick is Bazil, also known as Bazil the Abbey cat. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting this cute lil tabby, he’s a well-known resident and can be seen prowling around the property.
Like many areas in Australia, Warwick is home to native critters like kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, and more. The hotel sometimes gets these wild visitors on the grounds, who come to munch on the native bushes and dewy grass in the mornings and evenings.
Final thoughts - Things I loved about Abbey Boutique Hotel
The Abbey Boutique Hotel is a wonderful and unique accommodation option in Australia that has successfully maintained its historic look and atmosphere. The highlights for me were the wonderful staff who are working hard to keep up the look and feel of the hotel, and the beautiful interior and exterior of the hotel, especially the attention to detail in keeping the historic aura of the building.
For a decent price, visitors can experience old-world luxury and step back in time in this heritage building. It’s not every day that you’re able to stay in a castle-like building! I highly recommend experiencing this converted convent in Warwick if you’re exploring southern Queensland.
Pin this post for your next trip to Warwick, Queensland!
