The Glen Hotel and Suites in Brisbane and The Glen Hotel on Arranmore Island, Ireland, are two distinctly different properties that share a similar name — and travellers often confuse them. This guide separates fact from assumption, drawing on official hotel materials, verified review data, and tourism board resources to clarify location, ownership, and how each property fits into a broader travel plan that may also include Cape Town.
Last checked: 2026-09-24
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property name: The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) / The Glen Hotel (Ireland) · Location – Brisbane: Eight Mile Plains, 15 min from central Brisbane · Location – Ireland: Arranmore Island, County Donegal · Key amenities (Brisbane): Free WiFi, heated pool, 2 restaurants, 24-hour reception, coffee bar · Key amenities (Ireland): Ensuite rooms, TV, tea/coffee facilities, group rates
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-24.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Wotif listing, KAYAK data, Trivago aggregation, Expedia listing, Trip.com reviews, Irish tourism authority.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond published rates.
Snapshot: The Glen properties at a glance
- Corner Logan Road and Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains, Queensland 4113, Australia (TripAdvisor)
- Fitzgibbons family has owned and operated since 1960 (The Glen Hotel corporate guide)
- Free WiFi, heated pool, 2 restaurants, 24-hour reception (Booking.com)
- 8.9/10 (Booking.com, 497 reviews) + 9.2/10 (Trip.com, 50 reviews) (Booking.com & Trip.com)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) / The Glen Hotel (Ireland) |
| Location – Brisbane | Eight Mile Plains, 15 min from central Brisbane |
| Location – Ireland | Arranmore Island, County Donegal |
| Key amenities (Brisbane) | Free WiFi, heated pool, 2 restaurants, 24-hour reception, coffee bar |
| Key amenities (Ireland) | Ensuite rooms, TV, tea/coffee facilities, group rates |
| Check-in / check-out (Brisbane) | 2:00 pm / 11:00 am |
| Family ownership since | 1960 (Fitzgibbons family) |
| Star classification (varies by source) | 4.5-star (hotel guide) / 4-star (Booking.com) |
Where is the Glen Hotel?
The name “The Glen Hotel” refers to two completely separate properties on different continents. The Glen Hotel and Suites is located at the corner of Logan Road and Gaskell Street in Eight Mile Plains, a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (TripAdvisor). It sits about 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane central business district and less than five minutes from Brisbane Technology Park (Booking.com). Meanwhile, The Glen Hotel in Ireland is on Arranmore Island, County Donegal — a very different setting, reachable by ferry from the mainland.
The Glen Hotel and Suites in Brisbane
The Brisbane property is a 4.5-star accommodation product, according to its corporate functions guide, though Booking.com lists it as a four-star property. It is approximately eight minutes’ drive from Westfield Garden City and about 20–25 minutes from Brisbane Airport (Booking.com). The hotel’s own history page notes that The Glen Suites opened in time for the Brisbane G20 summit in 2014 (The Glen Hotel).
The Fitzgibbons family has owned and operated The Glen Hotel since 1960, a fact the hotel publishes in its corporate material (corporate functions guide). The history page adds that co-owner Greg retired while Brian and his family retained ownership, and that the family celebrated 50 years of continuous ownership at a milestone event.
The Glen Hotel on Arranmore Island, Ireland
The Irish counterpart sits on Arranmore Island off the coast of County Donegal. It is a family-run bed-and-breakfast-style hotel offering ensuite rooms, television, and tea/coffee facilities. Group rates are available, and recent TripAdvisor reviews (updated 2026) describe it as a quiet, scenic base for exploring the island. Unlike the Brisbane property, it does not have a heated pool or multiple restaurants.
Who owns the Glen Hotel?
Ownership details differ by location. The Glen Hotel and Suites in Brisbane is wholly owned and operated by the Fitzgibbons family, as stated in the hotel’s official corporate functions guide. The document explains that the family has been running the hotel since 1960, and the nostalgia page on the hotel’s website reinforces that the Fitzgibbons family maintained continuous ownership for 50 years (The Glen Hotel).
For the Irish property on Arranmore Island, a corporate register check was not possible from the available research, but TripAdvisor descriptions consistently refer to it as a family-run establishment. No publicly available corporate filing was located in the scope of this review.
What is the poshest hotel in Ireland?
When travellers ask about the poshest hotel in Ireland, they are most likely thinking of Ashford Castle in County Mayo or Adare Manor in County Limerick — both five-star properties with centuries of history, fine dining, and luxury spa facilities. The Glen Hotel on Arranmore Island is not typically described as the poshest; instead it is praised for its unpretentious charm and island setting.
Criteria for “poshest”: common benchmarks include star rating, price per night, Michelin-starred restaurants, and historic significance. Ashford Castle charges upwards of €500 per night and holds a five-star rating. The Glen Hotel offers a more modest rate consistent with a three-star B&B.
Which district in Cape Town is the best to stay?
Cape Town’s neighbourhoods vary widely in safety, atmosphere, and accessibility. The most popular safe areas with affluent visitors are Camps Bay and Constantia, both known for upscale homes, scenic views, and low crime rates during daylight hours (Cape Town Tourism). Bishopscourt is another wealthy suburb with very low crime, though it is less central. Areas to generally avoid include certain townships after dark and the Cape Flats region due to higher crime rates.
Where the rich stay: The Atlantic Seaboard suburbs — Clifton, Bantry Bay, and Fresnaye — are home to many of Cape Town’s most expensive residences and boutique hotels. Constantia also offers luxury estates and wine farms.
The bottom line: For first-time visitors, staying in Camps Bay or the V&A Waterfront gives the best balance of safety, convenience, and scenery. Families often prefer Constantia for its larger homes and quieter streets.
What are the best hotels in Cape Town?
The Glen Hotel and Suites is not in Cape Town — it is in Brisbane — so travellers looking for Cape Town accommodation should consider the following top-rated properties, drawn from review platforms and travel guides:
- The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront) – five-star, industrial-chic design, rooftop pool.
- Cape Grace (V&A Waterfront) – five-star, Scottish-inspired hospitality, great for couples.
- Ellerman House (Bantry Bay) – luxury boutique with an art collection and panoramic sea views.
- Mount Nelson Hotel (City Bowl) – historic pink palace with sprawling gardens, popular with families.
- Table Bay Hotel (V&A Waterfront) – four-star, ocean views, direct access to the Waterfront.
For boutique and family-friendly options, check neighbourhood-specific guides on platforms like Booking.com and TripAdvisor.
What are the top 10 safest areas in Cape Town?
Safety in Cape Town is neighbourhood-specific. Based on local tourism authority advice and police crime statistics (published by the Western Cape government), the following suburbs are consistently cited as safer than the city average:
- Bishopscourt
- Constantia
- Camps Bay
- Clifton
- Bantry Bay
- Fresnaye
- V&A Waterfront (tourist zone)
- Sea Point (with caution at night)
- Green Point
- Newlands
Security precautions: Use common sense — avoid walking alone after dark in any area, keep valuables out of sight, and use ride-hailing apps rather than public minibus taxis. Gated communities and private security estates are common in the affluent suburbs.
| Property | Location | Price range (qualitative) | Key amenities | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) | Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane | Moderate (AU$150–250/night) | Heated pool, 2 restaurants, free WiFi, free parking | 4.5-star (4 star on Booking.com) | Business travellers, families |
| The Glen Hotel (Ireland) | Arranmore Island, Donegal | Budget (€50–100/night) | Ensuite rooms, TV, tea/coffee, group rates | 3-star (typical B&B) | Solo adventurers, couples |
| The Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa | Not specified (check local listings) | Varies | Spa, boutique décor, fine dining | Varies | Luxury seekers |
| 2 Inn 1 Boutique Hotel and Spa | Not specified | Mid-range to luxury | Spa, restaurant, personalised service | 4-5 star | Couples, spa enthusiasts |
| Top Cape Town hotel (representative: The Silo) | V&A Waterfront, Cape Town | Premium (ZAR 5,000–15,000/night) | Rooftop pool, art, butler service | 5 star | Luxury travellers, couples |
Pros and cons
Pros of The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane)
- Free WiFi and free parking reduce incidental costs
- Heated pool available year-round
- Two on-site restaurants offer variety without leaving the hotel
- 24-hour reception aids late arrivals
- Close to Brisbane Technology Park for business travellers
Cons
- Not in central Brisbane – requires a car for most attractions
- Road-facing rooms can be noisy (noted in several Trivago reviews)
- Credit card surcharges may apply (check at booking)
- Parking gate access has been criticised by some guests on Wotif
Best for segments
| Reader type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Families | The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) – spacious suites, pool, two restaurants, close to Westfield Garden City. |
| Couples | The Glen Hotel (Ireland) – quiet island retreat with scenic walks and no crowds. |
| Business travellers | The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) – five minutes from Brisbane Technology Park, reliable WiFi, 24-hour reception. |
| Solo adventurers | The Glen Hotel (Ireland) – affordable, safe island base for hiking and exploring Donegal. |
| Luxury seekers in Cape Town | Consider The Silo, Cape Grace, or Ellerman House instead. |
Pricing band overview
Prices for The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane) vary by season. KAYAK data from 2025 shows an average nightly rate of approximately AU$132 in August (low season) and AU$226 in February (high season) (KAYAK). A Wotif snapshot captured a rate of AU$229 including taxes and fees — but these are dynamic and should be verified at time of booking. For the Irish Glen Hotel, typical rates fall between €50 and €100 per night, based on TripAdvisor listings. Cape Town luxury hotels range from ZAR 3,000 to over ZAR 15,000 per night.
Location and getting there
The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane)
Corner Logan Road and Gaskell Street, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. By car: approximately 15 minutes from central Brisbane via the Pacific Motorway (M1). From Brisbane Airport, allow 20–25 minutes. Public transport: bus routes connect Eight Mile Plains to the Brisbane CBD via the South East Busway (Buranda station then transfer).
The Glen Hotel (Ireland)
Arranmore Island, County Donegal. Access is via the Arranmore Ferry from Burtonport (mainland). The ferry runs multiple times daily year-round; crossing takes about 15 minutes. No bridge connects the island – a car ferry is available for larger vehicles.
Alternatives in the set
- Amora Hotel Brisbane – central Brisbane location, luxury spa, good for couples wanting city access.
- Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites – self-contained apartments in the CBD, free WiFi, suitable for longer stays.
- Ashford Castle (Ireland) – the ultimate splurge for luxury seekers in Ireland.
- The Silo (Cape Town) – modern design hotel on the V&A Waterfront.
- Ellerman House (Cape Town) – boutique art-focused hotel with private wine cellar.
Our pick
Recommended for most travellers: The Glen Hotel and Suites (Brisbane)
For readers visiting Brisbane, this property delivers reliable comfort, free parking, and a heated pool — rare in a suburban hotel at this price point. The two on-site restaurants mean you don’t have to drive for dinner, and the 24-hour reception helps if your flight arrives late. Independent review scores consistently land above 8.9/10 across major platforms (Booking.com 8.9, 497 reviews; Trip.com 9.2, 50 reviews).
For travellers to Ireland, our pick shifts to The Glen Hotel on Arranmore Island if you value seclusion, scenery, and lower costs. Luxury seekers should look to Ashford Castle or Adare Manor instead.
For Cape Town, first-time visitors will do well at Cape Grace or The Silo — both centrally located and well-reviewed for safety and service.
“The Fitzgibbons Family has owned and operated The Glen Hotel since 1960.”
— The Glen Hotel, official corporate publication
“The Fitzgibbons family celebrates 50 years of continuous ownership at The Glen.”
— The Glen Hotel, official history page
Frequently asked questions
What amenities does The Glen Hotel and Suites offer?
Free WiFi, heated swimming pool, two on-site restaurants (The Bistro and The Grill), free self-parking, 24-hour reception, and a coffee bar, as listed on Booking.com and Wotif.
Is The Glen Hotel in Ireland or Australia?
Both. There is a Glen Hotel on Arranmore Island, County Donegal, Ireland, and a separate Glen Hotel and Suites in Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, Australia.
How far is The Glen Hotel and Suites from Brisbane Airport?
Approximately 20–25 minutes by car, according to Booking.com and the hotel’s corporate guide.
Does The Glen Hotel (Ireland) have free WiFi?
Yes, the Irish property offers free WiFi in common areas and guest rooms, based on current TripAdvisor listings.
What is the best time to visit Cape Town?
December to February offers warm, dry weather but peak prices. March to May and September to November provide mild conditions and fewer crowds (Cape Town Tourism).
Are there any luxury hotels near Arranmore Island?
Mainland Donegal has several luxury options, including Lough Eske Castle and Harvey’s Point Hotel, both within 30–40 minutes’ drive of the ferry at Burtonport.
Can I book The Glen Hotel and Suites online?
Yes, direct bookings via the hotel’s own website or through major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Wotif.
What currency is used in Brisbane and Cape Town?
Brisbane uses Australian dollars (AUD, A$). Cape Town uses South African rand (ZAR, R).