Brisbane - Being a leader is a tiring and demanding job. So it’s no surprise that having to travel around the globe on a regular basis, heads of state like to enjoy a bit of luxury on their “down time”.
Brisbane, Australia, is the host city for this weekend’s G20, with US President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, among leaders staying in the Queensland city.
And it is Obama who has set the bar with his hotel booking this year. The US president will base himself at the A$2 500-a-night (R24 475) Marriott Hotel in Queen Street.
The 28-storey building has 263 rooms, four of which are suites. There are also 10 meeting rooms.
Obama’s room, rather aptly, is the presidential suite on the top floor, with a king-size bed and 131m2 of room to play with. Panoramic views of Brisbane River should relax him after his meetings.
Elegant marble bathrooms, and indulgent bedding, should guarantee the US president’s stay at the top Brisbane hotel is a relaxing one.
However, his room may not appear quite the same as that described in the hotel brochure.
Ahead of his visit, US security officials stripped an entire floor surrounding the presidential suite to ensure Obama was not being spied upon. Mirrors and beds were removed from these rooms, and the suite itself was combed and verified as being safe for Obama to engage in private phone calls.
The award-winning Dome Spa Retreat delivers an unrivalled experience. Also onsite are Motion Bar & Grill, a modern restaurant with an open kitchen plan and outdoor seating, and M Bar, a high-style bar.
Obama’s room also features executive lounge access. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and dessert can be supplemented by free non-alcoholic beverages.
Not far behind in the outlay stakes is Chinese President Xi Jinping who has decided to stay in the A$1 695-a- night Stamford Suite at the Stamford Plaza. He gets more for his money in terms of space than Obama, with 250m2 to enjoy, and a baby grand piano thrown in for good measure.
A spa bath overlooking the river and a private, heated terrace will all help Jinping to relax.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin will stay in the slightly less salubrious surroundings of the Hilton in the A$615-a-night king suite, while Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah beds down in the AS$495 Manor Suite at the Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
Maybe he has some insider information, but Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s selection of the A$309 deluxe king suite with a river view at Rydges is thrifty compared to some other leaders’ choices.
The best of the rest sees German Chancellor Angela Merkel staying at the relatively modest Four Points, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be joined at the Sofitel by France’s President Francois Hollande.
Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo has perhaps selected the cheapest stay of all, with a room booked at the A$200-a-night Novotel.
Security agencies are scanning the city 24 hours a day and barricades have been going up around the restricted zones where dignitaries will be meeting and sleeping.
Special G20 laws have come into force and one man has already been banned from the area.
He was charged after allegedly refusing to provide police with his details after taking photos of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday night. – Daily Mail