Brisbane Archives

Carlton Hotel lived 101 years before passing away in 1986. Born in 1885, Carlton Hotel was centrally located in Queen Street and extended to Elizabeth Street. Carlton Hotel was famous for the intricate cast iron balustrades of the overhanging verandas. Welcoming almost 200 visitors, in 1937 Carlton Hotel was known for the technological advances by having a bathroom, toilet, and telephone in every room. In 1939, Carlton’s interest in technology was developed further when the Carlton Cabaret was transformed into the ‘Carlton Theatrette’- Brisbane’s first newsreel theatre. Jim Benzie and Jack Frost were introduced to ‘The Three Stooges’ at the Carlton Theatrette. 
Carlton Hotel’s versatile nature allowed for several pubs to open such as the basement ‘Wilson’s pub’ that Helen Moffatt and Ken Oath remember. In the 80’s Calton Hotel attracted punk Brisbanites in yet another club ‘White Chairs’ while ‘Twelve Seats’ bar was a regular bar fit for twelve. 
Before this and in the 70’s, Carlton Hotel was known for its love for disco through the club ‘Genesis’. 
Graham Lane remembers the multi-coloured flashing lit disco floor he danced on. 
The interior of the Carlton Hotel was survived by a hole for 2 years leaving behind the famous façade as part of a shopping mall façade.