17 June, 2016
Set in the former Gowings building (one of Sydney's first department stores) as well as the old State Theatre, the QT Sydney is a delightful combination of classic architecture and cool Aussie attitude. While maintaining its historic charm, the hotel welcomes the new with open arms by incorporating digital art, bold colours and funky décor into the mix.
With 200 unique rooms and impressive state-of-the-art amenities, attention to detail extends right down to the staff's arty, custom-made uniforms - though the hotel manages to maintain a characteristically easy-going Down Under vibe which will make you feel totally at home.
Every bedroom has its own design, from giant fuzzy pillows to graphic wall art and wild prints. The common denominator? Each room is lightly perfumed with Chanel No°5. The bathrooms are uber sleek with freestanding tubs, dim lighting and chic features such as hand-shaped mirror stands. And let's not forget the minibar. It's like your childhood sweetshop dream (with wine) right at your fingertips, showcasing carefully iced gingerbread men and retro chocolate treats.
Pop into the hotel's casual restaurant, Parlour Lane Roasters, for a quick bite and an espresso before spending the morning touring around town. There are lots of healthy options ranging from veggie omelettes to muesli - if you want to indulge, don't miss the homemade banana bread. The hotel's main restaurant, Gowings Bar & Grill, offers an extensive breakfast menu too. Our favourite? The black truffle scrambled eggs.
Parlour Lane does lunch and aperitivo while the Bar & Grill is open all day and has a fantastic drinks list. At dinnertime, the menu has a big seafood focus - be sure to sample the oyster bar. If fish isn't your thing, go for the rotisserie chicken.
The QT's glamorous Gilt Lounge stays open until 2AM and has an impressive range of cocktails, while the late-night nibbles menu is a godsend if you're in the mood for a midnight snack (or need something to soak up the booze).
This hotel is well equipped with a luxury boutique, stylish guest lounge, mini theatre and gym, with additional access to Sydney's Virgin Active Health Club. One of the most indulgent parts of the hotel is SpaQ, which features regular spa amenities as well as a hammam, a barber and a nail bar.
Modern art is an integral part of the hotel. Curator Amanda Love has carefully selected creative new multimedia pieces to beautifully contrast with the old building. Look out for Australian artists featured in the halls, as Love's keen eye has caught some of the coolest art we've seen in a while.
Right in the Central Business District, QT is easy walking distance from some of the city's best shopping as well as a slew of attractions including Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you're looking for an easy afternoon trip on a hot day, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay, where you can hop on a ferry that will take you to the Northern Beaches.
