The QT Sydney, Design Hotels' newest member in Australia, has opened in two of the city’s most iconic buildings: the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theater. While the facades have been restored to their former glory, the interior has original features, curated digital art installations, eclectic artifacts and quirky design pieces inspired by the retail and theater history of the buildings. The service concept is equally fresh: A first in the city, the hotel’s Concierge iPhone and iPad app helps guests create their own travel experiences of Sydney.
Public Spaces
Designer Nic Graham mixed the classic and contemporary in the lobby, where historical features are set off by an imposing LED wall of digital art by Daniel Crooks. An audio-visual piece playing between levels creates a sensory adventure adjusting to the mood of the elevator and its occupants. All the art work was exclusively selected by curator Amanda Love.
Rooms and Suites
Architect Shelly Indyk kept the original timber floors from 1929 for the rooms in the Gowings Building. The adjacent State Theater rooms have exclusively designed Rothko-inspired carpets and rugs, along with bowler hat lamps and light fittings. The dark stone bathrooms have oversized signature baths and large separate showers with pin spot lighting.
Food and Beverage
Gowings Bar & Grill is reportedly styled after a brasserie, with wood-fire oven roasts and seafood on rotisserie mixed in with handpicked artisan products. Parlour Lane Roasters at the entry level of the hotel is great for a quick coffee or casual bite. Cooler yet: The Parlour Lane Roasters turns into a bustling aperitif bar from the afternoon into the evening.
Spa
A new designer wellness concept, spaQ follows an innovative service concept, catering to those with busy schedules and his/her changing needs and desires. Rather than insisting on a pre-selection of treatments, spaQ encourages guests to book a block of time and choose a treatment on the day, using the therapist’s knowledge to help guide you. In addition to the six treatment rooms, spaQ also has a men’s traditional barber and a Hammam-spired steam and ice room.
Location
QT Sydney is located in the heart of Sydney’s central business district (CBD) and retail precinct. The hotel is also close to Darling Harbour, a tourist and nightlife area, The Rocks, Australia’s finest restored historical district, Circular Quay as well as Chinatown and the Opera House. The airport is a 30-minutes drive from the hotel.
For more information, visit www.designhotels.com/qt_sydney.