Review: QT Sydney Hotel, where theatre and fashion collide

Introduction

Bold, daring, and unique are three apt descriptions for the glass-encased fashion displayed at the entrance of QT Sydney, though they could just as easily extend to the hotel itself, which embraces the ‘more is more’ aesthetic from top to bottom.

This begins on ground level at eatery Parlour, sitting below a golden vaulted ceiling lined with iron lanterns, continues up to the mismatched textiles of the lobby and ultimately the 200 rooms and suites spanning its two buildings. 

Those buildings – the State Theatre and former Gowings department store, both of which first opened in 1929 – are the cornerstone for the hotel’s delightfully over-the-top vibe. 

Location & Impressions

The location at 49 Market Street is exceptional – just around the corner from the Queen Victoria Building, a mere 100m from Pitt Street Mall and Westfield, and close to not one but two light rail stations.

The State Theatre is right next door, with Parlour housed in the original ticketing area of that storied institution. This is a feature QT keenly plays up; the walls adorned in vintage posters and a former ticketing booth now converted into a unique wine cellar.

Parlour's ticket booth turned wine cellar.

The lobby is dotted with mismatched bucket chairs and lounges, with the rear wall lined in repurposed cabinetry from Gowings. Sewing mannequins, movie posters and stage lights are further nods to the heritage of the hotel.

QT Sydney's lobby seating.

QT Sydney spans two wings – some rooms are on the State Theatre side, while others are on the Gowings side and require guests to climb a staircase from the lobby and take a separate lift to their room when they first arrive.

However, once Gowings guests have a timber keycard in their possession, they can enjoy a shortcut via an unmarked ground floor entrance on the other side of the theatre driveway.

The staircase leading to the Gowings-side rooms.

Self-parking is $49 per night, while valet will set you back $89.

Room

My Executive King Room – 414 – is on the State Theatre side, making it easily accessible from the main lifts. (There is a three-step staircase to reach my room, which may not be ideal for less-mobile guests. If that’s a concern, just make a note when booking.)

Taking cues from the hotel’s past, the L-shaped room is theatrically lit and houses a coloured glass display case filled with curios – visible from both the main living area and bathroom.

The entrance to the QT Executive King Room.

A sculptural leather and timber wardrobe, headboard and king-size bed dominates the main living space, complemented by a small desk, two armchairs and a well-stocked mini bar.

The bedhead/wardrobe is an impressive piece of functional design.

When you need a little privacy or want to take advantage of the wall-mounted TV, just draw the wall of sheer and blackout curtains and allow the room’s mood lighting to take over.

The chairs are more for conversation than watching television.

The separate bathroom can also be opened up or sealed off by a sliding mirrored door.

Leaving the sliding door open enhances the feeling of space.

A freestanding bath sits alongside the walk-in shower.

AC and USB outlets are at arm’s reach of the bedsides, as are master light switches.

Work

An ebony desk and ruby red bucket chair sits alongside the wall of windows, topped by a small desk lamp, which is more for ambience than lighting as the bulb is rather weak.

The desk is rather narrow but still usable, though you'll probably want to move the phone.

Conveniently, there’s ample natural light streaming into the room by day, while the main downlights are bright enough to work in the evening, assisted by fast and free WiFi.

Meeting rooms are also available.

One of the hotel's private dining/meeting rooms.

Eat

QT Sydney has two main dining options: signature restaurant and bar Gowings, and Parlour. In addition is Gilt Bar, which is unlocked for private events as well as the hotel’s QTea High Tea by Adriano Zumbo on weekends.

Gowings Bar houses a staggering selection of spirits and wines.

Gowings is closed both nights of my visit, though Parlour is a more than adequate substitute.

By day, this venue is a go-to for in-house guests after a bite and a coffee on the way out the door, as well as a worthwhile destination for sit down breakfasts or lunch, with the hotel’s Chef and Creative Director Sean Connolly behind both it and Gowings’ menus.

The extensive breakfast menu includes croissants, granola, a croque monsieur and avo on toast.

Evenings is when Parlous truly comes alive, with a dinner service and supper available till 10pm most nights or midnight on weekends. 

The ambience is completely transformed also, feeling almost like a laneway cafe in Paris thanks to the narrow footprint, soundtrack and aproned French-speaking wait staff.

Dinner at Parlour.

As for the menu, it’s loaded with all the classics such as confit duck and sugar plum tarte tatin, both of which are my standouts, though the twice-baked souffle is a close third.

Clockwise L-R: Prawn cocktail, sugar plum tomato tarte tatin, market fish, and duck confit.

These are complemented by an extensive drinks list of beers, French wines, spirits and delicious cocktails (try the spice pear martini), as well as a few non-alcoholic choices.

Relax

SpaQ is the hotel’s go-to for pampering. On its menu you’ll find massages, facials, scrubs and masks for singles, couples and groups, all of which unlock free use of the hammam steam room. Those short on time can also use the steam room for $25 for an hour.

Complimentary use of Fitness First Platinum gym is also provided for all guests.

Verdict

More than a decade after its 2012 debut, QT Sydney remains one of the city’s best hotels, while recent changes to Parlour and the menus at Gowings have ensured the dining space remains fresh.

That said, it is showing some wear and tear in the rooms and could perhaps benefit from some attention. The bathtub in my room had a long crack along its base, while the arms of the work chair were worn from rubbing against the desk.

These were minimal criticisms though, with the overall QT Sydney experience – the service, the style and the dining at Parlour – more than making up for it.

The writer stayed as a guest of QT Sydney.