QT Sydney: The Experience
fluoro’s Associate Editor Audrey Bugeja visited QT Hotel in Sydney, Australia, taking readers on a journey through dramatic theatre, history and contemporary design.
Upon arrival to Market and George Streets in Sydney’s CBD, the feeling of anticipation for something spectacular arose even before stepping in as my eyes were met with the façade of two buildings from the past, which forms QT Sydney’s exterior.
QT Sydney evokes a mysterious impression of heritage that incites the mind to travel back in time.
The creation of the hotel involved a meticulous restoration process maintaining the distinctive elements and original soul of the iconic Gowings Building and the grand State Theatre. The Gowings Building was one of Australia’s most successful retail enterprises, and functioned as a men’s department store for more than 75 years. Established in 1912, the department store closed in 2006. The building’s gothic gargoyle figures were removed for safety during World War II, yet a Gothic style still remains today. The State Theatre on the other hand, represents an eclectic architecture that combines cinema baroque, with Italian elements, art deco touches and a dark and Gothic gargoyle style. Opened in 1929 the Theatre has a rich history of glamour.
Maintaining the feel of the exterior, the elusive and luxurious interiors of the hotel have a certain avant-garde charm and are filled with unique elements dispersed across the space. The attention to detail throughout is second to none. Nic Graham, the principal architect of the hotel and his team spent almost two years collecting reclaimed furniture and pieces at flea markets for the interiors.
The hotel’s 200 rooms are decorated in 12 unique styles. Some fall inside the Gowings Building while others draw inspiration from their location above the State Theatre. The vibrant atmosphere and décor of the space wipes away any feeling of time as it draws those who visit into a different world. Stepping into the room a dramatic feel with its décor, colour and style continues. The bathroom takes a twist into a more subtle contemporary style. High-end Italian design is merged with the use of space with Gessi bath fittings incorporated within, allowing for pure wellness in a bathroom. The large bathtub forms a centrepiece. All theatrical elements aside the space allows some serene down time.
The difference in design influences, which were seen across the contemporary and minimal approach to the bathroom was also taken across two other main spaces within the hotel: Gowings Bar & Grill and SpaQ. The latter forms a well-designed space that took me on a journey from arrival right through to the treatments experienced. As a contemporary space it seems to tone down the eclectic feel apparent in the rest of the hotel. Yet, the spa has an atmosphere of its own that evokes a thoughtful experience, where every minor detail is considered.
The Gowings Building was restored to its former splendour as the location for Gowings Bar & Grill. With a well-considered décor and on par dining the space gave me the chance to further unwind and enjoy the delights Gowings Bar & Grill had to offer.
In all its entirety and combining the various elements of the hotel, QT Sydney mirrors in an authentic manner the two iconic buildings from which it is built. Their symbolism, design elements and tribute to their heritage came together for a grand applause.
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