I’ve always wanted to stay at the QT in Sydney I just loved what they did with this stunning old building and the style the brand portrays. Sometimes you build up what the experience is going to be like and you disappointment follows well I’m so happy that’s not the case for us.
This funky hotel opened in 2012 as part of a refurbish at the old Gowings department and the State Theatre in Market street Sydney.
The QT Sydney lived up to expectations and more. The fact you in the building above the State Theatre and the the old Gowings Department store the building is full of nostalgia and history. From entering the building roadside with friendly porters ton5he historic lifts you know this is going to be a special experience.
Don’t be surprised if you have difficulty finding the reception desk from the lift it’s deliberately dark and your eyes focus on the antique shabby sheik decor. Reception staff were upbeat friendly with one of the quickest check in I’ve experienced. After checking in check out the guest lounge behind reception.
As the hotel is in two buildings you might have steps to encounter on your floors. The corridors are dark coloured with dim lighting with clever pin lights at the door or the artwork in the corridor.
Our room was a corner executive room, and loved the style and colouring chosen for the room. The first thing I saw was the massive bathroom with a funky bath tub that we never had time to experience but the other thing was the 1/2 closed sliding doors test was mirrored on both sides separating the bedroom from the bathroom. It really opened up the room and was a fun idea.
We loved the old original windows yet they've been modernised with double glazing to block street noise, which we never heard, although we did get the train rumble from the subway below.
The QT Gel bed was one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in, although Steve thought it was just a bit too soft. There’s lots of artefacts around the room to check out so it certainly a boring room.
Breakfast
Breakfast in Gowings Bar & Grill was included in the price and more than worth it. Breakfast started off badly having to wait what seemed to be an forever to be seated (they seemed to be short staff with only three waitress and it was a long weekend so rostering wasn’t quite right), however after being seated the service improved and the breakfast was beautiful.
I had the scrambled eggs which were near on perfect with a side of crispy bacon (also perfect) Two coffees were consistent and also near in perfect in taste and temperature. Paul had a green juice and an orange juice and they were fresh and terrific. Paul had the smashed arvo with poached egg and a yummy side of mushrooms that was also perfect. A bowl of seasonal fruit was delicious with the most beautiful pineapple watermelon strawberries blueberries rasberries melon rock melon and more.
So Gowings Bar & Grill gets a big 5/5 from us.
We loved our stay at QT Sydney.
The eccentricity of the hotel is off-set by the historical features of the building, resulting in a distinctive space that celebrates an eclectic mix of unique artefacts, bespoke furniture and a daring use of colour and art. All with different quirks and nuances the hotel brings alive an exciting sense of intrigue to 200 guest rooms. This boutique Sydney accommodation retains many of the building’s most distinctive features, such as the blend of Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate influenced architecture that form the dazzling exterior of the building.
QT Sydney a: 49 Market Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia p: +61 2 8262 0000 e: reservations_qtsydney@evt.com