QT Sydney: When Luxury Loses Its Edge

Is it possible to be both happy and disappointed in a hotel? My stay at the QT in Sydney was exactly that. From the moment I arrived until I walked back out through the Art Deco doors, there were numerous almost-there moments, which is a real shame for a hotel that has so much going for it.  

QT signage in the lounge

The Room

I booked a Junior Suite, which was in a great corner location overlooking my favourite building in the centre of Sydney, the Queen Victoria Building, a majestic shopping centre that has incredible stained-glass windows, beautiful architectural details and is the perfect example of class and style from a bygone age. I love everything about it. Location-wise, I was very happy.

The room, however, was disappointing. While it was a good size, everything felt tired and average.  The yellow and lime green colour scheme with accents of grey felt dated. The dark bathroom with its central round tub felt naff and old-fashioned. The bed felt like it had seen better days too.  It was worn and unloved without looking overly shabby. The luxury vibe just wasn’t there. 

Junior suite room

The Spa

The spa, on the other hand, was the biggest surprise for me. Less than a week before travelling I booked a facial using an Australian natural brand called Mukti Organics that I already knew. The products are wonderful. I am particular with facials, as I often feel claustrophobic. I don’t like too many heavily layered products that clog the skin. As I knew I was having a massage in Dubai a few days before, (read about that incredible treatment here), I thought a facial could be a good option. 

It was 100% the right decision. This was one of the best treatments I had in Australia and I felt amazing afterwards. I went with the Foundation Facial that balances and renews for 60 minutes at a cost of $215 AUD (about £115), so not cheap. I also added a Sole Society foot treatment for $110AUD (about £58) because there was a Valentine’s Day promo with $50AUD off when you bought a $250 gift card as I was booking, I ended up spending more than I intended because of a promo – I am a marketeer’s dream. However, it was worth it as my skin was radiant at the end of the treatment and I felt very relaxed. I would go back tomorrow if the spa was closer. Have a closer look at the spa.

QT Sydney spa entry

Other Facilities

To one side of the hotel, there was a cool gym that looked like it could be in an old, converted Brooklyn warehouse, with antique-style boxing prints on the walls and exposed brick. It was, however, very hot and not ideal for a good workout. As a guest of the QT, you can get a pass to a local Virgin gym instead, which is good. It’s as if the hotel knows the gym isn’t up to scratch but doesn’t see the need to invest in its own.  

Steak frites at Parlour restaurant in the QT

Restaurants

If you’re looking for something to eat, there are two restaurants within the QT. The first is Parlour, a stunning Art Deco casual restaurant-bar with a French vibe. It is part of the entrance area on the ground floor and is open all day from breakfast to dinner. It retains many of the building’s original decorative features that elevate its décor from just any old restaurant, and has a lovely, relaxed feel. I never visited when I lived in Sydney, so rectified that on my first full evening, taking advantage of the $40AUD (about £21) steak frites offer with unlimited frites. It was delicious and great value. Australia genuinely does some of the best steak in the world. The fries were beautifully crisp, and it was accompanied by a spicy, peppercorn sauce. Combined with the gorgeous setting, it was an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner for one. You can see it all on my Instagram.  

I returned for brunch later in the week picking an Aussie favourite, banana bread, with coconut and almond butter. It was described as coconut and banana bread, but the coconut was only shavings on the top. It was really nothing special compared to some banana breads I have had.   

My final night at the QT I met some friends and we went to the second restaurant, Gowings, a mix of steakhouse and Italian. Our table was right in front of the kitchen, which was ok, but not ideal, especially as there was space towards the edge of the room. The server was lovely, but the food was on the average side. We did enjoy the shared garlic pizzetta with whipped ricotta and wild honey; it was soft, squidgy and a bit charred with a perfect mix of salt and sweet from the ricotta and honey. My zucchini flowers starter with tomato sugo and anchovies had a pleasing, crisp tempura batter, while the crispy pork belly with cauliflower purée, salsa verde and broccolini was unfortunately not very crispy and too fatty. The only thing I would go back for is the Monday and Tuesday night steak offering, which is great value for good food.  

Moments That Shone

The spa was wonderful, and my skin felt fabulous after the treatment. The products were all natural and organic, and made in Australia, something I truly value. I think products can often make or break a treatment. The QT spa had the perfect mix of fantastic products and a truly superb therapist.

Moments That Fell Short

The general vibe and feel of the QT were uninspiring and lost. Its uniqueness has gone and it feels as if it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Things are not as good as they were, and it could do with a thorough refresh.  

QT Sydney Art Deco details

The price for a Junior Suite was reasonable for a hotel right in the heart of Sydney. It’s in a great part of the city so you can easily reach the iconic must-sees such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, plus public transport to head to the beaches. I don’t believe it’s a true luxury hotel anymore, rather an average stay that could be so much more due to the beautiful décor and the perfect setting. There are a few fun and quirky elements by the lifts and in glass cases around the place, but they are somewhat lost. You can see more images of the stay here. I stayed in two other hotels in Sydney this trip that were twice as much as the QT, and it reminded me of the levels of luxury hotels. Hotels can say they are luxury, but without thoughtful touches, personalised points of difference and elevated service, they become like anywhere else, an average stay with quirky features. I am looking for something more from my luxury stays and the QT just kept missing the mark.