LUXE Loves is the regular feature where we spotlight our all-time favourite places in the world. From spiff boutique stays to the finest diners, dapper drinkers and swooniest shops… welcome to the crème of our curated cohort.
What:
QT Melbourne
Where:
Melbourne
Why we love it:
For years the theatrical razzle dazzle of QT Sydney has cemented her place as one of our fave Emerald City stays. No one could match her seductive allure… well, until vibey sib QT Melbourne has landed on the scene. Her sassy avant garde aesthetic threatens to steal more than a slice of big sis’s limelight via tough-luxe chambers, refined sip n’ sups, and cheeky details aplenty.
Before you even enter the central city romper, her playful side is personified in the form of costumed and cocksure ‘Directors of Chaos’, who serve as guest greeters. In the foyer, the penchant for the dramatic continues with eye-popping video installations, neon sculptures and a wall of recycled books lining a grand blue and brass staircase (Nb: tomes aren’t for borrowing – they’re art, dahling).
Creative mood ‘uppers’ are perhaps a theme here, with even the interactive elevators programmed to announce provocative ice-breaker phrases (in a variety of amusing accents) as guests are whisked to the higher floors.
Tongue-in-cheek touches also permeate the industrial digs (you’ll find emergency bowties and a chucklesome couples kit amongst the in-room amenities), but the decor elements are the real talking point. Think raw concrete ceilings, oak parquetry floors, and unexpected pops of colour in graffiti rugs and patterned wardrobe interiors.
The basic QT King gets you a commodious black slate bathroom with a double shower and Malin+Goetz prods, but better still are the swish Executive suites with show-off in-room tubs – best get an eyeful here as the metro views are more urban blah than beaut.
But what QT Melbourne lacks in cityscapes she makes up for in the culinary department. Pascale Bar and Grill gives Euro bistro faves finessed new edge in droll n’ dapper surrounds (peepers peeled for the naughty wallpaper by the bar), plus there’s Japanese-Korean laneway hang Hotsauce and pastry prettykin The Cake Shop. Killer.
133 Russell St, Melbourne. +61 3 8636 8800, qthotelsandresorts.com
For more saucy Melbourne stays download the LUXE Melbourne guide.
