Most luxury hotel chains are not dissimilar from the ‘restaurants’ with the golden arches. The décor and vibe are virtually identical in London, Beijing or Boise Idaho. Not so with the QT portfolio of hotels – Sydney is all old Hollywood while Canberra is stately. Cookie cutter doesn’t cut it at QT; each property successfully captures their particular ‘sense of place’.
QT Gold Coast according to the website is ‘Nostalgic surfer chic meets Miami catwalk cool’. Young men in Hawaiian shirts welcome you as you enter a lobby that is a little Miami and definitely a whole lot Gold Coast. The QT people know that the nearly beachfront location in Australia’s playground demands bright and fun design and an attitude to match.
QT Gold Coast has amped up the GC’s glitz factor to an 11.
Where to Sleep
The rooms and suites are suitably Côte d’Azur chic with a white palette, some nautical stripe and pops of colour. Our King Ocean View room on the 15th floor came complete with a private balcony to take in the drop dead gorgeous views of Surfers Paradise Main Beach. Throw on your complimentary polka dot thongs and steal away to the sand.
It wouldn’t be a QT Hotel without a few off-beat touches: your bedside companion is a glowing Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
Ensuites look like something straight out of Architectural Digest with over-sized showers featuring both white subway tile and a dramatic black and white wall. The premium NYC Malin+Goetz bathroom amenities lend a subtle, natural fragrance to both you and the room.
What’s to Eat?
When you start with Tequila Thursday on a Wednesday night you know you’re in for a fun ride. Once a month Stingray Lounge hosts Tequila Appreciation classes with tastings of the good stuff – Casa Herradura. There’s lots of background on what makes a great tequila and bowls of good guac to accompany the quality Mexican liquor.
Stingray Lounge also does Taco Tuesdays and the hottest new event on the coast – the ‘Man Tea’ or code for High Tea for the fellas. No tea, but there are burgers, pies and a miniature prawn cocktail masquerading as a bait bucket to accompany your beer.
Bazaar is probably the only part of the hotel that tries to be all things to all people. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. This is not a la carte but don’t dare mention the word buffet. Bazaar’s chef stations offer everything from super fresh seafood on ice, to steaks made to order, pizza, mac and cheese, salads, desserts and so much more. Chefs are on hand to help with selections and replenish the dishes. Take time at breakfast to take in the variety of Bircher mueslis, fruits, yoghurt pots, omelettes made to order as well as muffins, toast and cereals.
The QT Gold Coast’s genial Director of Food and Beverage John Forest took us for a sneak-peek of the hotel’s rooftop garden. The lush oasis now provides all the leaves and herbs for the restaurants and Fixx café.
Teppanyaki is always fun and at Yamagan it’s a full dinner and show. The knife artistry/theatre of the Teppanyaki chefs belies how good the slightly smoky prawns, chicken, salmon, bugs, lobster and steaks really are.
SpaQ
2014 ASPA Best Hotel Spa winner SPAQ does Zen Gold Coast style – relaxing but minus the pan flute soundtrack on repeat. You can choose from a range of ‘Goldie Signature’ treatments that will refresh, rejuvenate and recharge you for another big night at Stingray Lounge.
The SpaQ 60-minute Relax Massage is an hour of sheer bliss.
To Do
So when you’re not enjoying the view, sipping a cocktail, relaxing on the beach, enjoying a fine dinner or massage – the GC has you covered. Pacific Fair is currently undergoing a massive $670 million redevelopment that will make shopaholics rejoice with an additional 120 stores. Rumour has it that some of the world’s finest fashion labels will make their Queensland debut at Pacific Fair. A new Fresh Food Market, indoor/outdoor entertainment precinct and new restaurants and cafes will all be part of the new shopping experience.
The Patio is a welcome addition featuring some new relaxed dining options near Event Cinemas that are very ‘un-food court’. The glamorous Bin 232 Bar & Dining is all about cocktails and share plates. From salt and pepper squid with yuzu mayo to a super tender 200g beef sirloin with beef jus and wasabi butter, the menu is perfect pre-movies or during a marathon shopping excursion. The Asian sticky pork salad with a glass of pinot grigio makes for a great lunch or dinner or apres-movie supper.
Event Cinemas at Pacific Fair have the latest Dolby Atmos Sound for the full immersive movie experience. Gold Class is an indulgent way to enjoy the latest big screen blockbuster with the added comfort of recliner seats and a cocktail.
48 hours on the GC is never enough. QT Gold Coast is an ideal base for first-timers or those regulars who know the Coast’s ‘Famous for Fun’ tag extends way beyond theme parks.
https://www.qtgoldcoast.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/Bin232
https://www.eventcinemas.com.au
Disclaimer: This Magnificent Life were guests of QT Gold Coast, Pacific Fair, Bin 232 and Event Cinemas.
