QT Bondi, Sydney: Hotel review
Check into the "only boutique designer hotel" in Australia's best-known surfing hub
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Your support makes all the difference.Bondi, Sydney’s – perhaps the world’s – most famous city beach is a brash clash of surf-cool and beery backpackeriness, of barefoot hip and tourist tat. The QT Bondi, which opened in late December 2015, has clearly aligned itself with the suburb’s more sophisticated side.
Part of the new Pacific development – a revamp of the old Swiss Hotel, right off the beach – it claims to be Bondi’s “only boutique designer hotel”, and certainly isn’t aimed at the gap-year market. Interiors have been created by Sydney-based stylist Nic Graham, who has channelled a playful, eternal-summer vibe. There are bespoke digital creations by Australian-born artist Shaun Gladwell in the lobby; notable locals – from lifeguard Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins to Bondi chef Guy Turland – have been brought in as “curators”, to offer their expertise to guests; quality skincare products come from NYC apothecary Malin+Goetz. The aim is to appeal to a grown-up surf crowd.
However, while this is monied territory – a penthouse within the Pacific complex sold for A$21m in 2013, making it Australia’s most expensive apartment – the QT allows guests a taste of Bondi Beach luxe for a more manageable price. Indeed, thanks to the current sterling-favourable exchange rate, QT’s rooms offer rather good value.
Location
Bondi Beach is right there, over the road, in all its waved-crashed glory. The only shame is that none of the QT’s rooms overlook it – the top-dollar sea views belong to the residential parts of the development.
Still, you’re in a prime spot for exploring the area’s many bars and cafes, which range from expat-filled pubs to cool hangouts serving impeccable flat whites and craft beers – try Chapter One, The Shop or Brown Sugar. The bar at the Bondi Icebergs Club, the 1920s seawater swimming pool, is the place to sip a surprisingly reasonably priced pinot with the best beach views.
You’re also well placed to take a dip or surf lesson, or set off on the 6km-long clifftop Bondi-Coogee Coast Walk – likely to be busy with dog-walkers, runners and barefoot surfers eyeing up the swell, at all times of day.
Central Sydney isn’t far away either. There are regular buses to Circular Quay (for the Harbour Bridge and Opera House), which take around 45 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a short bus ride from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction, which has a train station.
Comfort
All of the 69 guestrooms are bright and spacious, with kitchenettes, comfy QT Gel Beds, massive TVs, vibrant retro-feel furniture (including a sofa bed), Nespresso machines and free wi-fi. The King rooms look into the atrium, while King Deluxes have roomy balconies with city views (if you’re on the Beach Road side, crane your neck – you might just glimpse the ocean). The Atrium and Gould suites are larger one-bed apartments.
The same palette runs throughout: pastel colours – lemon yellow, mint-green, peachy pink – feature on the doors, rugs, scatter cushions and artworks. It’s like being in a 1950s ice-cream parlour. The minibar is quirky: alongside the Grey Goose vodka are “essentials” such as Bondi-brewed Wild Kombucha, artisan rocky road chocolate, a beard trimming kit, dominos and “thongs in a bag” (that’s flip-flops to you and me).
The kitchenettes, kitted out with hobs, sinks, microwave, dishwasher and Bosch washing machines, mean you could save a fortune on eating out and laundry. Bathrooms have double basins, walk-in showers and deep tubs. In some rooms, a window looks through from the bathroom into the main bedroom area, allowing natural light in; however, it has a roller blind for those who prefer to perform their ablutions in private.
There is no restaurant or lounge area, aside from a couple of colourful couches in the foyer. There is a little supermarket on the floor below reception, and Bondi Farmers Market is held just across the road on Saturdays – useful if you plan to cook. Otherwise, the hotel’s philosophy is to forge strong relationships with local restaurants and bars. Friendly staff are Bondi locals, able to give good recommendations, and charge-back systems are being implemented, so you can dine out and charge the bill to your room. For instance, make the five-minute walk along the seafront to Porch & Parlour for an innovative breakfast (pea pancake with avocado, feta and “porched” egg, for example) and have the bill added to your QT tab.
Travel essentials
QT Bondi, 6 Beach Road, Bondi, NSW 2026, Australia (00 61 2 8362 3900; qtbondi.com.au).
Rooms: ****
Value: *****
Service: ****
Doubles start at A$280 (£140), room only.
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