Hotel Review: QT, Auckland

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QT Auckland is one of the newest hotels that opened its doors in 2020 at Viaduct Harbour in the heart of Auckland City. This quirky, design-led hotel screams art and individuality featuring 150 rooms and suites. It houses Esther restaurant in collaboration with celebrity chef Sean Connolly and the 6th floor Rooftop bar which is a sunny spot for entertaining guests.

Large wooden sliding doors lead into a strikingly intriguing passage featuring minimalist design.  First impressions are drawn to the hanging sculpture by Minka Gillian and contrasted by a colourful composition by digital artist Jennifer Steinkamp playing on a large digital screen.

Fashionable staff in designer attire welcome guests with up-to-date knowledge of the area and lead them for a welcome drink or to the reception. Over 90 pieces of individual artworks of local artists from the likes of Lousie McRae and Max Patte are featured throughout the hotel’s public spaces. Bespoke and delivered to iconic QT style.

When contemporary meets vintage a unique design philosophy is born and that has been in QT’s design DNA since it’s inception. QT’s design team in collaboration with Nick Graham have set the tone for QT Auckland with influences across graphic design, accessories, art and furniture. The design tone follows through to the lobby with tastefully selected art pieces adorning the walls in public areas.

Guest rooms at the QT present themselves with a bold statement of invigorating colours and functionality.  Rooms create a cocoon like experience with bold colour blocking concrete wallpaper and oak floors complemented by bespoke NZ oyster print carpets.

The QT dream beds allow for a very restful sleep with luxury quilts and feather down pillows. Some of the standout elements are stunning blown-glass lamps and bathroom accessories including a Dyson hairdryer in every room. Resin soap dishes in the baths are made by Auckland based Chan-Anderassend.

When it comes to gastronomy, QT Auckland houses one of the top dining spots in Auckland. The light and airy marina-side bar and restaurant, Esther, is an award-winning restaurant and one of the hottest dining spaces in town.  Esther brings back memories of a summer spent in the Mediterranean from the south of France to Sicily to Morocco. Celebrity chef, Sean Connolly has not only designed the menu but also lends his influence on the décor and ambience. A custom made statement art installation is suspended from the restaurant’s ceiling as a tribute to Auckland’s fishing industry with references to kelp and orbs on hand woven metal.

Perched above it all on the sixth floor is Rooftop at QT, a bar with spectacular views out to the harbour and food and wine experience that tops it all. Whether it’s a lazy evening or a late night dazzling experience, Rooftop at QT is the spot to be seen at. Skylights, greenery, wire mesh and a bright red ceiling all a part of the hotel art and design look. Dining at the rooftop bar is an extension of Esther’s med-inspired menu with mezze snacks, souvalakis and the famous QT fried chicken.

Some of the best cocktails are in store for the thirsty. Whether it’s a classic Manhattan or a nitro expresso martini or a cocktail of your choice, the bar men would be more than happy to oblige.

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