Ask an outsider of their impressions of hotels in Canberra, and they’re unlikely to paint a lively picture of accommodation options in our city.
QT Hotel has decided to upset that particular apple cart.
Taking the previously demure Rydges Lakeside – a venue prime for a makeover – the potential was immediately obvious. Now, entering through the foyer and into the lively divide towards the restaurant area, guests are immediately surrounded by neon crawling Twitter feeds and defaced images of political leaders from across the decades.
Clearly there is an intentional irreverence, and it’s refreshing in a corporate environment that can tend too readily to embrace the ‘grey’. Visitors will also be charmed by the small, glass-enclosed room that divides the restaurant (Capitol Bar & Grill) from the more intimate and secluded cocktail bar (Lucky’s).
Serviced by a pierced, bearded and tattooed barber, and featuring the traditional spinning barber’s pole (albeit hyper realistic with saturated hues) the crossover-space offers a fun and playful touch along with the benefit of sartorial practicality.
The rooms are decked out with fixtures and fittings one would expect to find in the Museum of Modern Art rather than a Canberra Hotel, with designs by Eames, George Nelson and Kartell can be found throughout. It’s always nice to be surrounded by the classics.
This weekend will mark the public opening, so be sure to jump into QT Canberra and experience the new generation of hotels.
We think you’re going to love it!
