QT Canberra: a quirky retreat in the heart of the city

QT Canberra brings a new meaning to the term ‘political party’.

If only the walls of the QT Canberra could talk. The quirky reimagined hotel has hosted everyone from celebrities to diplomats and political bigwigs over the past decade. And while there might not be as much cloak-and-dagger bed-hopping or backstabbing as per political drama House of Cards, it’s still a see-and-be-seen kind of stay.

Location

The QT brand reimagined the Rydges Lakeside Hotel in Canberra in 2014. And in doing so, it applied its quirky QT formula of ‘crazy + sexy = cool’ to an extensive redevelopment of the 205-room hotel. The original hotel was built at One London Circuit in 1970 and it has great mid-century Brutalist bones.

Stay in the heart of the city at QT Canberra.

QT Canberra now sits in the arts and cultural precinct of New Acton in the so-called ‘capital of cool’. It’s also a short stroll from Lake Burley Griffin, boasting views from either side, and is a great starting point for a self-guided tour of the best things to do in Canberra.

Style and character

Neon Twitter feeds scroll down mirrors next to the reception, and the wallpaper is a brilliant kaleidoscopic pattern of pollies. The central lobby area also features a few glass-domed cabinets filled with politically themed knick-knacks. If you’re here to hobnob with members of parliament, you’ll be right in position.

QT Canberra’s bar and lobby evokes an eclectic but chic ambience.

The hotel has been designed to embrace the arty and edgy luxury that underpins the QT brand, which is best described as minimalist chic with a monochromatic theme brightened by pops of colour and quirk. And although there are a lot of knowing nods to the hotel’s role in Australia’s political history, it’s worth taking a tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to see its influence.

Settle in to the QT Lounge at the chic Canberra Hotel.

Facilities

QT Canberra has an onsite restaurant, bar and high tea offering, as well as conference venues, high-speed internet access, room service and undercover parking for guests. You can also hire a bike at reception to take around the nearby lake or take advantage of your Club Lime gym access.

Partake in an afternoon tea at QT Canberra Sky High Tea. (Image: QT Canberra)

Rooms

Although compact, each of the hotel’s rooms and suites are both fun and functional. My suite has a luxurious king-sized custom QT Dream bed and balcony that you can open to breathe in the crisp Canberra air. The pocket-sized bathroom also ticks all the boxes: big mirror, large rain showerhead, good lighting, and quality toiletries from Kevin Murphy.

QT Canberra State Suite is a stylish two-bedroom penthouse apartment.

Pops of yellow break up the neutral palette of black and white, allowing natural light to butter the space and own the 80s vibes. You will feel like you’re nailing it in your new life as a digital nomad when you book the QT Superior Room, which has fast internet, free wi-fi and an ergonomic desk.

Settle in the QT Canberra Superior King Room.

Food and drink

The hotel’s sprawling ground floor is its crowning glory. It encompasses the reception, lobby and lounge areas, plus acts as the entrance to the onsite restaurant, Capitol Bar & Grill. QT is also home to its very own a hidden bar, Lucky’s Speakeasy.

Lucky’s Speakeasy is perfect for an evening cocktail.

Capitol Bar & Grill is one of the city’s best restaurants and is dominated by dark and moody tones. Wooden features and monochromatic, patterned furnishings add a modern feel. It’s also full of playful, cheeky winks and nods to the site’s heavyweight political history.

The menu is both simple and sophisticated, with a focus on fresh produce and Australian flavours. The pasture-fed T-bone Bistecca Fiorentina from the dry-age cabinet coaxes out my inner carnivore and is charred to perfection.

Settle in at the Capitol Bar & Grill.

For dessert, I do as the waiter suggests and opt for the tiramisu, with dense layers of creamy mascarpone spiked with a shot of espresso. Choosing from the cheese trolley is also quite the experience and includes some tableside theatrics. I finish with a few wedges of the finest local and imported cheeses, paired perfectly with a glass of red.

Does QT Canberra have access for guests with disabilities?

QT Canberra is fully wheelchair accessible, including Capitol Bar & Grill. There are two wheelchair accessible King rooms for guests with mobility needs. Rooms and common areas can all be accessed via a wheelchair-friendly lift.

Is QT Canberra family-friendly?

The hotel is a great option for families with children. Kids can stay for free when sharing a room with adults if existing bedding is utilised. Two children aged 12 and under can also enjoy complimentary meals (from the designated kids menu only) when accompanied by a paying adult.

Details

Best for: Artsy types looking for a chic stay in the heart of the action.

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

Phone: (02) 6247 6244

Cost: From $554 per night.