HOTEL REVIEW: qtQT, GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

Tel +61 7 5584 1299, see qtqtgoldcoast.com

WHAT IS IT? A unique new premium accommodation concept filling a formerly vacant open-air space on the second floor of QT Gold Coast’s existing resort tower. This new five-star precinct, called qtQT to differentiate it from the rest of the QT hotel, offers six luxurious two-person ‘tiny’ cabins flanked by manicured gardens.

WHO STAYS? Couples, groups, beach lovers.

HOW BIG? QT Gold Coast has 297 rooms and the six cabins in the qtQT section

COST About PGK893 a night.

CHECK IN 2pm

CHECK OUT 11am

HIGHLIGHTS Magnificent tropical sunsets while you enjoy pre-dinner cocktails served by the gas firepit as private chefs devote themselves to creating a divine gourmet dinner.

NEARBY Brisbane International Airport is just under an hour away. Once at the hotel, it’s a mere few minutes’ stroll to the glorious two-kilometre stretch of golden sand known as Surfers Paradise, one of the most famous beaches in Australia.

Wi-Fi in rooms/public areas:

TV:

Air conditioning in room:

Room service:

Swimming pool:

Free airport transfers:

Gym:

Business centre:

Hotel arranges tours:

Breakfast included in standard charge:

Location

This (almost beachside) hotel between Surfers Paradise beach and the Nerang River is the perfect place from which to explore major Gold Coast attractions starting with the renowned Cavill Avenue and Cavill Mall shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The Gold Coast is also home to Australia’s tallest building, Q1. Get a bird’s-eye view of your spectacular surrounds from its 233-metre high SkyPoint Observation deck. Back on the ground, it’s just one block from the hotel to The Esplanade, where beachfront restaurants flank a four-kilometre walking/jogging/biking path that runs alongside the sparkling Pacific Ocean, with picnic tables, fitness stations and drinking fountains.

The Place

Cleverly designed to exude an air of being miles from nowhere, the qtQT’s elite urban paradise consists of six rooftop cabins, firepit and an open kitchen. After check-in, qtQT guests are whisked up to a second-floor private corridor leading to the exclusive precinct. Glass doors swing open onto the landscaped terrace and the relaxing sight of meandering pathways,

Rooms

Relaxation levels rise even further when you step inside your cute 2.15m x 7.3m cabin. At one end is a raised queen bed beneath a fulllength window overlooking the tops of tropical palms cleverly planted to obscure surrounding buildings. The cabin’s interior colour palette is a mix of earthy tones. Whisper quiet, with no TV, there are board games, a plush cushioncovered sofa and a sideboard with jars of tasty treats plus a well-stocked bar fridge. Touches like a Dyson hairdryer and designer glasses dial up the luxe atmosphere as does the hanging chair on the balcony outside.

Food And Drink

When a private chef is involved, your wish is their command. On the night we visit, their repertoire is on full display from prime rib to freshly caught fish, slow-cooked lamb and an irresistible truffle butter. Also highly recommended is the QT Gold Coast’s Yamagen restaurant on the ground floor: here the sushi is equally exceptional as the selection of rare Japanese whiskey, said to be the largest in Queensland.

BY RODERICK EIME