IT is almost midnight when I step into QT Bondi, a boutique designer hotel located on the famous Bondi Beach stretch in Sydney, Australia. All the shops located in and around the famous city beach are closed and the empty street looks deserted.
It is the beginning of winter and the cold air that blows in from outside makes me want to snuggle under the comfort of a warm blanket. Signs of fatigue must have been written all over my face because the lady behind the reception counter wastes no time in checking me in.
In my half-awake state I try to remember all the important details — no, the hotel doesn’t provide breakfast, there’s a gym on the second floor, a supermarket is located on the lower floor, etc....
I love everything about this young hotel. The interior that channels a sort of playful, eternal summer vibe makes you feel young just by sitting on one of the long sofas here. On the walls of the lobby are art installations by Australian-born artist Shaun Gladwell.
THE HOTEL
Though recently opened in late December 2015, the hotel is more sophisticated than you think. The lobby is as simple as it can get: An olive-green long couch with a dark wood coffee table set against the wall. The reception counter is perched on the other side of the hall.
Pastel colours — pink, mint-green and yellow — run across the walls of the property and most prominently in the rooms. Every door in this hotel is painted in either pastel green or pink, and mine has a pink door.
The cute tones are further complimented by the retro-looking furniture in the room, turning the room into a 1950s inspired home. All of the 69 rooms get plenty of natural lights that stream in through the windows. There are roller blinds and heavy curtains for those who prefer a more private stay.
Like a typical home, my room comes with a well-equipped kitchen, complete with pots and pans and other cooking utensils for those who fancy cooking a small meal.
Not only that, I also discover a washing machine that is perfectly tucked behind a small compartment. For convenience, the hotel even provides soap and detergent for your washing needs. The mini bar is also well-stocked with snacks and drinks in their pretty packaging.
There is no restaurant in the hotel but most of the eateries around the property implement a charge-back system which can be charged to the room.
There’s a small supermarket on the lower ground floor of the hotel, which provides all the essential items for your cooking. The Bondi Farmers Market, held on Saturdays, is across the road — useful if you want to save a couple of dollars on dining outside.
THE LOCATION
The famous Bondi Beach with its white powdery sand lies just beyond the hotel, separated only by a two-way street. However, it is a shame that none of the rooms at QT Bondi overlooks the glorious sea. The only window in my room opens out to the courtyard below, where some prominent offices and shops are located.
Be it day or night, it is rather quiet here. That aside, I still find myself in a prime spot for exploring Bondi and its many cafes, bars and shops. Every morning during my stay, I walk on the beach towards the Bondi Icebergs Club, one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Sydney. The club is famous for its seawater swimming pools where anyone can take a dip. My walk ends with a stop at the Crabbe Hole, where I have my coffee.
The Central Sydney, where most of the actions are, isn’t far away from the hotel. By car, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the Darling Harbour that also overlooks the Sydney Opera House.
There are also regular buses (takes about 45 minutes) to Circular Quay, if you want to drop by the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Sydney Tower Eye or the Central Business District.
FAST FACTS
QT BONDI
6 Beach Road, Bondi, NSW 2026, Australia
TEL +61 2 8362 3900
WEBSITE www.qthotelsandresorts.com/bondi-beach/
STAY Designed by renowned Australian designer Nic Graham, the QT Bondi has 69 spacious rooms. The hotel is nestled on the edge of Bondi Beach, it is literally two steps away. The modern hotel is surrounded by some of the best restaurants and cafes. If you like working out, there’s a Speedo Fitness Club or head out to the beach for some running.
EAT No restaurant or coffee house in the hotel but guests are welcomed to cook small meals in their room. The hotel provides basic cooking utensils such as pots and pans, plates and cutlery.
DO Work out in their well-equipped gym or chill in the spacious room. Visit the supermarket on the lower ground floor.
GO Cafe-hopping around the hotel or catch some surfs at the famous Bondi Beach.
HIGH Location
LOW No in-house cafe or restaurant