Fodor's Expert Review QT Sydney

This hotel is the answer for those seeking color and quirkiness, teamed with style and super-efficient service. Situated in the city center, feet from Town Hall railway station, the 200-room hotel has taken over the former and much-loved Gowings men's department store and several levels above the (existing) and beautiful State Theatre. While waiting to take the elevator to the second-level reception, check out the quirky gowns and costumes in glass cases in the ground-floor coffee bar. The lobby has pink high-back armchairs and blue and brown low-slung ottomans, and bedrooms have polished timber floors, multicolor rugs, eclectic artwork, miniature ottomans, rich throw rugs and super-comfortable beds. In keeping with the historic building, there's an old-fashioned barbershop on the premises and vintage, art deco, and Gothic art pieces everywhere. A luxurious spa; an upscale restaurant called Gowings Bar and Grill, a casual (and very groovy) café, and the Gilt Lounge cocktail bar complete the picture. There's free Wi-Fi throughout. You'll have no doubt you've arrived at this ultra hip place when you discover the concierge and staff are called "directors of chaos" and look like extras in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.