Hotel review: QT, Newcastle

No two rooms within the nine-storey hotel are the same.Credit: Mark Lane

CHECK-IN

"Directors of Chaos" in silky capes and pill box hats greet guests to QT's first regional hotel (not counting Falls Creek which is no longer in the stable). Housed in the heritage-listed David Jones building, the 104-room QT Newcastle (QT's 10th property) leads the $880 million East End reinvigoration by Iris Capital spanning four city blocks.

Guests are ushered into a terracotta tiled foyer with LED mirrored walls, a moon suspended from the ceiling and a striking pink, circular sculpture by Sydney artist Ryan Hoffmann. Check-in is via self-service kiosks (a QT first) which link to QT's app. Thankfully friendly staff (in Romance Was Born uniforms) are on hand if needed.

Speroni (ex Bacchus) heads up Rooftop at QT.Credit: Lauren Gray

THE LOOK

There's more than one similarity between QT Newcastle and the group's flagship QT Sydney, both adapted from department stores. Newcastle's second five-star hotel (Crystalbrook Kingsley opened last year) retains the landmark building's historic facade and clock tower, signage dating back to 1893 and original pressed metal ceilings. Smart black and white striped awnings are a nod to the building's retail past.

Long-time QT collaborator Nic Graham has reinvigorated the iconic building, respecting the raw shell and layering QT's signature contemporary flair within. Colour blocking and juxtaposing textures pay homage to Newcastle's industrial heritage and its coastline.

Guests are ushered into a terracotta tiled foyer with LED mirrored walls, a moon suspended from the ceiling.Credit: Mark Lane

Artwork by six Australian artists — including a silver chair and "2.7" sign (Newcastle's most famous band and the kilometre length of the new light rail respectively) — reference the city's past and present.

Original beams from the 113-year-old building feature in 40 guest rooms.

THE ROOM

No two rooms within the nine-storey hotel are the same, offering either vistas or glimpses — dependent on room category and floor — of Newcastle Harbour or Christ Church Cathedral framed within floor-to-ceiling heritage windows. Jade subway tiles and brushed brass star in bathrooms, steel mesh wardrobes on casters mimic coal bins while suites offer freestanding baths.

There are eight room configurations ranging from 22 square metres through to the spectacular 35 square metre clock suite with its arched windows and oversized circular bath beneath the back of the restored historic clock face. All feature charcoal-coloured floorboards, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines, T2 tea, Kevin Smith amenities, brushed copper side tables, QT's famed Dream Bed, reeded glass sliding doors, in-room tablets and plush robes. Along with Hunter Valley wine, elevated mini bars stock locally made Earp Distilling Co Gin and edible dried flowers sachets for impromptu cocktails (shaker included).

If you can't bear leaving Fido at home, two "Pup Yeah" rooms include custom-designed dog bed and room service dishes such as steak and risotto devised by chef Massimo Speroni.

FOOD + WINE

Not surprisingly, food and beverage underpins the QT Newcastle experience. Speroni (ex Bacchus and Michelin-starred San Domenico and Cafe le Paillotes in Italy) heads up signature modern Australian bar and grill Jana and Rooftop at QT. Jana's has a local produce-driven menu (almost everything is sourced in NSW), dry aged meat cabinet, open kitchen, enormous moon suspended from the ceiling and leather banquettes. Steak is king here with six different aged cuts ranging from a tri-tip to a scotch fillet wagyu. There are hints of Speroni and chef de cuisine Manuele Erriu's Italian heritage too in dishes like the spaghettini with black truffle. The kingfish crudo with kombu dashi and natural yoghurt is a standout.

The city's highest open rooftop bar with 170 moons suspended from the ceiling takes its cues from the land of the rising sun with innovative izakaya and Newcastle's largest Japanese whisky library. Order a single malt whisky and take in 180-degree harbour vistas stretching all the way to Nobbys Lighthouse. Custom wallpaper is designed to make you feel like you're under the sea.

OUT + ABOUT

QT Newcastle sits prominently in the plum western corner of the East End development (don't be fooled: the hotel isn't actually located in Newcastle's east end proper) fronting Hunter Street Mall. The working harbour, great cafes and eateries including Mr Sister, Oh My Papa, Meet and Humbug lie on its doorstep; Newcastle Beach is two light rail stops away.

Take a walk out to Nobbys Breakwall or huff and puff your way up the city's own version of San Francisco's hilly streets to the Newcastle Memorial Walk. A Newy Rides tour exploring the city's burgeoning small bars and fabulous street art is terrific fun.

THE VERDICT

Yet another big leap for Newcastle, QT delivers a much-needed injection of its quirky designer flair and fun to Australia's second oldest city.

ESSENTIALS

185 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300. Rooms from $329. See qtnewcastle.com

HIGHLIGHT

Knowledgeable wait staff deliver equal parts flirty banter and dish description then magically disappear at the right time.

LOWLIGHT

The ring tone on the in-room tablet could give unsuspecting guests a fright and it was tricky working out what was actually making such a racket.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★☆

Sheriden Rhodes visited as a guest of QT Hotels and Resorts.