The new QT Canberra, at the iconic former Rydges Lakeside, achieved the impressive feat of being completely made over without closing to the public. So what’s it like on the inside?
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The room has all the regular trimmings of a hotel room, plus lots of quirky additions and furnishings. The minibar has an espionage theme, and guests get complimentary use of the in-room Nespresso machines. The Andy Warhol-esque dog cushion on the couch in particular gives the room a lot of character.
They also each feature a cocktail station with all the ingredients and tools you need to create QT Canberra’s signature cocktail, the Old Fashioned. Just call room service for some ice. The ensuites offer everything you would expect. What they lack in fancy furnishings, they make up for with the large rain shower heads.
Being a Canberra resident and having never stayed in the former Rydges Lakeside, I was impressed to discover the rooms each have a balcony, which opens to a lakeside outlook or an impressive view of the city and Mount Ainslie.
The most impressive aspect of the makeover is the reception area – covered in vintage-style trimmings and politically-themed paraphernalia, plus a wall of rolling Twitter coverage. While the layout is essentially the same, the new bespoke furnishings and decorations mean you quickly forget you’re in the former Rydges lobby.
The place where QT really shines is the food. Creative food director Robert Marchetti oversees the done-up Capitol Bar & Grill, which offers “bistro classics and future favourites with an Italian twist”. The restaurant prides itself on its charcuterie and meat, with large meat slicers on show in the open kitchen, and the antipasto platters are particularly delicious.
The prime cuts of steak were also worth trying – cooked perfectly and melt-in-your-mouth quality. The side of truffle-infused fancy macaroni and cheese tops it off nicely.
For dessert, it’s worth getting your hands dirty and trying the Ciambelle Bambino, baby cinnamon doughnuts with vanilla custard and jam syringes that you inject yourself.
To the side of the restaurant, you can walk through the barber shop, which offers gents traditional shaves, and step into the hotel’s speakeasy, Lucky’s.
While the dining area seems to be able to completely lose the ‘hotel feel’, Lucky’s doesn’t as much. But it’s still early days, and it will be a great cosy spot for when the mercury drops. It’s also a great place if you’re hosting a small gathering, with heavy curtains able to separate private areas so you can enjoy an intimate space.
The staff are knowledgeable and attentive, and while I questioned the inclusion of fedoras in their outfits, they can mix a fine drink.
The breakfast buffet is equally impressive in Capitol Bar and Grill. On top of all the regulars, there was even more freshly sliced cured meat, gourmet cheeses, tarts, an omelette station and 65 degree eggs. The juices in little glass bottles with straws were a nice touch too.
Jil Hogan stayed as a guest of QT Canberra.
