QT Sydney is one of the city’s most distinctive stays, housed within the stunning, heritage-listed Gowings and State Theatre buildings. Built in the 1920s, these Gothic and Art Deco structures were once famous department stores. The hotel perfectly blends this rich, century-old history with a theatrical, high-fashion aesthetic that feels completely unique.
The design, spearheaded by Nic Graham, is intentionally quirky and bold. You’ll find curated art installations, eccentric furniture, and unexpected splashes of color throughout the lobby and rooms. The hotel is renowned for its “Directors of Chaos”—staff members who greet guests with playful, offbeat energy—and features a signature red-carpet entrance that pays homage to the adjacent State Theatre, a legendary Sydney landmark for live performances and films.
Unique features include the award-winning spaq, a retro-styled spa that offers a whimsical escape, and the Gowings Bar & Grill, which remains a bustling social spot for locals and visitors alike. The attention to detail is intense; many rooms even feature vintage typewriter stations and custom-designed lighting that enhances the dramatic, moody atmosphere.
The location is unbeatable for those who want to be in the center of the action. You are within a short walk of the Queen Victoria Building, Darling Harbour, and the upscale shops of Pitt Street Mall. It is a fantastic base for exploring the city’s iconic sites, with the Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay just a quick trip away through the heart of the CBD.
Expert reviews
“Fun, sexy and relaxed, this ultra-theatrical, effortlessly cool hotel is located in the historic State Theatre. Art-deco eccentricity is complemented by quirky extras in the rooms, which are distinct and decorated with real style and flair – there’s a definite wow factor.”
“An eclectic and over-the-top design aesthetic within the walls of two historic buildings make this hip hotel a destination in itself. Centrally located and with excellent dining options both within and nearby, QT is Sydney’s coolest — and quirkiest — place to stay.”
What guests liked
- Amazing hotel
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
9 June 2026
Great spot worth the money
Great location. Great room and facilities
There was no toothbrush x toothpaste when we got there. No biggie as we only stayed one night
8 June 2026
Perfect for Sydney Film Festival stays
Very convenient location, very comfortable room and happy hour at Gowings Bar is very good value.
6 June 2026
Great location, pleasent and helpful staff and comfortable room. Also great coffee downstairs.
Bed so very comfy.
Spacious rooms.
Lighting.
Helpful staff.
Location.
Nothing not to like.
5 June 2026
Great location. Funky. Fun
Location
Staff
Bath in bathroom
Ground floor bar
Room set out. Big room but cramped area for kettle/ coffee maker
Bath very small
4 June 2026
Comfortable stay in a great location.
Great location in central Sydney - close to Darling Harbour and the metro. The rooms were a good size and well-appointed.
Difficult to find the mi nib prices as no rate card and it was difficult accessing the information using the Q code. Provide room guide would be much better.
2 June 2026
Fancy and vicinity to State theatre was perfect.
It was unique and had dining options if you didn’t want to leave the hotel.
The view out our window wasn’t great. We looked down on to a building without a roof.
1 June 2026
Wouldn't stay anywhere else!
Unbeatable location. Great room, great breakfast but most of all, absolutely fantastic staff. We will be back
1 June 2026
It was a fabulous day/night
Everything, it was perfect and we got a nice little surprise in the upgrade
I liked everything
31 May 2026
A cool hotel but i've ticked the box and wouldn't race back there.
A stylish, well-located hotel with an outstanding selection of minibar items and in-room snacks, albeit at premium prices. The upstairs restaurant is excellent and well worth a visit. The downstairs restaurant looks the part, but the food offering and beer selection are fairly limited and lack the same appeal.
My requested check-in time had been confirmed in advance, but upon arrival, I still had to wait around 45 minutes for my room to be prepared. After coming straight from the airport, that was frustrating.
The rooms are quite small and feel dark and gloomy. If you want natural light, you're forced to open the curtains and sacrifice your privacy, as the neighbouring building looks directly into my room. I'm not sure how many rooms are affected by this issue.
The hotel entrance is also a little confusing. Signage is limited, and it isn't immediately obvious where the reception is located. The lift is tucked away inside the restaurant entrance, which left me wondering if I was even in the right place. While having dinner, I noticed several other guests appearing equally confused, so I don't think I was alone in feeling that way.
31 May 2026
Weekend retreat after a stressful move.
We loved the aesthetic of the hotel, the bed was very comfortable, we loved the robes and shower. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about venues we could eat at in the area.
The bath was too small, we would have liked a longer bath tub.
29 May 2026
Fun hotel with spacious rooms and friendly staff in an excellent location
Spacious rooms and quirky decor made for a fun stay! Felt like you were transported to New York
Nothing
29 May 2026
Brilliant weekend in Sydney
Loved the location and the room.
Perfect location for transport and getting to Vivid
24 May 2026
Exceptionally exceptional as usual.
The unusual hidden aspect. The x factor.
Position.
18 May 2026
stayed for our wedding anniversary, wanted a quiet romantic weekend away and got exactly what we were hoping.
room was amazing, best sleep i’ve ever had in a hotel, incredible room service will absolutely stay again when we’re in sydney.
entrance was a little confusing but totally fine!
18 May 2026
We have stayed here many times and consider it our favorite hotel in sydney for reasons of location , facilities ,
Location
17 May 2026
We loved our stay and will definitely be back again.
It was very nice, loved the greeting of guests in the street.
The only thing would be the lighting in the bathroom was a little dark.
15 May 2026
Perfect place for a Show and Sleep
The bath is amazing!!
The mini bar prices.. are a tad crazy for some sundries
11 May 2026
10/10 all round excellent hotel experience
We love the vibe of this hotel! Eclectically styled, with generously sized rooms and excellent customer service. This is our favourite Sydney hotel!
I didn’t like having to leave.
11 May 2026
Great lil place to stay!
The ambiance and decor at reception, on the floors and in the rooms. Brooding but also that little bit extra.
Loved the quality amenities in the room and space.
It can tend to be darker than most hotels but it does make them stand out.
The bath plug would not stay closed which made the lovely bath a bit less enjoyable
8 May 2026
Great central location near transport, shops, theatres & restaurants!
Good location
Lights
3 May 2026
Great location but slightly over priced
Modern and location
3 May 2026
Had an amazing time!
Decor, comfort /beds, location
Nothing
29 April 2026
This was a return visit because of the fun nature of the hotel, location andexceptional customer service.
Locate, exceptional customer service and ease of use
28 April 2026
Would definitely stay here again next time.
Staff are super helpful and friendly. Location is excellent right in the middle of the city perfect location if you want to go shopping or for a late night snack somewhere.
28 April 2026
Quirky in a good way.
It’s just very original compared to other hotels.
Such a change, with their design/furnishing. Very well thought out.
Car parking not attached, but not their fault the location is awesome.
25 April 2026
We love staying at the qt
The breakfasts are wonderful. Excellent location. Ambiance and decor superb.
My only criticism would be that I’d like a little more lighting in the room. Also a magnifying mirror in the bathroom would be good.
24 April 2026
The perfect city break hotel..
Stylish, funky vibe, super quality!
It was all fab!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible

More photos

9 June 2026
We will definitely recommend the QT in Sydney and stay there in the future