“Let’s have a holiday by the beach in winter.” Said no one, ever. But Bondi Beach isn’t just any beach. This curvaceous golden shoreline in Sydney is world-famous, attracting holidaymakers from across the globe to frolic in its waters, take selfies at the iconic baths and surf its breaks. And in winter, you can claim more than just a tiny patch of sand on this popular stretch for yourself.
The heart-stopping beauty of the Icebergs ocean pool. (Image: QT Bondi)
As a former Sydneysider, I always wanted to live in Bondi Beach and experience the luxe boho lifestyle that this Eastern Suburbs locale is famous for. When the QT Bondi opened in the former Swiss Grand site in December 2015, I finally had my chance to live la vida Bondi like a local, if only for a few days.
The colourful lobby with art installation by Shaun Gladwell. (Image: QT Bondi)
The hotel
The QT hotel brand is known for its quirky cool design, and the Bondi iteration doesn’t disappoint. From the neon flamingo in the lobby to the sunny splashes of colour in our Atrium Suite, QT Bondi certainly has eye-catching appeal. The 24-hour reception area is decorated with inviting furnishings and images of Bondi Beach – shoreline and suburb – and includes a light-filled atrium.
Travelling with my mother and five-year-old daughter, the boutique 69-suite hotel is welcoming in its design, not alienating for the wide demographic of our group. My daughter adored the bright furnishings and design features, while the hotel had just the right amount of comfort and style for my well-travelled and discerning mum.
Located within the new Pacific residential, hotel and retail precinct, QT Bondi is ideally situated off Bondi Road and just across the road from Bondi Beach. The bus stop to Bondi Junction and the Sydney CBD is handy, as are taxis from the hotel.
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The colourful and inviting living room of the Atrium Suite. (Image: QT Bondi)
The rooms
Each of the 69 spacious, self-contained designer rooms and suites boasts all the mod-cons, making QT Bondi ideal for a short or long stay. Our Atrium Suite was a one-bedroom apartment with views of the atrium from the balcony. With a kitchenette complete with a microwave, stovetop and fridge, plus a washer-dryer and iron in the walk-in wardrobe, our guest room was ideal for a family of three. The bedroom with ensuite (a walk-in shower plus the deepest tub ever) was able to be closed off from the living areas, where the sofabed resides. Two flatscreen TVs (with free movies and cable TV) in the apartment meant ABC for Kids can coexist happily with the local news, and complimentary Wi-Fi means the whole family can stay plugged in.
While there’s plenty of dining options just a short stroll from the hotel, a supermarket in the Pacific complex and the in-room amenities mean you can also dine in or grab breakfast before you go. Snack attacks (and anything else) are well looked after with the generous and eclectic offerings in the minibar, and NYC beauty brand Malin + Goetz provides the luxe amenities in the bathroom.
The bedroom contains the bespoke QT Gel Bed. (Image: QT Bondi)
The amenities
With the enticing outdoors attributes of Bondi Beach right across the road, the coastal walk to Coogee close by and such attention to detail in your guestroom, any other onsite amenities like a pool or a gym seem pretty redundant here (although guests can access Gold's Gym in the complex for free, or take a hot yoga class – QT Bondi has an arrangement with Power Living Yoga nearby).
QT Bondi has created a comfortable place to relax, while also offering to hook you up with all the best spots in the area so you can explore and tap into that boho Bondi lifestyle. And really, that’s what being a local is all about.
QT Bondi
6 Beach Road, Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW
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