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QT Newcastle: Set to wow with a unique Novocastrian experience
Images courtesy of QT Hotels and Resorts QT Newcastle set to wow
with a unique Novocastrian experience
By Sarah Davison,
Industry Reporter
QT Hotels and Resorts have opened their first regional hotel, and it’s bound to impress.
QT Newcastle is the first regional hotel by the brand, and with a rooftop bar and the hotel’s signature restaurant Jana, it’s set to be a revelation for locals and holidaymakers alike. QT Hotels & Resorts Group General Manager Callum Kennedy spoke of his excitement at the latest addition to the QT family. “Newcastle is the latest evolution in the QT collection, and we’re thrilled to open the doors,” he said.
“QT Newcastle will live and breathe the same vibrancy and energy guests love from the world of QT, championing luxurious quirk and exciting collaborations in the Newcastle community. “Rooftop at QT, boasting uninterrupted views across the harbour and signature restaurant Jana, led by Michelin star chef Massimo Speroni, will deliver the ultimate night out for locals and travellers.
“We are also delighted to have recruited a team of local talent that we welcome to the QT family”. A cornerstone of Iris Capital’s $700-million reinvigoration of Newcastle’s East End precinct, QT Newcastle boasts uninterrupted views across the harbour.
Housed within the heritagelisted 113-year-old former Scotts Limited and David Jones building, Iris Capital Chief Executive Sam Arnaout said the hotel is a celebration of both old and new.
“Newcastle is on the cusp of a new era of culture, undergoing massive growth,” he said. “QT Newcastle will be the centrepiece of the new East End village, forming part of the city’s future as a place for cutting edge innovation, with the charm of a beachside regional town.”
A keen eye for detail
The QT design team and designer Nic Graham collaborated on the ambitious project to create a modern hotel experience, whilst reinvigorating an iconic heritage-listed building. With an emphasis on making first impressions count, the design team curated a unique Novocastrian narrative within the hotel walls.
Australian fabric manufacturer Materialised worked alongside Graham to develop the vision, providing custom fabrics and soft furnishings. The bespoke design features all speak to the surroundings of QT Newcastle, with local references throughout. Graham spoke of his inspiration behind the invigorated space, and the role of design in urban renewal. “Driving inspiration from the synthesis of the building location and history, connection to the coast and a vibrant young energy of the city itself, we linked the urban renewal to the renewal of the moon cycle,” he said. “The moon, in its many forms, is represented throughout the design and is a wonderful metaphor for ‘renewal’ and rebirth.
“In this case, the reinvigoration of a heritage building while preserving and respecting the heritage spirit.” Opting for timeless design rather than “on trend” features, Graham and his team developed custom furnishings exclusive to QT Newcastle.
“Anything that is custom designed or bespoke makes a unique solution,” Graham said. “In a hotel, the most important things to consider with fabric are durability, the ability to handle staining, day-to-day use and even direct sunlight. “We work with Materialised because they only work with quality mills and are in a unique position to offer in-house design development.” In addition to the curated design and luxe finishes that are synonymous with the QT brand, guests can also expect the unexpected.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Directors of Chaos, an iconic presence at the doors of QT with one purpose- to exceed the guest experience. Armed with a local’s knowledge of the area, the Directors of
Chaos help guests navigate the surrounding area and find those “must-see” attractions. Another unique role at QT Newcastle is the true connoisseur for the finer things in life. The ‘QT Connoisseur’ has the role of “Chief Tasting Officer”, described as “part reviewer, part party maven”.
Their job is to expertly review every seasonal menu at Jana Restaurant and Bar and enjoy an all-access pass behind the bar at QT Rooftop. Perhaps the most unique part of the Chief Tasting Officer role is to sleep on the job, literally. Swapping party pants for PJs, the lucky connoisseur tests each of the QT Newcastle’s guest rooms. In classic QT style, no two rooms are the same- requiring the Chief Tasting Officer to conduct a “vibe check” on each room. In the ultimate work perk, the QT Connoisseur will be permitted to take over an entire floor of the hotel to enjoy a night of revelry across 10 rooms.
Within their tenure as QT Connoisseur, the Chief Tasting Officer will also have the opportunity to enjoy an overnight stay in QT Newcastle’ Clock Suite; a natural light filled sanctuary fixed in time within the building’s iconic dome and clock face.
Next generation of door lock solutions at QT Newcastle
QT Newcastle hotel guests are happy with the new Mobile Access solutions provided by ASSA ABLOY Hospitality.
They love the convenience of skipping the front desk and being able to use their smartphone or smart watch as a secure key. With the smartphone now a central part of life, modern guests want to use their smart mobile devices to enhance travel and accommodation experiences. QT General Manager, Michael Stamboulidis said: At QT Newcastle, pushing the boundaries and innovation are at the forefront of everything we do. We're excited to offer our guests a new seamless and secure way to check-in. They can navigate through the hotel, with convenience with all the QT Life has to offer in the hands of their mobile smart device.”
By also integrating its VingCard locks with Liverton’s self-checkin kiosk technology, the hotel further provides another hasslefree and intuitive alternative to the check-in/out process. Guests using the kiosks can sidestep front desk lines by instantly being issued their room key. This not only streamlines guest experiences and removes obstacles preventing guests from immediately enjoying their stay, but also represents significant time-savings for hotel staff by eliminating several routine check-in processes. This includes the processing of credit card transactions, the need for guests to sign terms and conditions, as well as the ability to identify arriving guests who are loyalty program members. The hotel’s new door lock solutions not only meet guest expectations but also maximise operational efficiency, guest loyalty and convenience. The Mobile Access solution from ASSA ABLOY Hospitality uses VingCard RFID locks that are operable with mobile devices through Bluetooth Low Energy technology. It is a highly advanced mobile phone-based keyless entry solution developed specifically for the global hotel market. This solution adds great value to the guest experience QT Newcastle and will potentially boost overall profitability by adding value and relevance to the hotel’s mobile communication strategies.
Custom fabric developed for QT Newcastle
Looking for your accommodation property to stand out? Then consider customisation! Australian fabric manufacturer Materialised, and hotel interior design specialist Nic Graham & Associates, worked together to create a unique narrative for the new QT Newcastle.
Everything Materialised printed was designed by Nic Graham and developed by the Materialised in-house team to meet his vision. The QT Newcastle guest rooms, suites, restaurant, public spaces, and bar all boast bespoke design with local references. Nic Graham describes how they responded to the brief. “Driving inspiration from the synthesis of the building location and history, connection to the coast and a vibrant young energy of the city itself, we linked the urban renewal to the renewal of the moon cycle.” “The moon, in its many forms, is represented throughout the design and is a wonderful metaphor for ‘renewal’ and rebirth. In this case, the reinvigoration of a heritage building while preserving and respecting the heritage spirit.” Preferring to steer clear of trends, his team spend time developing bespoke fabrics and wall covering that no one has seen before. “Anything that is custom designed or bespoke makes a unique solution,” explains Nic. Materialised responded to the brief by customising colour and design to print onto their fi t-for-purpose, fl ame retardant base cloths.
“In a hotel, the most important things to consider with fabric are durability, the ability to handle staining, day-to-day use and even direct sunlight,” says Nic’s team. “We work with Materialised because they only work with quality mills and are in a unique position to off er in-house design development.” Guest rooms feature a custom double-sided ombre bed runner printed with striped trim, and a striped bed valance manufactured by A.H. Beard as part of the bed base. A bespoke two-panel design was printed on block out drapery and four custom cushions with circular ombre design further spoke to the moon story. The Jana restaurant featured a custom double-sided ombre printed on a performance polyester/ linen base cloth for drapery doubling as room dividers. The result? A wow experience that can be the best marketing tool for any property.
For more information visit materialised.com.au, call +61 2 8558 3500 or email sales@materialised.com
