Taking up residence on Campbell Parade just metres back from one of the world’s most famous beaches, QT Bondi feels more like owning a hip apartment than staying at stock standard hotel. Arriving at the small lobby, you’ll be greeted by neon signs, photography plastered walls and a single, helpful receptionist. The entrance isn’t grand, but the neighbouring shops, Saturdays and florist Bondi Botanic, do the welcoming in a different way. Upstairs there are colourful interiors, with boldly patterned carpets and bright yellow, blue-and-green doors. Behind these you’ll find a long, rectangular room, kitted out with glossy surf magazines, thongs and beach bags (available to purchase), a decent-sized kitchenette and a spacious balcony. It feels like an apartment – which makes sense seeing as much of the remaining building is home to apartments – but it also means the layout feels a little strange; the ceilings are low and you’re facing west (only residents get the million dollar ocean views here). Back downstairs you won’t find a pool, though guests can access the neighbouring gym, there’s no hotel bar, information desk or other traditional hotel calling cards.
The lack of amenities may appear to be a shortfall, but this is in fact what sets QT Bondi apart – it serves as a base for your Bondi adventures. Why have a pool when you’re metres from the beach and a short walk from one of most Instagrammed ocean pools? The lack of in-house food and drink offerings means you have to explore the suburb, which isn’t a bad thing – start with BBPB downstairs for a drink, Porch and Parlour for dinner and Bondi Markets for a hangover brekky on weekends. Their hotel-like perks come in the shape of free Lekker cruiser bikes, which are available in the reception area, so you can explore the streets on two wheels with the help of in-room area guides. The hotel’s in an ultra-central location smack bang between North and South Bondi, too, so you can explore each end with ease.
It’s also very comfortable. There’s a bath in the room that’s deep and wide enough for a baby to have swimming lessons in; a luxe super king bed; blackout blinds to beat the jet lag; and a vibrant, young, Sydney feel to the place overall. QT offers a way to infiltrate the beachside ’burb while adding just enough comforts of a boutique hotel to ensure you make the most of your time in Bondi.