Whilst Western Australia’s mining boom has dipped in recent years, its roster of new luxury hotel developments represents the latest gilded commodity the city has to offer, with QT Perth now open for trading. Located on the doorstep of the CBD’s Murray Street Mall, it marks QT Hotels & Resorts tenth Australian/New Zealand outpost since launching in 2011.
True to the QT brand of whimsical glamour, it’s big on detail, pattern-play and a sense of place. Serial QT design collaborator, Nic Graham, sought inspiration for the front of house from Western Australia’s wild frontier. Local red Jarrah floorboards recall the Outback upon which optical rugs in iridescent opal tones float in the spacious lobby, mining the state’s bounteous mineral excavation history. Drawing upon mid-century references, Graham’s QT furniture created in partnership with Stellar Works refines retro details with customised quirks. High-backed citrus green chairs mingle with amoebic lounges and Featherston pieces, ‘capturing the glow of native wildflowers after the rains,’ explains Graham.
Straddling continents, the Santini Grill’s Mediterranean terracotta and turquoise blue palette nods to Robert Marchetti’s modern Italian menu whilst simultaneously acknowledging the Kimberley region’s red earth meeting the ocean. ‘It’s a rich contrast I wanted to exploit…you don’t see that anywhere else in the world,’ adds Graham.
Referencing the city’s heady excesses in the 1980’s thanks to the mining boom, a Midas touch permeates the bar area. Layered with mirrors and reflective wallpaper subtly printed with local wildflowers, it’s like a golden nugget upon which revellers can catch their reflection.
Faceted gem-hued hall runners designed by longstanding QT collaborator, Shelley Indyk, together with Sydney artist, Claudia Damichi, set the lavish tone for the 184 guestrooms sprinkled with signature QT tongue-in-cheek charm. Black cockatoo bedheads take flight, whilst saturated velvets in emerald green and violet, brass detailing and white-veined black marble en-suites add an ‘overall impression of opulence and richness,’ according to Indyk who sought inspiration from Perth’s decadent bygone Victorian hotels plus ’the richness of the jewels beneath the ground and the vineyards.’ Arial views of rivers and salt pans inform the abstract black steel mandalas by Canberra artist, Patsy Payne, hanging on walls.
Further aloft, the rooftop bar (Perth’s highest) offers spectacular views across the Swan River. Perfect for a pop-in drink and dining experience or overnight stay, this hotel engages and entertains like no other. §
