03 Magazine: October 02, 2023
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66 <strong>Magazine</strong> | Travel<br />
CHECK IN<br />
QT Auckland<br />
WORDS JOSIE STEENHART<br />
THE LOCATION<br />
Residing in the more chill part of the Viaduct, QT Auckland<br />
opens up a realm of relaxed seaside opportunities offered<br />
by the up-and-coming Westhaven quarter, from cafes and<br />
eateries to parks, playgrounds and strolling spots to the very<br />
good New Zealand Marine Museum – while also being a<br />
hop, skip and jump to other city hotspots such as Britomart,<br />
Queen Street and Ponsonby.<br />
THE LOWDOWN<br />
Having only opened in November 2<strong>02</strong>0, Auckland’s QT<br />
boasts 150 super stylish rooms and suites of nine different<br />
types, as well as Sean Connolly-led restaurant and bar Esther<br />
on the ground floor and appropriately named Rooftop bar<br />
on, you guessed it, the 6th floor rooftop.<br />
THE EXPERIENCE<br />
Appreciators of design and the finer things in life will feel<br />
right at home here. The unique aesthetic is strongly inspired<br />
by the hotel’s harbourside locale, starting dramatically with<br />
a stunning hanging sculpture of coloured glass globes (think<br />
jellyfish, seaglass or maybe buoys?) in the lobby created by<br />
NSW artist Minka Gillian and a mesmerising digital work by<br />
New York artist Jennifer Steinkamp installed on a giant LED<br />
screen by the elevators.<br />
The oceanic theme continues into the rooms, designed by<br />
Nic Graham, which nod surprisingly chicly to oysters, and<br />
where the QT chain’s signature attention to detail features<br />
cool local artisanal touches such as resin soap dishes by<br />
Auckland artist Chan Andreassend and handblown Lava<br />
Glass lamps and bathroom cups that Nic found while on<br />
holiday in Taupo.<br />
There are water filters installed in the spacious hallway,<br />
perfect for topping up water bottles (there are spares in the<br />
room if you forgot to bring your own), striking bathrooms<br />
you’ll enjoy lingering in (ours had a clever internal sliding<br />
window, perfect for talking to partners while brushing teeth<br />
or keeping the sea in view while you shower) and as with all<br />
QTs around the globe, the beds are large and heavenly.<br />
Led by its ‘Director of Chaos’, the hotel’s front-of-house<br />
team provided dynamic and impeccable service and were<br />
dressed to suit in custom uniforms designed by sustainable<br />
Kiwi fashion darling Maggie Marilyn.<br />
THE FOOD/BEV<br />
Far from an afterthought, the eating/drinking options here<br />
pack as much punch as the accommodation – whether it’s<br />
relaxed brunches, long lunches or lavish dinners at Sean<br />
Connolly’s renowned Mediterranean-focused Esther (which<br />
spills onto the lawn and terrace outside on a nice day) or<br />
elevated tapas, craft cocktails and fabulous views at Rooftop.<br />
Again, design fans: don’t miss the gold Marana Forni disco<br />
ball oven or Molteni stove in custom green hue in Esther’s<br />
captivating open kitchen.<br />
THE NITTY GRITTY<br />
Room rates start at $280. See qthotels.com/auckland for<br />
more info and special offers.