If you’re looking for a meticulously curated, high-voltage cultural experience, then QT Melbourne is the place for you. Tucked away on Russell Street, this is where Melbourne’s heritage of gritty laneways and high-end fashion collide, creating a designer destination that is utterly unforgettable.
A History of Glamour and Grit
The QT brand, established in 2011, quickly became synonymous with a quirky, art-focused, and design-led approach to luxury accommodation across Australia and New Zealand. Each location is imbued with a distinct personality, and Melbourne’s muse is drawn from the city’s rich past.
The building itself stands on the historic site of the old Greater Union cinema, which entertained locals for decades. Today’s striking, modernist concrete and stone facade, designed by architect Angelo Candalepas, is a deliberate homage to the enduring industrial soul of the city, sitting comfortably amid the grand Victorian-era warehouses nearby. This location, near the famed “Paris End” of Collins Street, takes inspiration from the 1920s rag traders and European fashion that defined the area, blending the old-world with the utterly contemporary.
An Industrial Design
Step inside, and you’re transported into a visually arresting world of industrial chic and curated luxury. Interior designers Nic Graham and Shelley Indyk have woven a sensory tapestry that is moody, sophisticated, and undeniably playful.
Exposed concrete ceilings, handcrafted steel, dark timber, and rich leather create a tactile, urban-industrial backdrop. The hotel also acts as a living gallery, showcasing commissioned artworks, including provocative video installations that add movement and intrigue. Even the staff — known as “Directors of Chaos” — are part of the spectacle, often sporting bold, designer uniforms. Every corner of the hotel reveals an eclectic detail, from a brass reception desk etched with scenes from Collins Street, to bespoke furniture and a strong, judicious use of colour.
The guestrooms maintain this sleek, sophisticated vibe. Expect concrete paired with oak floors, designer leather furniture, and spacious bathrooms featuring rippled glass and black metal, elevating the classic city retreat into something truly exceptional.
Welcome to the Neighbourhood
QT Melbourne is perfectly positioned for the urban explorer. Situated in the CBD, it’s mere footsteps away from everything that makes Melbourne a global lifestyle leader.
There are luxury boutiques along Collins Street and the theatre district; the hotel itself connects to the city’s famous graffiti-stained laneways, where you can find the Japanese-Korean-inspired Hot Sauce laneway bar; and just a short walk away, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant dining scenes of Flinders Lane and Chinatown.
Elevated City Views
Then there’s the Rooftop at QT. This is not just a bar; it’s a coveted destination that has swiftly become one of Melbourne’s most fashionable sky-high hangouts.
Perched on the 11th floor, the split indoor-outdoor space offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of the city skyline. It’s the spot to see and be seen. Sophisticated yet relaxed, with comfortable designer lounges and a lively, trendsetting crowd, it’s the perfect place to sip a meticulously crafted cocktail as the sun dips below the iconic Melbourne rooftops. It is, in essence, the very definition of an elevated lifestyle.
QT Melbourne is located at 133 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Book directly with them on their official website at www.qthotels.com.
All images courtesy of QT Melbourne.
