As the first New Zealand location for the boutique designer hotel group, QT Museum Wellington is continuing to evolve with its $12 million makeover. Embracing the creative culture of the city, QT Museum Wellington now offers a one-of-a-kind experience by blending art, design and intrigue presenting a unique take on luxury. With the needs of the modern traveler in mind, the property also features updated high tech spaces, private venue for rent, and a paradise for foodies with the acclaimed Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar.
The refurbished public spaces and soon to be completed hotel rooms have been carefully been curated by architect and designer Shelley Indyk. She has created the perfect backdrop for displaying the hotel’s eccentric collection of art, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour while remaining true to the signature aesthetic of the QT Hotel group. Indyk has upgraded the room designs with luxury modern travel perks ranging from night caps to emergency bow-ties to other quirky amenities. Complimenting the overall look of the property, finishing touches have been added by stylist Anna Roberts and staff costumes by celebrated Broadway costume designer Janet Hine. The hotel’s eclectic art collection selected by Amanda Love, QT Hotels Art Curator, will continue to be displayed throughout the public space.
QT Museum Wellington’s appeal does not end with the signature QT style in public spaces and rooms. The critically acclaimed Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar will continue to serve exquisite French-inspired bites under the direction of Executive Chef Laurent Loudeac. Additionally, the hotel will be adding a new eatery onsite in the form of the street food inspired Hot Sauce.
About QT Hotels & Resorts:
The QT Hotels & Resorts family of properties include QT Gold Coast, QT Port Douglas, the flagship QT Sydney, QT Falls Creek, QT Canberra, QT Bondi and the newly opened QT Melbourne. The QT Hotels & Resorts’ parent company is Event Hospitality and Entertainment Limited (formerly AHL), Australia’s premier entertainment, hospitality and leisure company.
About Priority Guest Rewards:
Priority Guest Rewards is QT Hotel & Resorts online loyalty & recognition program which can be utilised across Event Hospitality and Entertainment’s properties; Rydges Hotels & Resorts, Atura and Art Series Hotels. Benefits range from special discounts at bars and restaurants to free stays, PGR members can experience unique VIP benefits at all of our hotels and resorts.
Below is some additional information on the collaborators who worked on this project:
- David Seargeant
- David Seargeant is Group Managing Director of QT Hotels & Resorts. David has over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality and leisure industries and served as Managing Director of Rydges Hotels group from 1988 to 2002. Seargeant has had a lifetime career in hotels having been general manager of 16 different hotel properties. He is also the Group Managing Director of Event Hospitality and Entertainment, the owners of QT Hotels and Rydges. Seargeant’s vision for QT has been inspired by innovation and creative design found globally in architecture, emerging art, fashion and industrial design.
- Shelley Indyk – Guest Rooms Designer & Stylist
- A registered architect, Shelley Indyk has worked with communities from diverse cultural backgrounds since the 1980s and brings over 20 years experience in architecture and design. Indyk is interested in diversifying in all aspects of design, planning, cultural expression and travel. This diversity she brings to the studio atmosphere, working on a variety of projects from community based to commercial, hospitality and private houses. Most recently in 2015 Shelley was one of five jurors on the Australian National Jury awards for all architectural categories.
- Fabio Ongarato – Branding and Identity
- Melbourne-based Fabio Ongarato is at the forefront on innovation when it comes to branding, positioning, image, art direction, interior environmental design, installations and signage. His team is compelled by the idea that design is a cultural imperative, taking responsibility for the creation of heightened experiences that engage both emotionally and intellectually. For QT Museum Wellington, Fabio Ongarato Design conceptualised and developed a rich narrative born of the hotel’s historical, cultural and social context, which was brought to life across all guest touch points from the brand identity and collateral, to the environmental graphics and installations. Ongarato continues to succeed in bringing the QT experience to life.
- Janet Hine – Costume Design & Supervision
- With a background in costume design for YTT at Granada Media and Costume Couture, Janet Hine was an obvious choice when it came to commissioning the right costumes for QT Museum Wellington staff attire. Hines creative process started with Managing Director David Seargeant who shared his vision for QT Museum Wellington. Outfits were required to share the stage with the designer interiors – impacting on the hotels environment but not visually wrestling with it – so Hine worked on creating hotel characters’ full of confidence and bravado. Comfort and practicalities also needed to play a part as no one member of staff is the same shape or size.
- Anna Roberts – Stylist
- Anna Roberts has over 14 years’ experience in design and styling both in Australia and Internationally. After completing her studies in Melbourne, Roberts left to explore Europe and Asia, seeking inspiration and spent nearly a decade in the United Kingdom refining her opulent style. Since returning home to Australia, Roberts has completed numerous design and styling projects along with lecturing at RMIT University. Responsible for the buying and merchandising for Qtique boutiques and adding finishing touches to each individual guest room at QT Museum Wellington, Roberts sources the most unique, quirky elements to give the guest rooms a definitive guest experience.