Two of Sydney’s historic buildings have been revamped to create the QT Sydney which straddles the defunct Gowings’s department store and the still functioning State Theatre. Famous designer, Nic Graham headed-up the project taking inspiration from gothic and art deco styles to create a surrealist experience where you are welcomed by a hostess that could have come straight from a performance of the Rocky Horror Show.

The hotel is unique down to its expert details. For example, the lift plays a different tune depending on how many people are using it. If you are a single occupant, it plays Elvis’ "Are You Lonesome Tonight" or if there are two of you it plays Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us”. LED video-installations are just some of the contemporary art on display. They sit alongside reclaimed furniture and cabinets full of curios. Your room is a mellower affair and comes with leopard-print eye masks and ready-to-mix Espresso Martinis - which may or may not encourage morning drinking. The “SpaQ” offers a Hammam-inspired steam room with retro barbers, and the restaurant serves a free-range bistro menu straight from the grill.