NO big-name artists adorn the walls, and there's not a chesterfield in sight. But an exclusive invitation-only lounge opening in Civic is hoping to draw the nation's top 300 power players to the QT Hotel Canberra.
Joining the ranks of restricted-access venues like The Melbourne Club, and Sydney's Australia Club, the new venue hopes to distinguish itself by its modern style. The hand-picked list of members, not yet known to each other, will be given an electronic pass to the panoramic 15th floor of the hotel.
Unlike traditional members-only venues, where waiting lists are long and fees are steep, access to the space would be granted by express invitation only, said QT publicist Emily Byrne.
''We targeted top tier,'' she said. ''It's quite a broad spread of political movers and shakers, lobby groups, NGOs, corporate executives and media identities.''
The elusive list of influencers is said to include both men and women, but who has made the coveted top 300 hasn't yet been revealed to members.
''They'll have to visit and find out,'' Ms Byrne said.
Styled by Nic Graham, the lounge has dedicated meeting rooms partitioned from a central bar area, and has concealed doors leading to secluded nooks for more intimate gatherings.
While one might expect elitism to be de rigueur, members are expected to pay for food and drink items while in the venue.
''The cost of the food and drinks up there is in line with the rest of the property,'' Ms Byrne said.
QT Lounge manager Sarah Rouse said Canberra was a perfect fit for the hotel chain's first members-only venue.
''We don't want to stroke egos by doing this. Our aim is to provide a space that is appreciated by our members but, with the prestige of the hotel, we hope those invited consider the invitation as a compliment,'' she said.
But access to the power player's new hot spot comes with an expiry date.
''[Membership passes] have a yearly valid 'til date,'' Ms Rouse said. ''We won't revoke any memberships but in some cases they just won't be renewed.''