A new era of elegance: inside the revitalised Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Celebrated for its illustrious history of hosting royalty and dignitaries, this iconic hotel now has a fabulous new lease of life.

Standing as a hallmark of luxury and elegance in Australia, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied past and now, a bright future. The iconic hotel’s recent 70 million-dollar revamp has extensively upgraded guestrooms and public spaces, introduced two world-class restaurants and bars, and established a new club lounge. The transformation is nothing short of spectacular with the refreshed high-end accommodations exuding French joie de vivre. Each space seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern convenience in the heart of the CBD.

Looking for accommodation in Sydney or in need of a staycay? Here’s everything to know about the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Location

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a 15-minute drive from Sydney Airport, located on Phillip Street at the northern end of the CBD. The hotel’s prime position makes it easy for visitors to access major attractions such as The Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay, and some of the city’s best restaurants and shopping, all of which are a short walk away. This area of the city is also a prominent business hub, making it a good home base for working travellers.

The hotel is renowned for its iconic architecture.

History

The hotel’s rich history dates back to 1855 when it was a boarding house known as Wentworth House, named after the prominent Australian statesman William Charles Wentworth. After a devastating fire in 1888, the boarding house was transformed into a luxurious accommodation known as Wentworth Hotel.

Due to the influx of international travellers to Australia, Qantas acquired The Wentworth and reopened it on Phillip Street in 1966 – a grand hotel was created with the assistance of associate architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Laurie & Heath. During this iteration of The Wentworth, the Post-war International style building with its glamorous yet understated interiors hosted the likes of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth, Sophia Loren, and Elton John.  

Sofitel acquired the Wentworth Hotel and the recent extensive revamp pays homage to its opulent history while introducing modern amenities.

Opened in 1966, it attracted celebrities and dignitaries alike.

Style and character

Standing proudly at 15 storeys high, this building is the largest single brick structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It features an iconic curved design that hugs a central terrace filled with lush greenery and one of the hotel’s four bars.

Architecture and interior design firm FK were called upon for the significant 70 million-dollar makeover which transformed the foyer, rooms and suites, and public spaces. The team revived its classic elegance and charm but injected it with modern edge and Sofitel’s signature French flair.

The hotel’s grand entrance exudes timeless elegance.

The sense of arrival is strong with the elegant lobby featuring a striking lighting instalment that draws guests in and pays homage to the Sofitel’s historic ritual of guiding guests to their rooms with candlelight.

The space is dotted with potted grass trees, sculptural art, and a series of lounge settings with curved velvet seats and lamps which nod to the building’s curvilinear form. A palette of olive and cream paired with timber and brass accents is a sophisticated ode to the Australian landscape.

Rooms and suites feature a minimalist warm palette that creates a sense of calm. They are adorned in elevated timber and soft furnishings, as well as photographs of the hotel’s former glory days.

The spacious lobby is is swathed in earthy tones.

Facilities

Luxury meets convenience at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, with facilities designed to elevate every aspect of your stay. The self check-in spaces feature intuitive technology that makes the process seamless and quick.

Every space is sophisticated yet cosy.

For the ultimate Sofitel experience, guests staying in either the Prestige Suites, Luxury Club Rooms, or the Wentworth Suite can relax in Club Millésime on level 5, an exclusive lounge which offers gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, and Apéro Chic.

All guests have access to nearby Virgin Active gyms which feature state-of-the-art gym facilities. There are four dining facilities on-site (more on that later) and 15 event and conference spaces.

Club Millésime is an exclusive lounge in a serene setting.

Rooms

The 436 rooms and suites offer all the comforts of a five-star hotel with smart lighting, high-end furnishings, luxe amenities, and a Wellness Bag with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles, and ankle straps.

The Classic Room.

Guests will rest easy on a signature Sofitel MyBed™ and awake to coffee from Nespresso machines while being wrapped in plush robes. The marble bathrooms aren’t as modernised as the rooms, but they are classic in style with luxurious Balmain amenities and many fitted with heritage-listed baths. For those seeking more space, we recommend booking The Prestige Suite which has a separate living area and offers a glimpse of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

While rooms lack natural light, this design choice contributes to a moody, calming ambience.

The Prestige Suite comes with a separate living area. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Food and drink

The partnership with House Made Hospitality brought to life a multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the hotel: Tilda, Bar Tilda, Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar.

Tuck into fresh seafood and hearty pasta dishes at Tilda. (Image: Steve Woodburn)

Stop by Tilda for fresh seafood sourced from smaller-scale producers, roasted in a charcoal oven, and indulgent house-made pasta dishes, followed by nostalgic treats like upside-down pineapple cake.

Finish your night by slipping next door to Bar Tilda for Archie Rose martinis or one of the 100-strong Australian whiskeys – We’d argue this hidden gem is Sydney’s most stylish bar right now.

Imbibe martinis at the ultra-chic Bar Tilda. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Up on level five, Delta Rue heroes Vietnamese and French flavours in a space that harks back to the old-world elegance of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Enjoy tasty plates such as Bánh Xèo (crispy coconut turmeric crepe with fragrant herbs) and dried age fillet mignon with shaking beef sauce, béarnaise, and French fries. Pair these with champagne from the champagne bar.

Buffet and a la carte breakfast are also served in this space.

Delta Rue evokes a rustic-chic dining ambience. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Wentworth Bar occupies the sleek, plant-filled terrace next to Delta Rue. Come for relaxed afternoon drinks or buzzy post-work tipples while the DJ spins tunes on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The extensive cocktail menu includes ‘cocktail explosions’, which are large-scale cocktails serving up to 10 people.

Pull up a chair on a Friday evening at Wentworth Bar. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Does Sofitel Sydney Wentworth have access for guests with disabilities?

Accessible rooms are available on every floor, with wheelchair accessibility throughout the property.

Is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth family-friendly?

While it’s not a family-focused accommodation, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is perfectly suited to families with babysitting services available and 50 per cent off your second adjoining room for families with children up to 12 years old.

The hotel boasts al fresco areas to relax, dine and wine. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Details

Best for: Business travellers and design-savvy travellers.

Address: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth 61, 101 Phillip St, Sydney

Cost: The ‘Summer Offer’ includes: $100 dining credit, breakfast for two, and late checkout from $499.