W Sydney, the biggest W Hotel globally, will provide a home base for those celebrating the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the first time, as the brand enters its fifth year as partners of the festival.
Having opened its doors in October 2023, W Sydney will be part of the celebrations as they reach fever pitch for the parade on Saturday March 2.
“Authentic self-expression, inclusivity and the creation of a safe space for all has been at the heart of the W brand since its inception over 20 years ago,” said Marriott International Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.
The lineup of Mardi Gras events at W Sydney features digital artist Samuel Leighton-Dore and independent artist and dancer Keiynan Lonsdale, with a line up of Pride Sounds music events including an OutHaus Poolside session with Josh Harrison and weekly DJs.
Marriott Bonvoy Members will also have exclusive access to VIP experiences such as Mardi Gras After Party, VIP viewing of the parade, and hopping onboard the W Hotels float in the Mardi Gras Parade alongside 80 W Hotels team members.
Across Marriott’s Sydney hotels, occupancy will finish above 90% for February, the company reported, thanks to tourism generated around the festival, a plethora of conferences, concerts and events, as well as cruise ship arrivals.
The Sydney hotels have seen an increase of close to 15% from arrivals from the US in February compared to 2023, according to Marriott.