Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, an icon in the city’s hotel scene for close to six decades, has unveiled the results of an extensive $70 million refurbishment.
On Monday, the 5-star hotel peeled back the curtain on its new-look entrance and lobby, guest rooms, conference and events spaces, food and beverage venues, and exclusive club lounge, unveiling “a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur”.
The refurbishment, led by architecture and interior design firm FK, will reach completion next month and is part of an ambitious global project to renew the Sofitel brand, which is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.
The refurbishment aims to deliver a modern take on the ’60s jet-set glamour that gave the hotel its original charm when it opened in 1966 as Australia’s premier international 5-star hotel, under Qantas, attracting royals, movie stars, and dignitaries.
Originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, with a modernist interior, the hotel was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere when it opened.
The hotel’s new entrance features a bronze façade, while a lighting feature – inspired by the Sofitel ritual of guests being taken to their room by candlelight – which hangs from above guiding guests to the lobby area.
The open-plan ground floor lobby, complete with digital check-in kiosks, Guest Relations lounge, and numerous spaces for guests and visitors to relax. A new online concierge app gives guests access to all hotel services directly through their smartphone.
All 436 rooms and suites, which curve around the terrace, feature MySmart lighting, a luxurious heritage-listed bath with bespoke French Balmain amenities, a Sofitel MyBed, in-room Nespresso machine.
Guests will also havea access to a Wellness Bag – a portable travel gym complete with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles, and ankle straps – to facilitate in-room exercising.
The hotel is home to over 15 event and conference spaces, which have been upgraded with state-of-the-art lighting, presentation and staging technology.
The latest cutting-edge technology, with in-house partners Encore Event Technologies, includes the installation of one of Australia’s largest LED screens in the Grand Ballroom, and digital screens and LED upgrades throughout all meeting spaces.
Newly appointed Michelin-trained Executive Chef Bektaş Özcan promises to deliver culinary excellence across event dining with menus showcasing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
Sofitel Club Millésime offer Club members, or those purchasing a day pass, a relaxing lounge space with business and concierge facilities, shower facilities and all-day dining and refreshments. Platinum members of Accor’s ALL loyalty program can access the lounge during their stay, free of charge.
The hotel’s four new food and beverage venues, created in partnership with House Made Hospitality, offer a variety of unique experiences.
Restaurant Tilda offers a “laid-back yet elegant Australiana vibe”, while Bar Tilda serves up “nostalgia-inspired cocktails and the soulful sounds of a nu jazz band”. Delta Rue celebrates Vietnamese-French flavours, and rooftop venue Wentworth Bar features features an all-weather terrace.