Ushering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Sofitelsydney.com.au has officially unveiled its $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November. The rebirth of this Sydney, Australia icon coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of embodying French art de vivre all over the world.
Created by Qantas Airlines in 1966, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history. Central to the hotel's new vision was to reignite the hotel’s original jet-set glamor when it opened as Australia's premier five-star hotel for an international clientele of royals, movie stars, and dignitaries. Modernizing that golden era for the 21st century, the new refurbishment encompasses 436 guest rooms and suites, the opulent Sofitel Club Millésime VIP lounge, health and wellness center, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.
The hotel embodies the essence of what management calls “Modern Heritage.” The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere. The redesign seeks to capture the essence of this modernist era through a contemporary lens, celebrating the building's unique heritage and re-igniting the hotel's glamorous past.
Entrance & Lobby
The new grand entrance features a bronze façade that welcomes guests to a revitalized lobby where historic charm meets modern elegance. A striking lighting feature illuminates the way — inspired by the Sofitel ritual of being taken to your room by candlelight. The open-plan ground floor lobby provides subtle nods to the building’s 1960s heritage in a series of lounge settings. Interactive stations let guests manage their stay and enjoy a streamlined arrival process with just a few taps, while the new online concierge app puts all hotel services directly at guests' fingertips via their phones.
Sofitel Club Millésime
An exclusive check-in experience occurs at the Sofitel Club Millésime, an eclectic lounge soft furnishings. Club members (or those purchasing a day pass) can relax, entertain or work with business and concierge facilities, showers, and all-day food and drink from breakfast to afternoon tea, to Apéro Chic hors d'oeuvres and evening drinks. Platinum members of Accor's loyalty program can access the lounge during their stay, free of charge.
Rooms & Suites
The essence of Sofitel luxury lies within the 436 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all gracefully curving around the terrace. MySmart lighting sets the mood, in-room dining manages cravings, a pillow menu and premium Sofitel MyBed™ creates comfort, and the luxurious heritage-listed bath with French Balmain amenities provide indulgence. In-room extras include a Nespresso machine, and a Wellness Bag — a portable travel gym complete with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles, and ankle straps – for guests to use in-room or at outdoor landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens or Opera House, situated just outside the hotel.
Conferencing & Events
From contemporary meeting rooms to the iconic Wentworth Ballroom, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has over 15 event and conference spaces. The Wentworth Ballroom has hosted some of Sydney's most legendary events, and is one of the city's largest ballrooms. With an original 1960s mirrored ceiling, it offers a grand setting for events of up to 750 guests. The highlight of the technological upgrade is the installation of one of Australia's largest LED screens in the Grand Ballroom, complemented by digital screens and LED upgrades throughout all meeting spaces. New additions in all event spaces feature state-of-the-art lighting, presentation, and staging technology. Event dining is guided by newly appointed Michelin-trained Executive Chef Bektas Özcan.
Restaurants & Bars
A new dining precinct offers four distinct venues within the hotel. The tilda channels restaurant has a Australiana vibe, while bar tilda revives the hotel’s timeless allure with nostalgia-inspired cocktails and the soulful sounds of a nu jazz band. Delta Rue serves up a lively mix of Vietnamese-French flavors and energy, while Wentworth Bar provides a rooftop view from its all-weather terrace.
Located in the heart of Sydney's central business district, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is conveniently just twelve kilometres from Kingsford Smith Airport, is near key transport hubs, and is just minutes from iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the fashion district. The hotel is also known as Sydney’s “Hotel of the Arts” after 20+ years partnering with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, plus Opera Australia, the Australian World Orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra.
