Inside the Revitalised Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel

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 building exterior of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

a black and white photo of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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 grand entrance to Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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 grand lobby of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

the lobby lounge corner at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

the Club Millésime terrace view — 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.

a look inside the classic room at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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 classic room interior at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

A cocktail glass on the table at Bar Tilda, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

the dining space at Delta Rue, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — 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.

the seating area at Wentworth Bar — 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 al fresco area at Wentworth Bar — 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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

A new era of elegance: inside the revitalised Sydney Wentworth