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.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

A new era of elegance: inside the revitalised Sydney Wentworth