First look: Sydney opens its doors

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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The highly anticipated W Sydney opened its doors on 12 October, becoming the third W hotel on Australian soil.

As soon as you step foot inside W Sydney, greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign, it’s clear you’re about to be taken on a design-led journey. With ‘the larrikin’ inspiring the interiors designed by London-based Bowler James Brindley, the luxury hotel is bold and unabashed.

W Sydney has unveiled 29/30, a top-floor hotspot focused on the finer things in life. But the real star of the show? Sparkling views over Darling Harbour, with the hotel’s iconic infinity pool glistening in the foreground.

Such is the W Hotels’ way, of breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands.

Two waratahs with W sign at W Sydney behind
Be greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The Living Room, a reimagining of the traditional lobby, is dominated by vivid blues and copper and invites you to stay a while, cocktail in hand in the nest-like seating that references the Australian Bowerbird, a larrikin of the bird world.

The Living Room Bar at W Sydney
Vivid blues and copper dominate The Living Room.

The 588 guestrooms, including 162 suites, draw inspiration from the hotel’s harbourside location and nearby beaches, with a nautical white and navy-blue palette. Walk-in wardrobes feature a burst of graphic, inflorescent red and pink waratah flowers.

Spectacular King Room at W Sydney
There are 588 guestrooms at W Sydney.

W Sydney has already secured itself as a destination hotel this summer, offering views over Darling Harbour that have never been seen before. A highlight being the WET Deck on level 29 boasting a 30-metre infinity pool and accompanying bar 29/30 that evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. During the evening, the pool area transforms into an extension of the bar – the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and tapas.

The 30 metre infinity pool WET Deck at W Sydney
The WET Deck is the place to be this summer. (Image: Emily Murphy)

BTWN is the main restaurant, fronted by head chef Chris Dodd who has created a menu that features at least 80 per cent NSW produce, and at night it brings 2AM: dessertbar by Janice Wong to life. And while BTWN got its name literally from being ‘between’ two expressways, 2AM: dessertbar isn’t actually open until 2am, closing at 10pm each night.

29/30 Bar at W Sydney
29/30 Bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. (Image: Emily Murphy)

“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city," says W Sydney general manager Craig Seaward.

“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high-energy programming. I can’t think of a better location for our new W hotel than Sydney’s amazing harbour. We can’t wait to welcome guests again and again."

Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, W Sydney is now the third W hotel in Australia, after W Brisbane (opened 2018) and W Melbourne (opened 2021).

Embrace your originality this summer and book a stay at W Sydney .

W Sydney External Facade
W Sydney is now the third W hotel in Australia.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Harbour views and seasonal luxuries: this Sydney hotel is elevating Christmas

    Aaron GillBy Aaron Gill
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    Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

    An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

    This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

    A stay at Park Hyatt

    couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room
    Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

    If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

    Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

    aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool
    Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

    Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

    The festive stay package

    Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

    The Summer Kit

    branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background
    Take home a branded tote bag.

    Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

    Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

    The details

    The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

    Christmas dining

    christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney
    Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

    For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

    From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

    On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

    “Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

    Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

    Exploring Sydney

    woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney
    The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

    For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

    The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

    Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

    Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

    For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.