The 5-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth officially unveils its extensive $70 million refurbishment today, with final completion set for November.
Ushering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the rebirth of this Sydney 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 in the 1960s, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history, spanning over half a century. Central to the hotel’s refurbishment vision was reigniting the ’60s jet-set glamour that characterised its original charm when it opened as Australia’s premier international 5-star hotel, attracting royals, movie stars, and dignitaries. The aim was to modernise this golden era for the 21st century. The refurbishment encompassed 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, health and wellness centre (with exciting updates to come), public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces. Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality. They have created an exceptional multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the luxury hotel, with two restaurants – tilda and Delta Rue, two bars – bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, and one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace bars.
With much of the refurbishment led by architecture and interior design firm FK, the hotel embodies the essence of ‘Modern Heritage’. The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening in 1966 with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere. Enabling the building to reflect the spirit of its time, the design 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 glamourous past. Guests can expect the following:
Entrance & Lobby:
The new grand entrance features a sleek bronze façade allowing passers-by to gain a preview of the refreshed hotel lobby inside. A striking lighting feature illuminates the way – inspired by the time-honoured Sofitel ritual of being taken to your room by candlelight. The open-plan ground floor lobby provides subtle nods to the 1960s heritage of the property and offers vibrant pockets of space and a series of lounge settings for guests to dwell, with glimpses of restaurant tilda beyond. Echoing the building’s striking exterior, curves are incorporated into the interiors though joinery and furniture, creating a softer contemporary layer. Experience the future of hospitality, where historic charm blends seamlessly with modern elegance and innovation. Cutting-edge convenience guarantees that every moment of a guest’s visit is extraordinary. Interactive stations let guests manage their stay and enjoy a streamlined arrival process with just a few taps, allowing them more time to relax and unwind. The new online concierge app puts all hotel services directly at guests’ fingertips via their phones. The lobby Guest Relations lounge, with its contemporary design, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and new level of personalised service. From tailored arrival options to exceptional hospitality, every detail is crafted to provide the perfect start to a guest’s stay.
Rooms & Suites:
Discover the essence of Sofitel luxury with 436 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all gracefully curving around the terrace. Subtle, nostalgic detailing is combined with modern materiality, soft sculptural forms and a layering of rich materials – a nod to the 1960’s golden era of the hotel. Create the perfect mood with MySmart lighting, then indulge in a luxurious heritage-listed bath with bespoke French Balmain amenities. Hotel guests can choose from the pillow menu before relaxing into their Sofitel MyBed™ at night and begin their day with a Nespresso from the in-room machine. Boost fitness and recharge with the Wellness Bag – a portable travel gym designed to enhance strength and flexibility, complete with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles, and ankle straps – allowing guests the convenience of exercising in-room or at landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens or Opera House, situated on the hotel’s doorstep. Enjoy revamped in-room dining by House Made Hospitality, offering guests an exciting opportunity to experience exceptional cuisine in the comfort of their room.
Conferencing & Events:
From contemporary meeting rooms to the iconic Wentworth Ballroom, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has over 15 event and conference spaces, offering a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The magnificent Wentworth Ballroom has hosted some of the city’s most legendary events, and is one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms, at 629m². With a classic 1960s mirrored ceiling, it offers a grand setting for events of up to 750 guests. A transformative investment in cutting-edge technology with in-house partners Encore Event Technologies showcases the hotel’s commitment to innovation. 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 the expertise of newly appointed Michelin-trained Executive Chef Bektaş Özcan, who promises culinary excellence, with menus showcasing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
Sofitel Club Millésime:
An elevated, exclusive check-in experience opens on to the tranquil and opulent Sofitel Club Millésime, a warm eclectic lounge space created through a layered palette of soft furnishings. Club members, or those purchasing a day pass can relax, entertain or simply work with business and concierge facilities, shower facilities and all-day dining and refreshments from breakfast to afternoon tea or Apéro Chic – delicious hors d’oeuvres and evening drinks. Platinum members of Accor’s ALL loyalty program can access the lounge during their stay, free of charge.
Restaurants & Bars:
House Made Hospitality has expanded its Sydney CBD footprint, developing four distinct venues within the revitalised Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. This new precinct offers multiple experiences—from early till late, seven days a week—under one roof, where the feel of hotel glamour meets premium Australian hospitality. tilda channels a laid-back yet elegant Australiana vibe, while bar tilda revives a bit of this Sydney landmark’s timeless allure with nostalgia-inspired cocktails and the soulful sounds of a nu jazz band. For those after something more vibrant, Delta Rue serves up a lively mix of Vietnamese-French flavours and energy, while Wentworth Bar captures the buzz of a rooftop with its all-weather terrace. It’s a rare chance to explore a variety of uniquely styled spots—all conceived and operated by House Made Hospitality—without leaving the hotel’s refined surrounds.
From historic past to modern icon, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is thrilled to introduce a world-class destination true to its unique heritage. Reborn as the Sydney icon it historically was, the refurbishment re-ignites and celebrates the hotel’s glamorous past while propelling it firmly into the future. Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers unparalleled convenience, just twelve kilometres from Kingsford Smith Airport and within proximity to key transport hubs. Minutes from iconic landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the luxury fashion district, the hotel is also renowned as the ‘Hotel of the Arts’. Celebrating a momentous 20+ years partnering with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, other key partnerships within the arts include Opera Australia, the Australian World Orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra. Providing an all-encompassing experience where fashion, art, leisure, business, and unparalleled hospitality converge seamlessly, the new Sofitel Sydney Wentworth transcends traditional hotel boundaries.