Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a beacon of mid-century architecture. While a $70 million refurbishment has brought the hotel up to the minute in style and amenity, its legacy as Australia’s first international hotel is apparent at every turn.
From the photos of celebrities who have visited over the decades (including royals and the pope), to the grand ballroom with its 1960s mirrored ceiling and spectacular heritage-listed chandeliers, there’s a story everywhere you look.
The hotel offers a glimpse into the high society of yore when magazines like Vogue held fashion shoots there and it was the go-to venue for gala balls and posh lunches (or ‘luncheons’ as they were known then).
But it’s the building itself that has me enthralled, playing to my obsession with mid-century design, which I don’t believe is celebrated enough in this country.
The hotel was the largest single brick structure in the southern hemisphere when it opened in 1966. Designed by American architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in association with Sydney firm, Laurie & Heath, its 15 storeys curve gently around an elevated courtyard that sits on top of another few levels of hotel check-in, food and beverage, function and corporate facilities.
There have been a few tweaks since, including a 2004 refurbishment that saw the drop-off point for valet parking moved away from the pedestrian area in front of the hotel. Yet the hotel’s distinctive semi-circular design remains, along with the Juliet balconies for guest rooms on the lower floors.
All 436 rooms and suites were redesigned in last year’s refurbishment, but they retain the original curved bathroom walls and 1960’s-style bathtub with shower over, modernized with contemporary fittings and marble finishes. All rooms feature the super-comfortable king-size Sofitel MyBed and luxurious Balmain Paris amenities, both exclusive to Sofitel hotels.
Blockout curtains and a pillow menu guarantee a perfect night’s sleep, and I Iove the night lights that come on at the foot of the bedside table when there is movement in the room. How good is it not to have to fiddle around in the dark to find a light?
Our room has a lounge chair as well as a small table with two chairs that look down over the canopy of the courtyard bar and dining area on level 5. The room décor is simple but elegant, a 1960s black and white photo of the courtyard one of the sole decorative touches.
After a great night’s sleep, our day is off to a good start thanks to the Nespresso pod coffee machine in our room, before we head down to a superb breakfast. The buffet of hot and cold dishes is supplemented with omelettes, eggs benedict, and poached eggs cooked on request. A dedicated Asian section has prawn dumplings, ingredients for laksa, and more. As well as house-made Bircher muesli, there’s a nice selection of fruit and dainty glasses of smoothies (one summer mango, one banana and date cacao).
The hotel’s four dining venues are operated by House Made Hospitality. They include Tilda, Bar Tilda, Wentworth Bar, and Delta Rue, the latter seating 150 guests inside and 60 on the terrace.
Against a 1920s Hanoi-inspired backdrop, Delta Rue’s playful cocktails are the perfect prelude for Vietnamese-French flavours in dishes such as Duck and Foie Gras Spring Roll, Spicy Beef Tartare, and Grilled King Prawns topped with Café de Paris, green chilli and mint. Even the delicious Crème Caramel dessert has an Asian twist with the addition of Makrut lime, lemongrass and grilled pineapple.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth doesn’t have a pool or gym, but guests have access to the nearby Virgin Active gym on Bligh Street. For guests seeking an elevated experience, Club Millésime offers exclusive privileges, including gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea and Apéro Chic (drinks and canapés).
Digital check-in desks in the lobby suggest that you can check in and out quickly without exchanging a word. We prefer the human touch so we opted to stop and smell the roses (or in this case, fragrant lillies) while we waited for the next available receptionist.
The mid-century design is not the only thing to love about the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Its location is brilliant, being just a few minutes’ walk from the Martin Place metro station, and in the other direction, Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House.
This legendary hotel has long been a great supporter of the arts, hosting in-house art exhibitions and supporting local cultural bodies. It’s less than 10 minutes’ walk to the Theatre Royal which has an ongoing program of great productions (Hadestown was running during our stay).
Look out for weekend packages offering complimentary buffet breakfast and overnight parking. With its mix of contemporary and historic elegance, Sydney Sofitel Wentworth is perfect for a city getaway.
Sydney Sofitel Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street
Sydney NSW Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9228 9188
www.sofitelsydney.com.au
With thanks to Destination NSW for hosting us for one night at this storied hotel. We stayed in Room 1148. Thanks also to House Made Hospitality for hosting us for a beautiful meal in Delta Rue.
