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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

A new era of elegance: inside the revitalised Sydney Wentworth