Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has unveiled the results of a AU$70 million (US$45 million) refurbishment, with final works scheduled for completion in November.
Originally created by Qantas in the 1960s, the Sydney property is regarded as the city’s first international five-star hotel. The refurbishment coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Sofitel brand.
The transformation covers 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, a health and wellness centre, the grand entrance lobby, and over 15 event and conference spaces, including the Wentworth Ballroom. According to Sofitel, the ballroom is “one of Sydney's largest” at 629sqm, hosting up to 750 guests.
A highlight of the project is Sofitel’s partnership with House Made Hospitality, which has developed a multi-venue food and beverage precinct within the hotel. This includes two restaurants – Ílda and Delta Rue – along with Bar Ílda, Wentworth Bar, and a large outdoor terrace bar.
Bar Ílda offers nostalgia-inspired cocktails and live nu jazz, reviving the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s timeless allure within its new dining precinct. Photo Credit: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
The hotel’s event offering has been enhanced with technology upgrades provided by Encore Event Technologies, including what Sofitel describes as “one of Australia's largest LED screens” in the Grand Ballroom.
The design was led by FK, with the aim of reflecting the building’s modernist heritage. The hotel was originally opened in 1966 and was then the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere.
Accor, which has managed the hotel under the Sofitel brand since 2002, continues to highlight its connections with the arts, including partnerships with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Opera Australia, the Australian World Orchestra, and the Australian Youth Orchestra.