Ryan Linnegar
Holding the title of Australia’s first-ever five-star hotel when it was launched by Qantas in the ‘60s, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a quiet architectural icon in a city full of them. With competitive restaurants and bars enjoyed by locals, a new wellness arm and a generous loyalty program, it’s an appealing slice of Sydney history in which to spend a few nights.
The property’s latest drawcard is Sofitel Fitness, which elevates the bare bones offering of most hotel gyms with direct access to glitzy private gym Soho Fitness, where high-end open training and weights facilities, self-led Pilates on demand with the Your Reformer system and unlimited access to Les Mills classes keep fitness resolutions and routines on track. Hotel guests also enjoy complimentary recovery and wellness facilities including individual infrared saunas, a spacious dry sauna, and cold plunge baths.
For loyalty members or guests with upgraded bookings, Sofitel’s executive lounge, Club Millésime, occupies a pleasant space looking out to Wentworth Bar, and serves afternoon tea (Le Goûter) and evening apéro drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Dedicated guest services staff warmly arrange on-property dining and wellness bookings.
The Rooms
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth comprises more than 430 rooms and suites, ranging from Classic rooms to the Wentworth Suite. Following a $70 million refurbishment in 2024, rooms are fresh (grand marble bathrooms perhaps speak to a different era of design, but are well maintained), functional and stylish enough for a central Sydney stay, with tasteful nods to the ‘60s.
We’d choose a Luxury room for the private balcony peering down to Wentworth Bar, and recommend suites for comfortable, functional separate living and dining areas and huge bathrooms with a tub.
Even though you’re surrounded by top restaurants and bars, everyone wants to stay in sometimes… Beyond the expected, the comprehensive in-room dining menu offers a Movie Night bundle with popcorn, soft drinks and sweets to make the most of the large screen in every room, as well as a caviar service (with a half-bottle of Champagne) to complement special occasions.
Food & Drink
Initially developed and launched by local group House Made Hospitality, the four in-house restaurants and bars at Sofitel Wentworth Sydney recently transitioned to be managed internally by Sofitel — and standards have been maintained, if not elevated.
Beyond the standout bread and butter service (consider it a must), Tilda ticks the box of being worthy of a visit even if you’re not sleeping over. Seasonal ingredients are deftly sprinkled throughout head chef Nathanael Merchant’s menu that celebrates Australia’s best, and the wine list heavily represents leading domestic makers. Service staff are knowledgeable and extremely personable.
Neighbouring Bar Tilda does signatures and classic cocktails (especially the on-trend Martini) excellently while, up on level five, Delta Rue contrasts the modern Australian concept of Tilda with a vibrant Vietnamese-French menu. Outside, in the centre of the property’s horseshoe design, Wentworth Bar is a spacious, open-air venue. On our visit it was heaving with the post-work crowd.
the location
For business travellers engaged in the CBD or holidaymakers hoping to hit central Sydney’s best shopping, restaurants and bars, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s address is hard to beat. While you could easily bounce between the restaurants on site, some of Sydney’s best are in close proximity, like Melbourne transplant Grill Americano, impressive modern Middle Eastern restaurant Aalia and upstairs-downstairs duo Clam Bar and Neptune’s Grotto.
Public transport hubs Circular Quay and Martin Place station are within easy walking distance, as are the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, and central theatres and music venues.
Quick glance
Where: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth: 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
WiFi: Yes
Room service: Yes
Pool: No
Parking: Yes, off-site from $67 daily
Pet-friendly: No
