For a lot of Sydneysiders, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth building – the Art Deco tower that cuts its distinctive curve into the heart of the CBD – is part of the furniture: an historic red-brick stalwart that’s stood 20-storeys tall in the city’s beating heart since 1966. If you’ve passed it in recent months though, you’ll have noticed something different – a warmly-lit, distinctly modern energy pouring onto Philip Street. In October 2024, Sydney’s oldest five-star hotel reopened its doors after a $77-million makeover. After staying the night, I can confirm that the site-wide reimagining involved so much more than a surface-level polish. With A-grade dining options, a sexy-as-hell (and surprisingly affordable) bar and 436 beautifully redesigned bedrooms, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is reclaiming its place among the best high-end stays in the city.
Why stay at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
When it opened its doors back in 1966, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was Sydney’s very first five-star hotel – welcoming a glittering guest list that ranged from royals to movie stars. As time ticked by, the historic hotel began to lose a little of its sparkle – with age taking its toll. After the mega site-wide refurbishment, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is back in a big way – firmly securing its position as one of the city’s best hotels. And while the hotel’s historic standing and famous alumni would be reason enough to add this one to your staycation hit list, there are so many other factors that make this huge hotel an excellent pick for your Sydney base.
First up, there’s the new foodie offering – brought to life by House Made Hospitality, the people behind Sydney faves including Grana, Promenade Bondi Beach, Apollonia and Martinez (more on that later). Then there’s the location: right in the heart of the city, a breezy 15-minute walk to the Opera House and just steps from Martin Place station where the metro system can whizz you across the city in moments.
And last but not least, there’s the space itself. Sydney-based design firm FK was tasked with the huge renovation project, and the result is a tastefully opulent masterpiece: a space that screams “luxury hotel” without feeling remotely stuffy.
What are the rooms like at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
Spread across the hotel’s 20 storeys, all 436 guest rooms have received a recent renovation courtesy of FK – with a ‘Modern Heritage’ approach informing the design. Organic forms, buttery lighting and neutral tones soften the building’s minimalist Art Deco shell – with rooms featuring soft beige carpets, huge beds wrapped in white linens and wooden furniture warmed with cream cushions.
We were staying in a junior suite, which had its own light-flooded lounge space, plus separate bedroom and marble-trimmed bathroom. Of all the spaces in the hotel, our bathroom was perhaps the least strikingly beautiful, but perfectly functional – with double sinks, a shower and a remarkably long bathtub.
If you’re looking for something more compact, the classic rooms are the entry-level options: with king sized beds, marble-trimmed bathrooms, work stations and the option to book interconnecting rooms if you’re staying as a family.
Which are the best restaurants at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
As you’d expect from House Made Hospitality, the dining options here are on point – the expectations for hotel dining completely blown out of the water. The glittering lobby connects to Tilda – an impeccably refined modern-Australian restaurant whose bread course (featuring saltbush focaccia from beloved A.P Bakery and a globe-like dish of whipped Pepe Saya butter) sets the tone for what’s to come. Through a glass wall, you’ll find Bar Tidla; Tilda’s younger, more lively sibling. Worth visiting for its happy hour ($12 Martinis from 3-6pm, Mondays through Fridays) as much as its sultry, warm energy, Bar Tilda is the kind of cocktail bar that’s difficult to leave. Come here for a $20 weekday lunch, and you might find yourself staying all day.
On level five, you’ll find a stunning atrium housing a sun-soaked open-air bar (Wentworth Bar), and Delta Rue – the Vietnamese-French restaurant drawing on the romance of 1920s Hanoi. Delta Rue is where breakfast is served, and it’s not one you want to miss. All of the buffet breakfast favourites are there, but I’d suggest beelining straight for the congee station and loading up on the good stuff to start your day.
If you’re keen to venture out for lunch or dinner, your options are endless. Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year for 2025 (Neptune's Grotto) is a four-minute walk from the hotel, and our 2025 Cocktail Bar of the Year (Centro 86) is just a five-minute walk away. You can check out our full guide to the best restaurants around nearby Circular Quay here, and our full round-up of the best restaurants in the city here.
What is the service like at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
As with the interiors here, there’s a degree to which service at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth adheres to the kind of traditional approach you’d expect from such a large brand. Guests are greeted with Sofitel’s signature “bonjour”, and there’s a level of formality that doesn’t always feel easy. Despite being arguably a little too formal, staff here are polite and helpful without fail. Our interactions with Kerry – the angel managing the ‘Velvet Lounge’, a deep red, velvet-trimmed room overlooking the atrium – were a particular highlight. Want a discrete, human interaction-free stay? No problem – digital check in desks are waiting in the lobby so you can check in and out without exchanging a word.
Is there a gym or pool at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
The hotel itself isn’t home to a pool or a gym, but guests are granted access to the nearby Virgin Active gym on Bligh Street which has everything you need for a full-body workout. Rather get active in the open air? The hotel is a 16-minute walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens (one of the most beautiful places to run in the city), and a 13-minute walk from Cook and Phillip Park swimming pool.
What’s the area like around Sofitel Sydney Wentworth?
Sydney’s CBD has it all – spectacular views of the most famous harbour in the world, with galleries, museums, shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance. You’ll find our full guide to Sydney’s CBD here.
Why you should you book a stay at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
For Sydneysiders, choosing a hotel for your staycation in the city can be tricky – an indulgence that deserves discernment. If you’re looking for a reliable, relatively affordable high-end stay in the heart of your own city, add this one to your list. And if you’re an out-of-towner looking for a Sydney base within striking distance of the city’s top cultural attractions, look no further.
Address: 101 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000