Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has unveiled the results of a $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November 2024. 

The hotel’s rebirth coincides with the diamond jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of embodying French art de vivre across the globe. Central to the refurbishment vision – led by Fender Katsalidis – was reigniting the 60s glamour that characterised the hotel when it first opened, modernising it for the 21st century.

The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening in 1966 with Modernist interiors, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere at the time. Bringing the entire property into a new era, the refurbishment encompassed 436 guestrooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, the hotel’s health and wellness centre, and its meeting and event spaces.

The new grand entrance features a sleek bronze façade, allowing passersby to gain a preview of the refreshed hotel lobby inside. A striking lighting feature illuminates the way, inspired by the time-honoured Sofitel ritual of escorting guests to their room by candlelight. The open-plan ground floor lobby provides subtle nods to the 1960s heritage of the property and offers vibrant pockets of space and a series of lounge settings, with glimpses of restaurant Tilda beyond.

Echoing the building’s striking exterior, curves are incorporated into interiors though joinery and furniture. The lobby Guest Relations lounge, with its contemporary design, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and new level of personalised service.

Inside guestrooms and suites, subtle, nostalgic detailing is combined with modern materiality, soft sculptural forms and a layering of rich materials – a nod to the 1960’s golden era of the hotel. Further details include MySmart lighting, bespoke Balmain amenities and an extensive pillow menu.

Pivotal to the transformation is a partnership with Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality, which has created a multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the hotel, featuring two restaurants, two bars and one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace bars.