Iconic Sydney hotel reopens its doors to guests

Sofitel Wentworth Sydney, one of the city's first international hotels, has reopened to the public and is showing off a fresh new look.

Originally known as Qantas Wentworth and opened on December 14, 1966, it was the largest of five international hotels built in Sydney in the 1960s and at one-time the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere.

The hotel was closed during the pandemic and used as an isolation facility.

The award-winning, heritage-listed property - previously the Sheraton Wentworth - has undergone a refresh of its 436 rooms aimed at enticing guests to 'Live the French Way'. 

With new Sofitel MyBed mattresses, new linen, pillows and soft furnishings, guests are also treated to new sustainable bath amenities from French fashion house Balmain Paris (not Balmain on the other side of the harbour).

In addition to the room refresh, the corridors and all of the hotel's famed conference and event spaces have also gone through a transformation, with upgraded audio and visual technology, new carpets and wall fabrics. 

Continuing its reputation for joie de vivre, from now until the end of April every guest will a complimentary glass of Champagne. 

Sam Panetta, general manager of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, said: “The entire Sofitel Sydney Wentworth team is thrilled and excited to be welcoming guests back into our beautiful hotel, especially at a time when Australia's borders have reopened.

“We are incredibly proud of our teams and what they have achieved over the last 24-months, and we now have some wonderful changes to showcase as we welcome guests back and we can't wait to have travellers re-discover our award-winning hotel.”

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's French Soiree Bistro & Bar will be open seven days a week serving its French-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The property's Garden Restaurant will reopen in May, and the hotel's High Tea offering will return from Saturday. 

The culinary team, led by lomg-serving executive chef Boris Cuzon, is creating a new seasonal menu. 

The hotel has plans for 2022, including continuing its partnerships with the Art Gallery of NSW, the Alliance France French Film Festival, Opera Australia and more. 

To book a room at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, head to www.sofitelsydney.com.au/