W Sydney has been one of the city’s most anticipated openings and builds, but today, the luxury hotel swung its doors open to hosted an official welcome ceremony. Karryon was there to glimpse within.
Featuring 588 marine-inspired guestrooms (including 162 suites), W Sydney is now the largest of the 60-plus W Hotels in the world and carries the brand’s trademark quirky design elements and sense of playful luxury.
It is positioned within ‘The Ribbon’ at Darling Harbour and has the Sydney CBD, the International Convention Centre, and the harbour entertainment precinct on its doorstep.
“W Sydney marks our third W hotel opening in Australia, a long-awaited addition to the city that has long been an iconic destination for travellers,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, W Hotels.
“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city,” added Craig Seaward, General Manager of W Sydney.
“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels, and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high energy programming,” said Seaward.
What’s inside?
As with all W Hotels, a Living Room is the central, lobby hub of the hotel that guests encounter upon arrival. The W Sydney Living Room adopts a ‘Future Noir’ theme, featuring an electric blue circular bar.
A nautical white and navy-blue colour palette is inspired by Sydney Harbour, local beaches and the marina at Darling Harbour. The hotel’s interior design was the vision of London-based Bowler James Brindley, who has woven the character of the Australian ‘larrikin’ figure throughout the various spaces.
Dining
The BTWN restaurant is in a unique setting, adjacent to the flyover roads that wind past the curved hotel. It is overseen by Head Chef, Chris Dodd — formerly of Aria and Blue Door restaurants.
The 2AM: dessertbar is a late-night dining destination created in collaboration with Singaporean dessert guru, Janice Wong.
Menus at Living Room will include Asian small bites, and the drinks list is focused on saké and soju. Meanwhile, 29/30 is a two-level bar with uninterrupted harbour views. The extensive rooftop, pool level bar will serve casual tapas and cocktails. Premium cocktails and vintage champagnes by the glass can be found at Level 30.
Wellness
Not your typical hotel ‘spa’, the AWAY Spa includes five treatment rooms and connecting spaces, circular pods for beauty treatments, and a bar area! The FIT GYM is fitted out with Technogym equipment, while at the WET DECK overlooking Darling Harbour, there’s a 30-metre open-air infinity pool with an interior of a giant jellyfish motif created from colourful glass mosaic tiles.
Business and events
Its central location is steps away from Sydney’s International Convention Centre. Within the hotel itself, there is 1300-square metres of event space spanning eight rooms. On level five, the 592-square metre and pillar-less Great Room features floor to ceiling windows that offer views of Sydney.
W Hotels is one of Marriott International’s 31 hotel brands.
W Sydney is a member of the Marriott Bonvoy travel rewards program. It joins W Melbourne and W Brisbane as the group’s third W Hotel in Australia.
For more information, visit W Sydney.
