Sofitel Sydney Wentworth officially reopened its doors last night, following an extensive renovation. Karryon Luxury attends the celebrations and an official update on the Sofitel brand from CEO, Maud Bailly.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has been one of Sydney’s most iconic five-star hotels since its opening in 1966. It was first created by Qantas and for the past 57 years, has hosted a number of dignitaries and famed personalities including the late Queen Elizabeth II, Neil Armstrong, Bill Gates, Sir Elton John, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren. It famous ‘pillarless’ Wentworth Ballroom was where the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana took a spin on the dance floor during their 1983 Australian tour.
The official unveiling of the new-look 436-key hotel, following the AUD$70m renovation, combined French luxury and hospitality, and local heritage.
Preceding the celebrations at a press conference for media, Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems, shared that Sofitel welcomes four million guests per year. She also announced that Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort will also be undertaking a full renovation soon.
Australia represents an equal feeder market (to the US) for the Sofitel brand – with both the US and Australia each accounting for 15 per cent of room revenue; followed by France (12 per cent); UK (eight per cent); and Germany (three per cent).
The top destinations for Australian Softiel guests are Australia (61 per cent); Fiji (12 per cent); Indonesia (four per cent); New Zealand (four per cent); and Singapore (three per cent).
Back on the level 5 ‘horseshoe’ terrace, where the reopening of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth took place, Sydney’s elite including TV personalities, politicians, and tourism industry officials were gathered.
An endless flow of Pommery Champagne and cocktails followed, allow with guests helping themselves to served hot food, and decadent food stations that sat beneath ice sculptures to celebrate Sofitel’s 60th diamond jubilee anniversary – featuring seafood, caviar, charcuterie and desserts.
Sofitel CEO Maud Bailly said that the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth renovation was representative of a refurbishment and rejuvenation program taking place across the Sofitel brand globally.
“The reinvention of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a real milestone for the Sofitel brand because it is an iconic hotel in the network,” said Bailly.
“It is a renovation that is for the guests, for the staff, and for the people of Sydney,” said Bailly.
During official speeches, guests also heard from General Manager, Sam Panetta; Ben Hopkins of Futuro Capital; Collin Zhou of KKR; and Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.
Afterwards, Soprano Amy Manford of Hymne à l’amour wowed the crowd with the song Celine Dion had performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Qantas staff wore Pucci-designed crew outfits from the 1970s, evoking the glamour and sophistication of the golden era of travel.
About the new-look hotel
The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening in 1966 with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere.
Enabling the building to reflect the spirit of its time, the new design has sought to capture the essence of this modernist era through a contemporary lens, celebrating the building’s unique heritage and re-igniting the hotel’s past.
The refurbishment encompassed all of the 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime; health and wellness centre (with more updates to come); public spaces including the grand entrance lobby; and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.
Prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality has created a multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the luxury hotel, with two restaurants: tilda and Delta Rue; as well as two bars: bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, as well as one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace bars.
For more information visit sofitelsydney.com.au