Landmark hotel unveils major makeover

One of Australia's landmark hotels, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has this week unveiled its extensive $70 million refurbishment. with final completion set for next month.

The renewal of the Sydney icon coincides with the diamond jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of French art de vivre.

Sydney's first true "international" hotel when it opened in 1966, the former Sheraton has hosted royals, movie stars, and many dignitaries.

The refurbishment has included 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime (above), health and wellness centre, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.

Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality, which has created a multi-venue food and beverage precinct within the hotel.

It comprises two restaurants; tilda and Delta Rue, and two bars; bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, which features one of Sydney's largest outdoor terrace bars.

tilda and bar tilda opened mid-October, while Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar will be opening this Friday

The new precinct offers multiple experiences from early until late, seven days a week.

Landmark Sydney hotel to get a major makeover

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth - which was once Sydney's first "grand" hotel - is to be given a major makeover.

Recently acquired by a fund managed by global investment firm KKR in strategic partnership with Futuro Capital and Marprop Real Estate Investors, the hotel's $60 million refurb is scheduled to commence in January and be completed by spring 2024.

With a storied history spanning over half a century, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has been a feature of Sydney's urban landscape since its inception as the Wentworth Hotel in 1966. It was later called the Sheraton Wentworth. 

The Wentworth was Sydney's first five-star international hotel and encapsulated the essence of 1960s and 70s jet-set glamour as Sydney first emerged as a global destination.

“We are excited to reignite and add layers to the history of this landmark hotel," said hotel GM Sam Panetta.

"The repositioning of the Sofitel will enhance the luxury services on offer and reinforce the value of the brand.”

Led by architecture and interior design firm Fender Katsalidis - which also designed Sydney's MONA and the landmark Levantine Hill in the Yarra Valley - the refurbishment of the heritage-listed property includes a comprehensive redesign of all 436 guest rooms and suites, corridors, club lounge and lobby areas.

Key to the refurbishment is the introduction of a completely new world-class dining precinct, including new restaurants and bars.

Karen Morris, associate principal for Fender Katsalidis, says: “We are honoured to be a part of the refurbishment of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, an iconic landmark on the Sydney skyline.


"Our design vision is to revitalise the guest experience while preserving the hotel's rich cultural and social heritage, re-establishing its position as a luxury hotel destination. We are excited to be part of this city-shaping project that will breathe new life and vibrancy into this part of Sydney.”