Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference. Sometimes it’s the grand gestures. At the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth they do both, very well.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth makes a great base, especially for those not so familiar with the Harbour City. Although situated in the commercial heart of the city, the Sofitel is virtually on the door step of the Sydney Opera House, The Botanic Gardens, The Art Gallery of NSW, the Harbour Bridge, the Rocks and Circular Quay. The world’s most prestigious luxury brands including Dior, Prada, Chanel and Bulgari are just moments away.
The very French Sofitel luxury hotel brand came to the Wentworth just 10 years ago. As early as 1800 the site of the first Wentworth Hotel in Lang Street became part of the new colony of Sydney known as Church Hill. In 1824 one of the three terraces there became the future Wentworth Hotel where the Australian newspaper was launched and published in 1833. Later known as the Wentworth House Family Hotel it was destroyed by fire in 1888. In 1901 the lease on the Wentworth Hotel was given to Donald Samuel Maclurcan and remained in the Maclurcan family until 1950.
The Wentworth Ballroom was added and opened in 1920. When King Edward VIII was the Prince of Wales he danced in the new ballroom and the Wentworth was ‘the’ Sydney destination. In 1961 approval was granted for then owners QANTAS to build a new 400-room hotel next to Qantas House in Chifley Square. The new Wentworth was completed in 1966 and was Sydney’s first five-star Hotel. When you checked out of the Wentworth you could seamlessly check into your QANTAS flight with transport directly to the tarmac to board your flight.
Today, the traditions of refined elegance and impeccable service are still part of the Sofitel Sydney experience. From the bonjour at the door through check-in you are treated as a returning favoured guest. If travelling for business or leisure you should check in to the Club Sofitel rooms or suites. Club Sofitel is a sort of hotel-within-a-hotel for those in the know.
Club Sofitel rooms and suites are located on the top floors and offer all the little extras that make a stay 5 star from late check-out to oh so French Lanvin amenities in the oversized marble bathrooms. There are Nespresso machines, Bose Radiowave sound and complimentary access to the Elix’r Health Club. At Club Sofitel on level 5, you can start your day right and enjoy complimentary buffet breakfast and eggs cooked to order, enjoy evening drinks and canapés and just catch up with emails and business demands.
The spacious Club Sofitel Prestige Suite is 51sqm of understated elegance and lavish appointments. MYBED is Sofitel’s unique sleep service designed to ensure a magnificent night’s sleep. The bed is a multi-layered cocoon of softness that delivers the ultimate in comfort with overlay mattress, duvet and pillows all filled with natural materials. And of course, there is a pillow menu with a choice of 5 pillows.
For a quick bite or a suitably ‘60’s cocktail Soirée is an escape to the world of Bardot, Deneuve and Vadim. How do you choose between the James Bond cocktail of choice – the Vesper Martini and a French 75 to accompany your Steak Frites or Charcuterie plate?
The Garden Court restaurant sits alongside the manicured plantings that share its name. It is a bright and airy space that although quite Parisian is also reminiscent of the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills. The menu includes classic French favourites with French Onion soup, Coq au Vin and Gran Marnier Soufflé. But Carpaccio gives a nod to Australia with Kangaroo finished with Yarra Valley feta, white truffle oil and baby chard.
When King Edward VIII was the Prince of Wales he danced in the new ballroom and the Wentworth was ‘the’ Sydney destination.
Champagne is taken seriously at The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and Champagne lovers who buy a bottle of Taittinger at Soirée between 2.00 and 5.00pm receive a complimentary high tea experience at the hotel for two people to enjoy with their purchase. The offer is available daily until August 1, 2014.
The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is the Emerald city’s best centrally located luxury accommodation. And there is no better place to stay during the spectacular Vivid Sydney where most installations and events are within walking distance.
Oh and those little things and grand gestures? The welcoming bonjour or bonsoir at the door and throughout the hotel; a turn down service with petite chocolates, bottles of Yaru Mineral water and French pillow spray to take you back to Paris all over again. The Lobby is particularly grand with sparkling chandeliers and enormous floral displays that remind you of the gardens in Giverny, the roses of Grasse and lavender of Provence.
The luxurious surrounds and the hard working staff all combine to provide a certain style of luxury at Sofitel Sydney. And like the impossibly chic French they manage to make it look oh so effortless. At Sofitel Sydney Wentworth life is truly Magnifique. www.sofitelsydney.com