Staycations, remember those? They weren’t all bad, they opened our eyes to what often was hiding in plain sight, like a shining city and nightlife on our doorstep. There’s one Sydney icon that will give you the star treatment and a show. It’s Sydney’s unique horseshoe-shaped 5-star Wentworth Sofitel hotel, host of some of the most famous people on the planet from princesses to starlets. Act like an A-lister staying in one of the Club Sofitel suites for total V-VIP treatment.
The hotel
A team of American architects designed the unique semi-circular post war minimalist brick building in partnership with Qantas to create a legendary international hotel. Opening in 1966 and rebranding as the Sofitel Wentworth in 2002 it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary to become one of the city’s most enduring five-star hotels. Images of royalty, stars, billionaires and pollies are displayed on the walls. From the Queen after opening the Sydney Opera House in 1973 to Princess Diana dancing with Charles, Prince of Wales, a decade later. The guest list also included glamorous stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren.
A Club Sofitel welcome
The Sofitel Hotel was the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France, today with so many around the world you are likely to have stayed in one. They pride themselves on ‘art-de-vivre’, it’s that Frenchy-chic attitude, or more accurately, the French art of living. This je ne sais quoi thing comes to life the moment you arrive at the private Club Sofitel reception.
Sofitels deliver on culture and are stellar at looking after VIPs. They walk their talk about being culturally renown for supporting fashion and the arts. ‘So cultural’ promotes museums and theatre where locals or travellers can have a luxurious stay, French dining and access to a show.
As a V-VIP guest staying in a Prestige Suite, Luxury Club Room or Wentworth Suite you’ll have exclusive access to the Club Sofitel up on the garden courtyard floor. It features a private reception area with dedicated check-in/out desk and that incredibly conformable option to have a shower when arriving early or leaving late.
The team are already aware of your arrival and very efficiently hand you room cards in under 60 seconds.
VIP treatment
The Club Sofitel ‘cousu-main’ service is next level. Allow me to translate, you can indulge in Déjeuner (breakfast buffet), Le Goûter (afternoon tea) and Apero Chic (glam pre dinner snacks) and aperitifs (sundowners) in the level 5 lounge.
Le Goûter (afternoon tea)
Afternoon tea is like a deconstructed high tea laid out on marble benches, from cheeses to generous sandwiches, petite scones of course, and fancy looking sweet treats; cakes, tarts and galettes. With tea or coffee how you like it, it’s spot on before an afternoon nap.
Apero Chic (canapes & drinks)
It is almost standing room only at cocktail hour and the spread is even more impressive than the afternoons show. Charcuterie, cheeses, smoked salmon, dips, fresh bread, olives, nuts, fruit, continental marinated vegetables, dips, sushi, and even hot entrees like arancini balls and empanadas. Great quality ingredients have been used to create very moorish mouthfuls… make sure though you put the brakes on if you are dining in the Garden Court French restaurant.
Déjeuner (breakfast)
The showstopper was the breakfast buffet, easily close to a hundred different elements to choose from with full hot breakfast classics – bacon, eggs, baked beans, roast potato, sausage and mushrooms. Fruit salad, yoghurts, juices, nuts and cereals of all varieties. Fresh sourdoughs and even gluten free options. More charcuterie, cheeses, smoked salmon and Mediterranean fare. And an abundant selection of viennoiserie – freshly baked buttery traditional pastries. The range of croissants, pain au chocolat and pain aux raisins – are like the dessert course of breakfast paired with their house blend of strong get-you-going coffee. Club Sofitel really outdo themselves with this extraordinary morning display.
The room
1402 is a prestige suite, one of the best in the hotel, overlooking Bligh Street, it is a spacious 51 SQM with a separate sitting room large enough to entertain 8 guests. A handwritten note and complimentary wine and chocolates welcome our arrival. Ok, if you’ve had the pleasure of staying at a Sofitel, you’ll be familiar with the bed situation. It is one of their point-of-difference marques, sleep in luxury linen in a signature king ‘Sofitel MyBed’ that you wished you had at home.
The linen is crisp white with navy trimmings against dark oak and chrome fixtures and warm lighting. The bathroom is spacious too with floor to ceiling marble, separate shower and a tub. Of course, it is kitted out with French Balmain bathroom amenities.
Nearby
Being in the middle of the museum district, get cultural quickly at the Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Sydney or the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Reach Circular Quay in 5 mins, the Opera House around the corner and the beautiful botanic gardens.
The experience
The Wentworth Sofitel is a classy city stay. Amplifying the city’s cultural events, this isn’t just for travellers, it’s a staycation destination, to tourist in our own stunning city. The investment the Club Sofitel team make to personalise your stay makes it a memorable experience.
What we are addicted to:
Club Sofitel, the personal service and the generous buffets. The location is superb, it’s a great staycation destination.
What would we need to be more addicted:
The rooms are quiet and design is understated, would love to see a little more of the ‘So’ flair for the younger demographic.
Keep across what’s on
The Wentworth Sofitel
61-101 Phillip Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9228 9188
