Iconic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth showcases conferencing and events ahead of spring opening

Iconic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth showcases conferencing and events ahead of spring opening
Edited by Travel Weekly


Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is showcasing its venue for conferencing and events that will feature as part of the iconic venue’s highly anticipated $60 million relaunch this in September.

Among the offerings at the Phillip and Bligh Street precinct are contemporary meeting rooms, more than 15 event and conference spaces and the famous Wentworth Ballroom, where the future king Charles danced with his then wife Princess Diana. His predecessor, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII and the Duke of Windsor after abdication, danced in what was then the new ballroom after it opened in 1920 in the original building.

The Wentworth Ballroom has hosted some of the city’s most legendary events, including the inaugural ARIA Awards. As one of Sydney’s largest ballrooms, at 629sqm, it is adorned with 1960s mirrored high ceilings, offering a grand setting for events of up to 750 guests, complemented by versatile breakout spaces, and sophisticated foyer reflecting the French Art de Vivre. In a blend of tradition and innovation, it also features state-of-the-art technology.

The Ballroom Foyer.

The Ballroom Foyer.

The renovation includes a multi-million-dollar investment in cutting-edge technology provided by Encore Event Technologies. The highlight of the technological upgrade is the installation of one of Australia’s largest LED screens in the Grand Ballroom, complemented by digital screens and LED upgrades throughout all meeting spaces.

To celebrate the relaunch, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is extending a special grand opening offer to event planners. Book your event by the 31 December and receive exclusive experiences including a Café Gourmand Coffee Cart experience, chef-curated menu upgrade and loyalty points.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveils plans for expansive refurbishment to commence January 2024

Additional benefits are part of the offer with Sofitel’s commitment to CSR and the donation of $1,000 to the charity of your choice, invitations to Sydney’s best performances or gift certificates. Those who book also enjoy rewards through Accor Group’s ALL Meeting Planner Programme.

Other new additions in event spaces feature state-of-the-art lighting, presentation and staging technology. They will also be equipped with bright wide-screen projection systems, crystal-clear sound systems and customisable lighting solutions. Sofitel’s in-house technical organisers will be on hand to assist with all production elements,
from show calling to room theming and design, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for
attendees.

The remaining Sofitel Sydney Wentworth renovation includes 436 newly appointed guest rooms and suites with connecting room options, the Sofitel Club Millésime, health and wellness centre, public spaces including grand entrance lobby.

The hotel’s new dining precinct is in partnership with renowned hospitality group House Made Hospitality, and will feature two restaurants, two bars and one of Sydney’s largest rooftop terraces.

An impression of the rooftop terrace bar.

An impression of how the renovated rooftop terrace bar will look.

Event dining is guided by the newly appointed Michelin-trained executive chef Bektaş Özcan. Chief concierge Ricardo Oliva Farrons, a member of Les Clefs d’Or, is also on hand to ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

The hotel has been an iconic feature of Sydney’s CBD landscape since its inception as the Wentworth Hotel in 1966. It is the largest single brick structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with 15 storeys curving gently around an elevated garden courtyard, it became Sydney’s first 5-star international hotel, encapsulating the essence of 1960s jet set glamour.

Managed by Accor since 2002, the hotel sits under the Sofitel brand and is part of the group’s luxury, global Sofitel Hotels and Resorts portfolio – the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France and a celebrated ambassador of French culture and elegance around the world.

The exterior of the iconic brick buildingThe exterior of the iconic brick building.

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