W Sydney officially opens its doors

Edited by Travel Weekly

W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 brands, has today announced the opening of W Sydney.

Located in a dramatic curved structure rising over Darling Harbour, W Sydney is set to become a coveted destination for travellers and Sydneysiders alike, bringing new energy and a modern take on luxury to the city and harbour waterfront.

“The debut of W Sydney, our third W hotel in Australia, signals a new era for the brand,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, for Marriott International. “With a fresh take on luxury, W Sydney’s dynamic design, ‘Whatever/Whenever’ service ethos, imaginative dining and bars and creative guest programming will bring an exciting new energy to this vibrant Darling Harbour precinct.”

Located within The Ribbon and designed by acclaimed Australian architectural firm, Hassell, W Sydney rises above the roadways to hug Darling Harbour. Its interiors are designed by London-based Bowler James Brindley, who conceived W Sydney through the city’s history, spirit, and lore; from the marine-inspired rooms and suites to the distinctive restaurant and bars.

Suite at W Sydney

W Sydney has 588 guestrooms, including 162 suites and draws inspiration from the hotel’s harbourside location and nearby beaches, exuding marine-chic in their nautical white and navy-blue palette and undulating walls that echo the sails of yachts in the marina below.

W Sydney brings four new dining and bar venues across three exciting levels. BTWN embraces its unique setting adjacent to the flyover, drawing on its urban surroundings and weaving the iconography of night food markets into its spaces. Leading the culinary adventures at BTWN is Head Chef Chris Dodd, an alumnus of Aria and Blue Door, whose menus hero the produce of New South Wales.

Just as other restaurants in town are winding down, BTWN comes alive with 2AM: dessertbar, a late-night hotspot created in collaboration with Singaporean dessert guru Janice Wong. Living Room’s menus embrace the hotel’s location on the edge of Asiatown with a focus on Sake and Soju, as well as Asian small bites.

Living Room (W Sydney)

29/30 is a two-level bar with uninterrupted harbour views, the perfect place to celebrate Sydney. A beacon at the apex of Darling Harbour, the WET Deck (pool) level bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting and is a great spot for casual tapas and cocktails. Meanwhile, Level 30 above takes things up a notch with elevated cocktails, a menu of vintage Champagnes by the glass, and the above-sea-level décor of a superyacht.

Switching the mood, AWAY Spa hosts five treatment rooms and connecting spaces that are gently enclosed by the meditative, geometric art of Bradley Eastman (aka Beastman). In addition to circular pods for beauty treatments, the spa features a bar for those who like to socialise while they decompress.

The hotel’s FIT Gym is complete with Technogym equipment, whereas WET Deck is a place to chill poolside with stellar views of Darling Harbour. The 30-metre open-air infinity pool showcases a giant jellyfish motif crafted from vivid glass mosaic tiles, a further nod to the hotel’s joyful eccentricity.

Marriott International Hotel

The hotel features 1300 square metres of event space across eight rooms. Set on level five, W Sydney’s 592 square metre pillarless Great Room features floor-to-ceiling windows. The design connects to the Darling Harbour setting, with light fittings and a graphic carpet that explode in a creative tribute to Sydney’s famous fireworks.

“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city,” said Craig Seaward, general manager of W Sydney.

“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high energy programming. I can’t think of a better location for our new W hotel than Sydney’s amazing harbour. We can’t wait to welcome guests again and again.”

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