W Hotels, a cornerstone of Marriott Bonvoy’s expansive portfolio, has raised the bar with the eagerly awaited opening of W Sydney. Far more than just another upscale venue, this hotel serves as a bold architectural and experiential statement. Nestled in the vibrant core of Darling Harbour, W Sydney is set to redefine luxury with its audacious, contemporary approach.
Following a three-year delay due to construction setbacks and the pandemic, W Sydney has at last welcomed guests, laying claim to being the world’s largest W Hotel. Perfectly positioned between two expressways, the hotel offers sweeping views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline. The five-star property features 588 luxurious rooms and suites, and its rooftop WET Deck provides a peak leisure experience. The hotel is encapsulated in a groundbreaking glass and steel edifice known as ‘The Ribbon,’ masterminded by Hassell Architects, which also plays host to a cutting-edge IMAX Theatre.
The hotel’s amenities extend beyond its 588 rooms and 162 suites to include a dual-level rooftop bar and WET Deck, a heated infinity pool, the high-end BTWN restaurant, a spa, and meeting facilities.
Ideally situated just steps from Sydney’s International Convention Centre, the hotel itself offers 1,300 square meters of event space across eight rooms. Its fifth-floor Great Room, a 592-square-meter, pillar-free space, is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of Sydney.
“W Sydney marks our W Hotels brand’s triumphant return to Sydney, a long-awaited addition to our robust portfolio in Australia, following our recent debuts in Melbourne and Brisbane,” George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of W Hotels, told Pursuitist. “W Sydney will cultivate a new cultural and social hub in the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct. It is the perfect canvas for a non-conformist approach to the luxury hospitality landscape with W’s bold and energetic ‘Whatever/Whenever’ service ethos, dynamic design, and immersive programming as we celebrate Sydney through a new lens.”
Unmissable Architecture
The hotel is a daring piece of architectural brilliance designed by the well-known Australian architects, Hassell. The design manifests itself in a dramatic curved structure that rises confidently above the roadways, promising to become a landmark in Darling Harbour. This unmistakable edifice is more than just a place to lay your head; it’s a design lover’s dream.
Interiors with a Story to Tell
London-based Bowler James Brindley envisioned the interiors, and the result is nothing short of exceptional. Featuring 588 guest rooms, including 162 high-end suites, W Sydney borrows its aesthetic inspiration from its harbourside location and nearby beaches. Beyond the marine-chic guest rooms lies the hotel’s Living Room—a vivid blue space that disrupts the concept of a traditional lobby, reimagining it as a social hub infused with a ‘Future Noir’ theme.
A Haven for Foodies
W Sydney isn’t just an indulgence for the eyes; it’s a feast for the palate. The hotel flaunts four new dining and bar venues across three thrilling levels. Head Chef Chris Dodd, an Aria and Blue Door alumnus, helms BTWN, bringing the best of New South Wales to the plate. Adding sweetness to the night is 2AM: dessertbar, a late-night dessert haven conceived in collaboration with Singaporean dessert master Janice Wong.
Luxury Self-Care and Wellness
An escape within an escape, the AWAY Spa is where you can expect to feel fully rejuvenated. Crafted as a sanctuary of modern serenity, the spa is encased in art by Bradley Eastman and comes complete with a bar—because why not socialize while you recharge? For fitness enthusiasts, the FIT Gym is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, while the WET Deck pool offers an underwater world-inspired escape to sip cocktails poolside.
Mixing Business and Pleasure
W Sydney doesn’t just play; it works hard too. With its proximity to Sydney’s International Convention Centre and featuring an expansive 1,300-square-meter event space, the hotel is equipped to handle business events with élan. Its 592-square-meter pillarless Great Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic city view, is a testament to its commitment to excellence.
A New Dawn in Sydney’s Hospitality Scene
W Sydney is not merely a hotel; it’s a cultural and social pivot in Darling Harbour’s vibrant precinct. From its audacious architectural profile to its non-conformist approach to luxury, it’s evident that the establishment is setting a new standard. A melting pot of fine dining, exceptional design, and plush accommodation, W Sydney is the epitome of modern hospitality redefined.
“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city,” added 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.”
For those looking to immerse themselves in an unparalleled blend of aesthetic splendor and dynamic urban energy, your next stop should undeniably be W Sydney. Book your stay at wsydney.com.
