Unveiling the Unparalleled Experiences at Sydney’s Premier Waterfront Destination, Sofitel Darling Harbour Sydney.
Sofitel Darling Harbour Sydney, with its modern, slick style, and a plethora of wellness and culinary experiences, stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquility in the heart of Sydney. Staff greet guests with Bonjour, a nod to the brand’s French base and heritage, and a constant reminder that Sofitel is global.
Nestled in a spectacular location, Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney doesn’t merely offer breathtaking views across the city but also serves as a gateway to the vibrant day and night life pulsating through Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.
This luxury 5 star hotel in Sydney’s Darling Harbour offers one of the best day spas, club lounges and gyms in a hotel in Sydney. Every moment here is a step into a world where elegance and comfort work in harmonious unity.
If wellness is your priority, this 590 room hotel that opened in 2017 is a solid Sydney choice.
The main highlight and feature of the hotel are the jaw dropping city views from the floor to ceiling windows in rooms facing the harbour as well as from the infinity pool an even the gym.
The latest Pelaton bikes in the gym and other cardio equipment make a workout a breeze, as does the strikingly tranquil azure blue infinity pool.
I fell in love with the 35th floor private club Millesime offers the best views in the entire property with floor to ceiling windows flooding rooms with natural light all day, executive service and breakfast, high tea, pre dinner drinks adn casual lounging with a view available all day.
Sofitel Darling Harbour Sydney’s Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Sofitel’s Location: 7.5/10
It is a fabulous location – and not just for the incredible views across the city. A short stroll across the Pyrmont Bridge immerses you into the bustling CBD, and a plethora of fresh culinary experiences elevate the locale’s charm.
Its is an even shorter stroll to Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour both packed with new restaurants, bars and culinary experiences to explore.
Sofitel Rooms: 8/10
The rooms, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, unveil Sydney in its full splendor, especially on sun-drenched days, even in winter. There are 35 suites, which all give accesss to Club Mellesime.
An upgrade to a Club Suite is well worth it at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour to experience the exclusive private Millesime club on the 35th floor.
My club suite was exceptional and the views were gorgeous. I did not want to leave, It came with a separate dressing and luggage room, coffee machine, huge bath facing the views, over-sized separate shower with both overhead and hand held showers. The double sink is perfect for couples, as is the separate toilet with its own privacy door
With furnishings in neutral tones that whisper elegance, such as mid-century armchairs and copper lights, and a plush king-sized bed complemented by a pillow menu, your stay promises to be enveloped in comfort and style.
A feature of my suite was a stand alone bath overlooking the view which was an incredible place to start every day.
Bathroom products are two tier – French brand Balmain features in the entry level rooms and Classic French Fragrance brand Diptique in the suites ( a brand also commonly seen in business class on flights) and there is Molton Brown bubble bath available if you ask.
Sustainability is a high priority here, so all beauty products are in multi use packaging.
Sofitel’s Style: 7/10
The style of Sofitel Sydney is slick and modern – and luxurious. The style of this hotel focuses on the views.
There lobby has towering six metre ceilings, is full of natural light and a coffee shop makes it a pleasant location for a meeting.
An escalator goes up to meeting rooms, and the Champagne Bar overlooks the beautiful views, and the restaurant is spacious and airy.
Service & Facilities: 7/10
While the staff at Sofitel Sydney are dedicated and helpful, a subtle emphasis on Accor club memberships occasionally permeates the atmosphere. However, the facilities, especially the Sofitel spa, elevate the wellness experience to new heights, offering a sanctuary where luxe Australian class wellness and extraordinary treatments converge amidst impeccable surroundings.
Staff are helpful although some are too focussed on Accor club memberships and who sits where which can create a competitive rigid feel at times.
Sofitel Fitness & Wellness: 8.5/10
The gym, a spacious haven equipped with brand-new cardio equipment including a lineup of Peloton bikes, invites fitness enthusiasts to work out while soaking in the view.
The Sofitel spa, adorned with Australian timber and emanating a serene aura, along with the infinity pool, positioned against a stunning backdrop, collectively craft an Instagram-worthy but calm and still wellness journey.
The spa is absolutely exceptional, bringing luxe Australian class wellness to Sydney with extraordinary face and body treatments in flawless Australian surrounds which elevate the wellness experience. Treatments on offer change with the seasons.
There are treatment rooms on one level and a sublime relaxation room upstairs. The infra red sauna before any treatment is a bonus.
The infinity pool is gloriously positioned opposite the view and blue tiles set it off as an instagrammer’s dream. Navy and white towels set off the upscale resort-style feel.
Sofitel Darling Harbour’s Food & Drink: 7/10
The Champagne Bar, an epitome of elegance, not only offers beautiful harbour views but also a selection of over fifty champagnes, ensuring your evenings are soaked in sophistication and delightful bubbles. It is a relief to be able to but a glass of non vintage for $26. An insider tip is to book, as it can be very busy.
Atelier, the hotel’s signature restaurant, invites you on a culinary journey through its French-inspired rotisserie and grill, featuring three open kitchens. We enjoyed a rather large serving of fleshy, perfectly cooked succulent roast duck and a sirloin steak which was sliced beautifully to share.
Wines by the glass at the restaurant are excellent and feature both French and local selections.
The best breakfast by far is on the 35th floor in the private club as the service is elevated and the food options much healthier and lighter including a delicious breakfast salad, and mini croissants.
Breakfast at Atelier sees ques to get in when the hotel is busy and more ques to partake in a very creative, diverse breakfast buffet.
Renae says:
Who should Stay here: This is a fabulous five star hotel for Sydney locals for a staycation, and many overseas guests are in residence, making the atmosphere lively and global.
Who shouldn’t Stay here: If you like five star luxurious city hotels, this is fabulous.
Location: Around 40 minutes from Sydney airport.
Best culinary delight: The breakfast salad at Club Millissime on the 35th floor..
The Highlight: The stand alone bath overlooking the spectacular view. What a way to start your day.
The lowlight: There are often ques – to check in, for breakfast and at the Champagne bar.
Insider Tip: If you call room service they will bring gorgeous luxurious Molton Brown bubble bath.