Sofitel Sydney Wentworth launched with a glittering black tie party this week.
After an impressive $70 million transformation, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth reopened last night, marking a fresh chapter of French sophistication and Australian legacy for one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels.
The grand reopening was an unforgettable evening, uniting Sydney’s elite—TV personalities, politicians, and tourism industry leaders—under one roof.
Hosted by Gold Logie winner Larry Emdur, the star-studded event welcomed a lineup of notable guests, including Sonia Kruger, Melissa Doyle, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Mitch Edwards, Mark McKie, and Jad Nehmetallah, alongside hotel owners, industry icons, and loyal patrons.
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems, highlighted the hotel’s transformation as a milestone in Sofitel’s global renovation initiative, embodying a revitalisation that resonates with guests, staff, and the people of Sydney alike.
“The reinvention of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a true milestone for the Sofitel brand; this iconic hotel’s renewal is for our guests, our team, and for Sydney itself,” shared Maud Bailly.
The celebration spotlighted the hotel’s culinary innovations with a luxurious spread featuring caviar, seafood displays, and intricate ice sculptures honouring Sofitel’s 60th Diamond Jubilee.
A glamorous Pommery Champagne Velvet Lounge was a highlight, as were signature dishes from the hotel’s four new dining venues, crafted in collaboration with House Made Hospitality.
Originally opened in 1966 by Qantas, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has long symbolised luxury, hosting icons from Princess Diana to Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, Elton John, and Bill Gates.
In a nod to its French flair, the event featured a captivating rendition of “Hymne à l’amour” by soprano Amy Manford, recreating Celine Dion’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
DJs Flight Facilities kept the crowd dancing, with Qantas staff adding to the nostalgia in 1970s Pucci-designed uniforms, celebrating a golden era of travel.
General Manager Sam Panetta, alongside Ben Hopkins of Futuro Capital, Collin Zhou of KKR, and Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore, addressed the crowd, acknowledging the hotel’s storied past and its promising future as the centre of Sydney’s social scene.
This grand reopening firmly re-establishes the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth as a beacon of style and heritage in the heart of the city.
