The much-anticipated Sydney debut from the W Hotels brand has opened in Darling Harbour
Following a near-decade-long development project, the highly anticipated W Sydney has opened on Darling Harbour with 588 rooms and suites, four culinary concepts, a spa, and a 30-metre infinity pool.
The hotel represents the largest W Hotel in the world, with the Marriott lifestyle brand’s signature focus on design, innovative culinary concepts, and lively guest experiences.
“The debut of W Sydney, our third W hotel in Australia, signals a new era for the brand,” said Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Sean Hunt.
“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.”
Design notes
The property’s striking design was conceptualised by Australian architect, Hassell, with interiors by London-based consultancy Bowler James Brindley.
Central to the design narrative of the property is the ‘larrikin’, the quintessential Australian character whose spirit has been woven into the hotel spaces. This concept is perhaps most evident in the Living Room—the hotel’s lobby-cum-social space—where the Australian Bowerbird, characterised as a larrikin of the bird world, is referenced in nest-like seating and an electric-blue circular bar.
Other notable design elements include marine and nautical references in the guestrooms, cues taken from Sydney’s harbour and beaches, a W sign inspired by the Australia waratah flower, and a copper-clad entryway that alludes to the city’s disused railway tunnels.
Dining
W Sydney’s four dining and bar concepts are designed to elevate global cuisine and vibrant nightlife in the city. BTWN draws on night food markets, with head chef Chris Dodd (formerly of Aria and Blue Door) creating menus that centre on NSW produce. Its late-night eatery, 2AM: dessertbar, has been created in collaboration with Singaporean dessert chef, Janice Wong. At Living Room, guests will find sakes and sojus with Asian small plates, while 29/30 is a two-level bar with Sydney Harbour views. W’s signature WET Deck sees a pool bar serving cocktails and tapas.