Premium Sydney city location, check. Flawless service and facilities, check. Stylish suites and tasty eats, check. The Sofitel brand is synonymous with travel excellence and this classy Darling Harbour property is no exception. So, without further ado, here’s my detailed hotel review.
Style & Character
The Sydney Sofitel Darling Harbour is a charming hotel expressing French design flair and luxe furnishings throughout. At every turn, subtle themes of romance, well being and grandeur ring clear. It’s evident that they take their 5-star rating seriously here, from the moment you check-in, bonus points for the extraordinarily helpful (and handsome, am I allowed to say that?) concierge, until the moment you (in my case, reluctantly) leave. Given its fabulous Darling Harbour location you can expect to see a mix of global guests mingling in the decadent foyer area and often again over breakfast, enjoying a leisurely feast overlooking this storied port .
Visual highlights include, artworks that engage but aren’t ostentatious and a series of floral blooms – delicately arranged in an elegant yet scene stealing way.
Rooms & Suites
I adored the spacious corner suite overlooking Darling Harbour, complete with a dreamy king size bed, divine linens, a fab pillow menu, floor to ceiling windows and an ensuite with a freestanding bathtub. To be honest, my initial glance of the suite had already garnered my immediate approval and after a few hours of lounging in my haven like surrounds, I began to really appreciated the finer details – kind lighting, lavish amenities and the priceless sound of wait for it…total silence. I cued the block out blinds and slumbered the next morning till 9! No wonder the Sofitel MyBeds™ are world famous.
Note: this hotel has a total of 590 luxurious rooms and 35 opulent suites, meaning it’s ideal for a corporate retreat, celebrations with extended family and for large group bookings.
Bars & Dining
Everybody knows the French do it best when it comes to sumptuous cuisine, expertly prepared by highly esteemed chefs. Atelier restaurant at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour exceeded my expectations of a sensory dining experience! Executive Chef, Sam Moore is at the kitchen helm, creating masterpiece meals inspired by classic French flavours, bolstered by a modern twist. I ordered the Polanco Baerii caviar and beef tartare for entree (simply lovely!) and shared the dry aged Macedon duck breast enhanced by a blend of fennel puree, nectarine with a spicy duck jus and a delectable fillet of pan-seared snapper, zucchini and champagne buerre blanc with my date. To do – save room to savour a plate of fine French and Australian cheeses, best paired with a glass of Muscat.
Club Millésime – a snazzy executive lounge boasting panoramic views (the windows are huge) of the Sydney city skyline is located on level 35 & only accessible to guests who book suites/rooms with relevant All Accor loyalty program benefits. I enjoyed my time here sampling a selection of complimentary evening drinks and moreish canapes. It was also my spot for a full buffet breakfast, (yes, excellent French pastries), on point coffee, a ‘not so sneaky’ brunch bubbles and on occasion, it acted as the perfect private nook to kick back, relax and listen to some cool jazz tunes.
Travel tip: on Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s from 8:30pm – 1am, Club Millésime transforms to ‘Lumière on Thirty-Five’ – an elegant, late night social space for luxury seekers and young professionals set to indulge in a sensational wine list (Australian & French) and memorable Sydney night sky scenes.
Time for a dip and sip? Swing by the rooftop Le Rivage Pool Bar! The staff here (as with the entire hotel) are always attentive and smiling. Dive into the stunning infinity pool and order up a few inventive cocktails, a bottle of premium champagne and/or an array of gourmet poolside bites. Truly delightful!
Esprit Noir Lobby Bar, as the name suggests is on the ground floor entry and a lively space for a morning coffee and spot of people watching. Seeking something more elevated for evening drinks and innovative French light-bites? Go straight to the Champagne Bar, where leather booths, high ceilings and mahogany furnishings really set the mood. Who doesn’t like oysters (shucked to order) and selection of vintage cuvees. Am I right?
Health & Wellness
Sofitel Spa Darling Harbour is a popular place to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. Its ethos effectively promotes (and delivers) a holistic wellness experience that encompasses the spas key pillars of care, rest, nutrition, and movement. Book in for a remedial massage, bespoke facial and/or a signature ritual and allow the expert spa therapists to guide your mind, body and soul into an ethereal, Zen like world. You’re bound to look (and feel) much better for it.
There’s a 24 hour state of the art gym on level 4 if you’re wanting to do a complete work out too. Think cardio-vascular machines, featuring shock-absorbent treadmills, an air resistance rower, elliptical cross-trainers and exercise bikes, each equipped with a personal TV monitor. Option: feel free to pop by the gym and borrow a few light weights and a yoga mat to take to your room to up the fitness ante in private if that’s more your thing.
Popular Darling Harbour Attractions
The ICC (International Convention Centre) is right opposite the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. So, if your planning on attending a world-class concert, event or a grand exhibition it makes sense to base yourself here at the hotel. Note: both the ICC and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour are accessible venues – please contact them directly if you require more information on this topic.
I always make time to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship (picture above, top left) when I’m in Darling Harbour too. It’s a wonderful zone to escape the city’s heartbeat and retreat to a tranquil, nature based setting.
There’s plenty of great restaurants (and a few classic pubs) within walking distance and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum are a right around the corner too. I’m a big fan of catching a quintessential Sydney ferry when I’m visiting this area. Sure, it’s touristy but it’s oh so iconic. Enjoy!
Luxe Surf Style 
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