A stay at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

lastminute lovely Nicole gets her culture on with a stay at one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels.

I have to admit, I’m pretty lucky to call Sydney home. After all, people travel from the other side of the world to see the Bridge I cross on the bus every weekday and that Opera House I get a postcard worthy glimpse of on my morning run.
So when the opportunity came up for Mr LML and I to spend a weekend in the city (a mere 10 minute walk from where I work, no less), I jumped at the chance.
Why would an ‘escape’ so close to home appeal, you ask? Here’s the answer…
Hello five-star luxury
When a Jaguar XFR pulls up behind you on arrival, you know the luxury stakes are pretty high.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is described as ‘Sydney’s original hotel’ and there’s no denying the sense of history you feel when you arrive.
The Wentworth was opened on its present site in 1966 (20,000 Sydneysiders crammed into the foyer over the opening weekend – not a sight you could imagine for a hotel opening today!)
It has been the place to stay and be seen and its long list of rich and famous guests include everyone from the Queen and Prince Charles and Diana, to Audrey Hepburn and Neil Armstrong.
Home for the night
First impressions count and the classy lobby, complete with impressive chandeliers sets the mood for our stay (you can almost picture the who’s who of Sydney heading through here on their way to the ballroom in their gowns and jewels some 50 years ago. Divine).

The French-inspired Sofitel brand took over management of the hotel in 2002 and the French theme is present throughout our stay with the friendly “Bonjour” greeting helping me to feel as if I am much more than 10 kilometres from home!
After an easy check-in, we head up to level eight to inspect our room which definitely impresses. The junior suite has a comfortable lounge area (ideal for enjoying a glass of bubbly – champagne of course).

The separate bedroom, complete with a dreamy signature Sofitel MyBed bed and cloud like pillows (if these aren’t to your liking, never fear, the ‘Pillow Menu’ is there to suit your needs) will have you sleeping like a baby. I absolutely love the industrial strength blinds… 9am and not a slither of natural light entering the room equals perfection.

The suite is complete with a spacious ensuite, featuring a large shower, separate bath and classic marble styling.

With classy touches such as L’OCCITANE toiletries, the suite screams sophisticated escape rather than typical hotel room.
Culture vulture
The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth claims the title of ‘Sydney’s hotel for the arts’ and with partnerships with everyone from the Art Gallery of NSW to the Sydney Opera House, it’s easy to see why.

Mr LML and I take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to these cultural hot spots and venture to the Art Gallery of NSW to see the Archibald Prize, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art prizes, awarded to the best portrait painting (the exhibition also features the similarly impressive Wynne & Sulman Prizes).

We are absolutely floored by the quality of the work of display. While each piece is unique and interesting observed on its own, the back story provided with each portrait adds another layer of enjoyment.

Archibald 2012
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Kimbra (the build up)
Vincent Fantauzzo

Some of the portraits look more real than reality and you could swear the subject is right there staring at you.

Archibald 2012
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Father Bob (Bob Maguire)
Luke Cornish

And at the end you can have your say and vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ award.

Archibald 2012
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Emile Sherman
Adam Chang

It’s on until on June 3 and I highly suggest putting it on your agenda.
Most important meal of the day
My obsession with hotel breakfasts is well known and luckily the Wentworth was up to the challenge. Served daily in the Garden Court Restaurant (which also hosts lunch and dinner), this urban oasis offers a welcome green outlook.
Despite it buzzing with the weekend crowd, the busy staff are friendly and extremely helpful.

We settle in with tea and coffee then hit up the buffet, sampling delicious granola with yoghurt and mixed berry compote and nuts and the tasty (but not as photogenic) bircher muesli.

When it comes to warmer options, poached eggs are happily prepared for us, which we team up with mushrooms, tomatoes and smoked salmon. The wide variety of fresh breads are a big hit and in a French inspired hotel, you can’t go past the pastries (as you can see from the pic, they were very popular!).

It’s the little things
When you stay in a five star hotel, you expect the facilities to live up to the rating and the Sofitel doesn’t disappoint. From the library (ideal for a quiet read of the newspapers), and the Elixr Health and fitness Club (with complimentary access for hotel guests) to the on-site spa and daily afternoon tea, everything is taken care of.

Tourist in your own town
Aside from brekky, and the sleep-in assisting blinds, the late check-out had to be my favourite feature of our stay. When I say late check-out you’re probably thinking 12pm, maybe 1pm at a stretch right? Nope, our late check-out was 4pm!
This is of course subject to availability but wow, what a difference it makes. When you’re staying for just one night, a late check-out can go a long way and in our case it certainly helped avoid the usual post sleep-in rush to shower and shove everything in the suitcase before 10am (me, leave things to the last minute? Never 🙂 )

The magic of the late check-out means we have more time to explore our surrounds.
We manage to tick off the list a visit to Westfield Sydney (what’s a city stay without a little retail therapy?), a stroll around the Rocks markets, a meal at favourite Sake Sydney and a trip to the Botanic Gardens, an easy five minute walk from the hotel.

There’s something pretty special about the spacious green expanses in a big city and Mr LML and I have already vowed to visit more often.
The verdict
Playing tourist is your own town has to be one of the best ways to experience your own city.
There’s no denying the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a great choice for travellers (from near or afar). With its iconic history, central location and extremely friendly staff, it’s definitely worth considering for your next city stay.