6 things you WON’T worry about during a weekend at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

A sweet-sounding “Bonjour!” as I check in at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is just the beginning of the luxurious French hospitality that this heritage-listed, five-star hotel is famous for. My first thought is to put some of my high-school French into practice, but my brain has already checked out, as is often the case on a weekend getaway. All I can manage is an excited “Hello!” but thankfully there are very few things you really need to worry about during a weekend getaway at this historic establishment.

From counting calories to what to do tonight, here are just a few things that will be very, very far from mind during a fancy weekend at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

1. “There’s nothing to eat for dinner!”

When it comes to little luxuries, knowing my bed is only a lift ride away after a meal is right up there! With the elegant French Garden Court Restaurant and the luxe Soiree Bar available on the ground floor, and with an extensive room-service menu to boot, you’re spoilt for choice with food options at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

My suggestion? Make the most of the French flavours at the Garden Court Restaurant, where executive chef Boris Cuzon, originally from Brittany in France, combines contemporary Australian fare with French gastronomy, satisfying even the fussiest of tastebuds.

Indulge in the four-course menu if you can’t decide what to order – seared Atlantic scallops and orange crème brûlée to finish, anyone?

2. “There’s just not enough glamour.”

Glitz and glamour can be found all around here, so don’t forget to look up at the heritage-listed Waterford Crystal chandeliers, which have been bringing some sparkle to the place since 1966.

In fact, if you like your glitz and glamour of the celebrity kind, it doesn’t get much more glam than the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. The likes of fashion icon Audrey Hepburn have traipsed through these corridors and Prince Charles and Princess Diana even had their last public dance as a married couple in the magnificent Wentworth Ballroom. Make like Audrey and strut your glamorous self through that luxe foyer.

3. “I’m bored.”

There’s a reason this iconic establishment is known as the hotel of the arts and that’s because it’s a passionate advocate for Sydney’s vibrant cultural scene. It even has partnerships with everyone from the Alliance French Film Festival and the Art Gallery of NSW to the Australian World Orchestra and Opera Australia. The hotel is also a quick stroll from the Gallery of NSW, the State Library and the Museum of Sydney, and just a hop, skip and a jump from some of the best bars and restaurants in town, so you won’t be at a loss for what to do.

Still feeling arty? Back at the hotel, head to the lobby to soak up the magic of the theatre – there are sparkly Opera Australia costumes on display in the foyer.

The joie de vivre doesn’t stop there. Delight in life’s simple pleasures by wiling away the afternoon in the hotel library with a novel, newspaper or trashy magazine. Or make the most of the in-room entertainment options from the comfort of your own fluffy bed. With a whole heap of movies and TV shows to choose from, you’ll easily find something to please both you and your roomie.

4. “I wish I could get a good night’s sleep.”

So that’s all nice but you want to know about the room, right? Well I can confirm it’s the perfect spot to rest your weary head after a busy week. The good people at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth have all the little room luxuries covered (as well as the big ones!), including fluffing your pillows and placing chocolates on your downturned sheets. There’s also a pillow menu to help you get a perfect night’s rest.

5. “Cornflakes for breakfast. Again.”

Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And yes, hotel buffet breakfasts are amazing. But can we take a minute to praise the simple joy of brekkie enjoyed room-service-style? If you’re anything like me, scrambled eggs are rarely enjoyed in bed while wearing a comfy robe, so get out that room service menu and treat yo’self! Your Morning Self will thank you for it. Pro tip: if you’re thinking of hitting the town for a big night out, order before you leave so you don’t miss the 1am order cut-off.

6. “If only there was somewhere close by for a sugar hit.”

If your food fantasies involve flakey French pastries and delicate chocolate morsels, then the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s High Tea au Chocolat is a must. Three decadent tiers are filled with Weiss Bassam dark chocolate tarts and Weis Manatee chocolate rocher, as well as savoury surprises like cacao-rubbed pulled pork sliders, and duck foie gras and chocolate macaron. Lucky holiday calories don’t count, right?

Too full for a full high tea experience but still want a chocolate hit? The hotel foyer just happens to be home to a chocolate shop – Adora Handmade Chocolates. Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate now, then sweeten your return to the working week by grabbing some choccies to go. Your Monday Self – and colleagues! – will thank you for it 😉

What do you love most about a weekend getaway? Let us know in the comments section below.

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