Iconic Sydney hotel - where the Queen and King have stayed - reveals new look

Elton John and the Rolling Stones have all been guests here.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Updated April 1, 2025, first published November 6, 2024

Following its opening in 1966, it was the hotel in Sydney. Queen Elizabeth, King Charles, Princess Diana, Bill Gates, Neil Armstrong, Elton John and the Rolling Stones have all stayed here in its heyday. And this month Sofitel Sydney Wentworth will complete its $70 million refurbishment, returning to its original glory, with a striking new bronze facade, a dazzling lobby (pictured) and 436 guest rooms and suites, with elegant touches at every turn.

Even the smallest lodgings at the hotel feature king-sized beds, marble ensuites with Balmain amenities and pillow menus. And then there's the exquisite dining. Nab a negroni at Bar Tilda, then make your way to the Tilda restaurant, where lip-smacking mains range from campanelle pasta doused in pistachio pesto to delicately cooked King George whiting. Or go back in time at the Delta Rue restaurant. Featuring period touches of 1920s Hanoi, it's the place for Vietnamese fare that's downright delicious. sofitelsydney.com.au

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Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.