It’s been 15 years, but Sydney’s first international new build hotel has finally opened. The location, on prime waterfront territory in the city’s lively Darling Harbour, cleaves close to the Sofitel brand’s formula for opening in buzzy, high-spirited spots, while linking culturally with a French city or region – this time Marseilles.
Occupying all 35 floors of the area’s tallest building, conceived by local architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp to feature triangular accents that represent sails, the interiors of the 590-room hotel are the work of Dreamtime Australia Design and the A+ Design Group.
Here, the Sydney-based designers’ continue to subtly reference the area’s maritime heritage, without slipping into obvious clichés. As such, there are rope motifs which can be found in the carpets; lots of timber accents which represents the city’s wharf history; and sandstone bathrooms, with stand alone soaking tubs, that are perfect for indulging in the far reaching views of Darling Harbour and the city’s sparkling skyline.
The fourth floor outdoor lap pool with skyscraper views is an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink before heading to Atelier, a French-inspired grill that serves up dishes that combine the flavours of the south of France with local produce, against a background of thrilling wraparound views.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
12 Darling Dr
-
Venerable British car-maker AC goes OTT with the high-output, low-slung AC GT SuperSportPitched at all-American fans of the original AC Cobra, the GT SuperSport is a fearsome two-seat roadster with more muscle than ever before
-
The dynamic young gallerists reinvigorating America's art scene'Hugging has replaced air kissing' in this new wave of galleries with craft and community at their core
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekWhile a few of our editors were in Europe for various showcases and launches, others stayed local, uncovering new cuisines, eccentric exhibitions and glorious gardens this side of the Channel
-
Mondrian makes waves at Burleigh Heads with a striking Australian debutMondrian Gold Coast emerges as a sculptural new anchor for Burleigh Heads, pairing surf-side glamour with global polish
-
Rediscover a classic midcentury hotel in SydneyFK leads a major renovation of the landmark Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel, pairing 1960s modernism with an elevated, Australian-minded reset
-
Wallpaper* checks in at The Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter: ‘a lush restaurant with rooms’In Sydney’s Paddington, chef Josh Niland opens the 14-bedroom luxury hotel alongside his pioneering restaurant
-
Book a brutalist one-room wonder Down Under, the Vipp Tunnel in TasmaniaThe Danish design brand's bookable showcases arrive in the southern hemisphere, thanks to the vision of Tasmanian architectural firm Room 11
-
Wallpaper* checks in at The Eve Hotel Sydney: a lush urban escapeA new Sydney hotel makes a bold and biophilic addition to a buzzing neighbourhood that’s on the up
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Lo Scoglio: an Australian vacation rental with regenerative principlesTucked away in Byron Bay’s hinterland, an Italian-style farmhouse presents a sustainable approach to luxury
-
Five influential women hoteliers reflect on the changing face of hospitalityAs women continue to gain ground in the hotel sector, despite still being underrepresented in senior positions, five female moguls share their experiences of the past and projections for the future
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Melbourne Place: ‘an alchemy of colour, texture and personality’Designed by Kennedy Nolan, Melbourne Place is the Australian city’s newest independent hotel, oozing creativity and urban energy
