Ahead of the curve: W Sydney opens with ‘luxury for a new era’

Marriott International has opened its highly-anticipated W Hotel Sydney – its third hotel from the brand in Australia.

“The debut of W Sydney, our third W hotel in Australia, signals a new era for the brand,” said Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Sean Hunt.

“With a fresh take on luxury, W Sydney’s dynamic design, ‘Whatever/Whenever’ service ethos, imaginative dining and bars and creative guest programming will bring an exciting new energy to this vibrant Darling Harbour precinct.

Located in The Ribbon development at Darling Harbour, the design-led hotel features 588 marine-inspired guestrooms, including 162 exceptional suites, 1300 square metres of event space across eight rooms and four new dining and bar venues.

Designed by Australian architectural firm, Hassell, with interiors by London-based Bowler James Brindley, the hotel’s copper-clad entry pays homage to subterranean Sydney and its disused railway tunnels.

The Living Room is a vivid blue space with a ‘Future Noir’ theme that reinvents the traditional lobby by turning it into a social hub with an electric blue circular bar and nest-like seating that references the Australian Bowerbird, a larrikin of the bird world.

The pool level bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting, while Level 30 offers elevated cocktails, vintage Champagnes by the glass, and the “above-sea-level décor of a superyacht”.

The Away Spa features five treatment rooms and connecting spaces with unique circular pods for beauty treatments.

“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city,” said W Sydney General Manager, Craig Seaward.

“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high energy programming. I can’t think of a better location for our new W hotel than Sydney’s amazing harbour. We can’t wait to welcome guests again and again.”