Review: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor

How did it strike you on arrival?
Rearing above Darling Harbour, the 2017-launched Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hotel is the area’s tallest skyscraper at 35 floors, promising lofty views across the water towards the city skyline. Exhibitionists can appreciate them from romantic freestanding baths!

Nice. What’s the crowd like?
With the International Convention Centre as a neighbour, this smart, newly-built hotel is a magnet for business guests, but it’s also just a short walk over Pyrmont Bridge to the city center or up-and-coming Barangaroo precinct for shopping, dining or bar-hopping. Families will like Darling Harbour’s kid-friendly entertainments.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
This is big-scale luxury, with 590 swish rooms including 35 lavish suites. Interiors are contemporary with glamorous French influences, combining sandstone tones with seductive comforts and state-of-the-art technology. Even the 35-square-metre entry-level Superior Rooms are spacious, with areas for sitting and working, while you could swing a lion in the palatial, top-tier Club Millesime Bellerive Suite, which has a separate living and dining room, and butler’s pantry.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Sink into your King-sized Sofitel MyBed with a fashionable suspended headboard.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
Mini-bars and tea- and coffee-making kit are standard.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
Freshen up in large showers in entry-level rooms, with bespoke French products (Lanvin, with Hermès in suites). Some rooms offer separate showers and baths. Indulgent freestanding baths in select rooms command harbor views.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Wi-Fi is free in all rooms and available throughout the hotel. In-room gadgets include LED smart TVs.

Room service: Worth it?
Room service is available 24/7.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
Staff are très chic. Book select rooms for Club Millésime membership, giving access to the top-floor lounge and pampering Ambassador Team.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
Atelier by Sofitel restaurant serves grilled meats and seafood, inspired by the South of France. The Champagne Bar pours the world’s finest Champagnes and cocktails with heady skyline views to match. Ground-floor lobby bar Esprit Noir is a sociable spot from morning croissants to evening cocktails and bar bites. Fourth-floor Le Rivage Pool Bar offers cocktails, wine, bubbles and gourmet bites.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
Chill out at the infinity pool, with jaw-dropping city views from the water and day-beds. Even the modern gym has million dollar vistas.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
If you’re vertiginous, this heavenly hotel may not be for you, with floor-to-ceiling windows creating dramatic panoramas.