Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Review: Convention Hotel on the Harbour

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The Sofitel Darling Harbour.
Sofitel Darling Harbour. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a luxurious 5-star hotel that opened in 2017, the first new internationally-branded luxury property in Sydney’s Central Business District in over 15 years. Strategically located opposite the International Convention Centre (ICC) and steps from the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, this hotel is one of the best hotels in Australia for conventiongoers. It offers an unparalleled experience for both business and leisure travelers.

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Pedestrian walkway between Sofitel Darling Harbour and Convention Centre.
Pedestrian walkway between hotel and Convention Centre. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Central Location with a Different Vibe

Our Australian two-week vacation began in Sydney, continued to Cairns and Melbourne. When we returned to Sydney for a few more nights, we wanted to try a new area. We settled on Darling Harbour to experience another side of Sydney.

Although one can walk from the Circular Quay to Darling Harbour in 15 minutes, there’s a different world of tourist attractions and business traveler options in Darling Harbour that make it seem like a different city. Unlike Circular Quay with ferries coming and going every few minutes, the Darling Harbour is less focused on commuters and not quite as convenient to public transit.

Nevertheless, tourists can walk to harborside attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum. As we experienced during our recent stay, it was also a convenient location to attend a national tour of the musical & Juliet, at the Sydney Lyric Theater in Pyrmont.

For anyone attending a meeting or convention at the International Convention Centre (ICC), there is no more convenient hotel than the Sofitel.

A standard room at Sofitel Darling Harbour.
Standard room. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Views in All Directions

The hotel boasts 590 stylish guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring views of Darling Harbour or the city skyline. The rooms are equipped with Sofitel’s signature MyBed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, as well as Chromecast for seamless streaming and 24-hour room service. Guests can upgrade to the Club Millésime rooms for exclusive access to the executive lounge with panoramic harbor views, complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

Atelier at the Sofitel Darling Harbour
Atelier. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Upscale Dining & Bars

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers a range of dining options to cater to every palate. The French-inspired Atelier by Sofitel serves modern Australian cuisine with a French twist and has a seating capacity of 200. On the same level with Atelier is the Champagne Bar with a row of seats along windows to enjoy a view of Darling Harbour while sipping a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap. Newly opened in 2024, the Lumiere on Thirty Five bar sparkles with the lights of the city as a backdrop. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday evening.

Infinity pool at the Sofitel Darling Harbour.
Infinity pool. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

What a View from the Pool!

There’s no better “water view” from a hotel in Sydney than at the Sofitel Darling Harbour. The 20-meter infinity pool has an incredible view of the Darling Harbour and Sydney’s Central Business District. This stunning outdoor oasis, named Le Rivage, features a chic terrace with plush loungers and cabanas. The pool area is complemented by Le Rivage Pool Bar, offering refreshing cocktails and light bites in a French Riviera-inspired setting.

The gym at the Sofitel Darling Harbour.
Gym. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Work Out 24/7

The Sofitel fitness center is not a run-of-the-mill hotel gym. With panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline, fans of treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes can work out with a much more interesting view than a small screen in front of them. There are plenty of free weights and strength equipment at the gym.

Complimentary yoga mats and light weights are also available upon request for in-room workouts.

The Sofitel Darling Harbour Spa.
Sofitel Spa. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Unwind at the Spa

The Sofitel Spa features seven spacious treatment rooms, including two luxurious couple’s suites, one with a bath overlooking Darling Harbour. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps and exfoliating rituals. The spa also features a Finnish sauna and a relaxation lounge.

The view of the Sydney Bridge from the Sofitel Darling Harbour.
View from Sydney Harbour looking west to the Sydney Bridge. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

The Basics

The Sofitel Darling Harbour is located on the western side of the Darling Harbour across a pedestrian walkway from the ICC Sydney and near the ICC Sydney Theatre which seats more than 8,000 people for a concert or event.

The address is

12 Darling Drive
2000 Sydney
02-8388-8888
h9729@sofitel.com

R.C. Staab is a New York-based author, playwright, musical theater writer and lyricist. His latest book, New York City Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for New York City’s Hidden Treasures, was published in Spring 2023. His first book 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die was published in 2020 and is now in its second printing. In 2021, he walked the entire 139-mile coastline of the Jersey Shore from Sandy Hook to Cape May the book, generating more than 200,000 views on social media. He frequently contributes to New Jersey Monthly magazine and online travel publications. He is long-time member of the Society of American Travel Writers having traveled to 49 of the 50 US States and more than 60 countries. He specializes in cultural tourism, adventure travel and historical sites. His off-Broadway musicals and plays have been produced in New York, San Francisco, England and the Midwest. He is a two-time nominee for England’s Best New Song competition. He lives in New York City with his wife, Valari, and his dog, Skye.
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