The historic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth this week revealed the first phase of an impressive $70 million redevelopment project, transforming the age-old celebrity favourite into a modern masterpiece with brand new restaurants, a complete overhaul to all 436 rooms and suites, and a marvellous fifth-floor horseshoe terrace that follows the unique curvature of the eccentric post-war building.

The hotel’s importance to Sydney’s high society cannot be understated. When the hotel first opened in 1966, it was the first genuine five-star in the country.

Wentworth Bar at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — *Wentworth Bar follows the building’s aggressive curves (photo supplied)*

As such, the rooftop in particular became the city’s most desirable scene, with stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brandon visiting, as well as Margaret Thatcher, Vladimir Putin, and later Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh after her royal highness opened the Sydney Opera House.

House Made Hospitality, which has built up a strong reputation from the group’s work on Lana and Promenade Bondi, has been handed the keys to curate the hotel’s food and beverage offering. And they’ve gone all out, splashing four venues across the luxury hotel, including the opulent Tilda and Bar Tilda, French-Vietnamese restaurant Delta Rue and the terrace-level Wentworth Bar.

Tilda and Bar Tilda were first to arrive. Tilda drew rave reviews for its $49 bread-and-butter served tableside for some theatrics. While Bar Tilda gets over with its cacio e pepe popcorn and live jazz, throwing things back to when Sofitel Sydney Wentworth had that Golden Age twinkle going for it.

Bar Tilda at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — *Bar Tilda is the hotel’s resident jazz bar with a stylish interior (photo supplied)*

Delta Rue is primed to make an impact with its roving banh mi cart, generous list of luxury Champagnes and classic French-Vietnamese fare.

Although we imagine most of the public would be barrelling into the new-look hotel for Wentworth Bar. From all accounts, it’s a straight forward offering with DJs on occasion and breezy ambitions to become one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney. Wines by the glass start from $13 as well, so consider this the most approachable venue at the five-star.

The rooms at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth — *Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s rooms each come with a “wellness bag” facilitating in-room exercise (photo supplied)*

What about the rooms and suites?

All 436 rooms and suites follow the building’s unique design, with each transformed to align with modern trends. Wellness seems to be a big part of it. Not only will each guest room feature advanced MySmart lighting, French Balmain amenities (some of heritage-listed baths) and Sofitel’s signature MyBed, but guests also have access to a “wellness bag” doubling as a portable gym with a roller, yoga mat, resistance bands, handles and ankle straps.

With hotels around the world like the new Tempo by Hilton in New York City offering guests Peleton bikes in their rooms, it seems that easy access to in-room exercise is really picking up in the industry.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth building — *Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s unique curves sticks out dramatically on Phillip St (photo supplied)*

What else should I know about the hotel?

While modern hotels are doing away with members-only clubs, there’s something charmingly romantic about having exclusive access to a space within the property. Sofitel Club Millésime is for Platinum members of Accor’s ALL loyalty program, offering an exclusive check-in area and warm eclectic lounge space as well as shower facilities and all-day dining. Like most clubs around the world, there’s also scope for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and evening drinks should the mood strike.

Conferencing and events will be a big focus for the hotel with its rich stock of event spaces (15 in total) including the signature Wentworth Ballroom with its classic 1960s mirrored ceiling and capacity for up to 750 guests.