W Sydney teases restaurant, rooftop bar ahead of October opening

More than five years have passed since the W Sydney was first announced. However, after extended delays and not one but two builders taking on the challenge, the Darling Harbour hotel is finally set to open its doors on October 12 – and it’s looking to be worth the wait.

Housed within the curvaceous ‘Ribbon’ development, rising on a narrow strip of land between two expressways of the Western Distributor and adjacent to the ICC, W Sydney is over the top in all the right ways.

Many rooms enjoy an enviable outlook over Darling Harbour.

British design agency Bowler James Brindley – the team responsible for much of the decor at W Barcelona – has worked its magic on the five star hotel’s lavish interiors, resulting in an air of playfulness which extends from the entrance through to the rooms and dining venues.

Due to the building’s rather distinctive shape, it’s said no two of the W’s 585 rooms and suites are the same. However, they do share a similar design DNA.

Crisp white panelling from floors to the ceiling, bold waratah-inspired prints in the walk-in robe and azure bathrooms with circular bathtubs are a tease of what awaits on check in. And that’s before you even factor in the sensational city views.

Liberal use of colour in the bathroom and walk-in robe contrasts the bright-white bedroom.

Beyond the rooms, things are dialled up a notch in the form of all-day dining venue BTWN from Head Chef Chris Dodd (an alumnus of Aria Restaurant, Bistrot Plume in Geelong and Surry Hills’ The Blue Door) and two bars: The Living Room and the Rooftop Bar.

The latter spans two levels: the higher boasting a menu of elevated cocktails and Champagne, while the other shares the same level as the hotel’s heated infinity swimming pool – known as the Wet Deck and lined with cabanas and lounges for soaking up some rays.

The heated pool will be a perfect temperature no matter the time of year.

In addition, guest will find an AWAY Spa and FIT gym, alongside state-of-the-art event spaces.

As for dining at BTWN, menus range from small bites to more substantial fare, such as poached Murray cod with pickled Eden mussels, a hearty slow-cooked Gundagai lamb shoulder rubbed in yoghurt, and a spicy mushroom ragout.

from midday, BTWN showcases signature cocktails, a curated wine list and craft beers.

However, that’s not the only dining experience on offer. When the sun sets, the hotel’s own 2AM: dessertbar – a collaboration with Singaporean dessert guru Janice Wong and the first of its kind in Australia – opens for business… and indulgence.

Expect an exceptional dessert experience spanning both the sweet and savoury, paired with local wines or custom cocktails. Signature dish Cacao Forest will be on the menu.

As a member of the Marriott Bonvoy family, W Sydney guests with elite status can enjoy perks such as enhanced room upgrades, priority check-in and more.