The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards is an international competition dedicated exclusively to the design of food and beverage spaces. In 2025, both bar tilda and Wentworth Bar at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth were shortlisted in the Hotel category, recognised alongside some of the world’s most exceptional hospitality venues.

bar tilda was celebrated for its sophisticated yet nostalgic design, echoing the glamour of the 1960s with plush textures, warm tones, and a curated Australian whisky library housed in a handsome timber armoire. The signature martini experience, delivered tableside, adds a theatrical flourish, inviting guests to linger and connect over finely crafted drinks in a richly atmospheric setting.

Wentworth Bar, the hotel’s new rooftop al fresco venue, was acknowledged for its striking copper-framed glass canopy, vibrant planting, and relaxed yet elevated tone. Drawing on French and Vietnamese drinking traditions, its design champions openness and energy, while delivering comfort and intimacy through smart zoning and ambient lighting. With capacity for up to 250 guests, it has become a standout in Sydney’s terrace bar scene.

The dual shortlist placement highlights the hotel’s commitment to creating immersive, design-led venues that complement its luxury accommodation offering and celebrate both history and innovation.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was featured in The New York Times’ highly anticipated list of "52 Places to Go in 2025", a global round-up of must-visit destinations chosen for their cultural significance, vibrancy, and travel appeal. As one of only a handful of Australian locations featured, the hotel’s inclusion spotlighted it as a world-class destination in the heart of Sydney.

The feature praised the hotel’s extensive refurbishment, its legacy as a cultural icon in Australian hospitality, and its renewed role as a luxury hub for travellers seeking art, cuisine, and connection in the Sydney CBD. The New York Times also noted the hotel’s French-inspired design and close proximity to galleries, the Sydney Opera House, and high-end retail.

This global recognition reinforces Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s place on the world stage, inviting both international and local guests to experience its refined elegance and deep-rooted heritage.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth received top honours at the 2025 Australasia Pacific Hotel Design Awards, a respected regional competition recognising architectural innovation and interior design excellence across the hotel and hospitality industry.

The award celebrates the hotel’s visionary redesign, which thoughtfully blends modern aesthetics with timeless architectural heritage. The transformation honours the building’s mid-century legacy while introducing refined, contemporary interiors that elevate the guest experience. From the grand arrival experience and sculptural lobby to bespoke furnishings, heritage-listed features, and curated design touches inspired by French and Australian influences, the hotel now reflects a cohesive narrative of "modern heritage".

This recognition affirms Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s position as a design-led luxury hotel, offering an elevated stay that respects its history while embracing the future.

The Spice Hot 100 Hotels and Venues is one of Australia’s most respected industry awards, celebrating the country’s leading accommodation, venues, and event spaces across a range of categories. In 2025, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was awarded Best Business Hotel, a testament to its prime location in Sydney CBD, state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, and dedication to serving the needs of modern corporate travellers.

Voted by industry professionals and readers of Spice Magazine, this accolade highlights Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s excellence in delivering seamless business stays, whether guests are attending major conferences, hosting private boardroom meetings, or working on the go. With refurbished meeting rooms, advanced AV technology, premium concierge service, and close proximity to Sydney’s financial and commercial districts, the hotel continues to set the benchmark for business accommodation in the city.