W Sydney

The Darling Harbour building that might just lay claim to the title of Sydney’s most interesting skyscraper finally opened in late 2023. Long marvelled at during the development stage from across the water, tourists and Sydney staycationers alike can finally explore W Sydney from the inside – and that’s exactly what we did. 

The New York-born hotel chain is known around the world for its modern architecture and luxury offerings – but what we learnt during our stay is that, as well as good looks, W Sydney has big personality. In a nod to Australia’s playful, laidback character, the hotel’s design is all centred around “larrikin moments”: fun, unexpected touches that surprise guests at every turn. The staff explain to me that W Sydney is an extroverted non-conformist, which makes for a fun stay.

Each floor has its own story. When you enter the lobby, you realise the signature life-sized ‘W’ statue is covered in little red waratah-like petals – a nice touch, considering the waratah is our state’s floral emblem.

The Welcome Bar on the first floor (open to the public, not just guests) has a futuristic, ‘noir’ vibe, inspired by nearby Asia town. Their speciality is saké – you can order a saké flight for something a little different. And the blue, decorative light shades that descend from the ceiling are inspired by Australia’s bower birds and their nests. 

The hotel has 588 rooms and suites that are futuristic looking – there are lots of shiny, reflective surfaces, light features, interesting shapes and pops of colour. The hallways in our floor are dark but twinkle with tiny star-like lights, like you’re walking through a galaxy. 

Our room, which has a spectacular view out over Darling Harbour, has nautical vibes (including a plush patchwork shark on the bed). Our walk-in wardrobe (yep, walk-in!) is covered in waratah wallpaper. The bath is circular instead of the usual oval/egg shape. And there’s a ‘W Mixbar’ in the room, lined with all of the spirits – so you can make your own cocktail in the comfort of your home for the night.

If the design doesn’t do enough to grab your attention, Bar 29/30 and the Wet Deck could do the job. Lay on a day bed as you gaze over the infinity pool (lined with mosaic octopus) while enjoying tapas-style dishes and cocktails. An infinity pool already has wow-factor, but when you pair the free-flowing edges with views of the harbour from 29 floors up, it takes that wow up a notch. Top tip: You’ll enjoy yourself most up at the pool on hot days, because the roof and some of the walls are open, so there’s a bit of breeze.

Then there's W Sydney’s restaurant, Btwn – named because it sits directly between the two motorways on each side of the hotel. It leans into this theme and has some fun with it: with red, motorway-like lighting that lines the ceiling, graffiti-painted columns, and full windows looking out at the cars whizzing by. Btwn’s head chef, Chris Dodd (ex-Aria and The Blue Door) puts a focus on “hyper-local” produce – the kitchen’s suppliers are from Sydney, or at least NSW. It's delicious fresh produce, respectfully prepared. The service staff are also delightful –they seem happy to be working in an exciting, new, high-energy environment. (And Btwn's buffet breakfast – it’s basically a foodie's paradise.) Find out more about Btwn restaurant over here.

After dinner, we wander next door to the 2am Dessertbar, run by Janice Wong, who was crowned 'Asia’s best pastry chef' by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In the day, the space is dedicated to meeting all your caffeine needs – while at night, you can (and should) indulge in a six-course dessert degustation. It also happens to be the perfect viewing point for Darling Harbour’s Saturday night fireworks. 

To amp up the indulgence factor, book into W's Away Spa. This is no conventional spa. The first thing you notice when you walk in are the salmon-coloured relaxation pods – there are some near the reception desk (which doubles as a day spa bar where you can order a Champagne before or after treatment – why not?) for manicures, and some in the waiting area for… just… relaxing. It’s all incredibly Insta-grid-worthy stuff. Find out more about Away Spa over here.

W Sydney is not for everyone – not for the traveller who expects traditional glam luxury (chandeliers, crystal vases, antique furnishings, a quietly obedient concierge). It is luxe – but W is also for ‘whimsical’, for ‘welcoming’, ‘worldly’, even ‘whacky’.

Time Out’s stay was hosted by W Sydney. 

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