During my first international work trip in Sydney Australia, I checked into the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, and as the name would indicate, it’s located right in Darling Harbour and next to the ICC Sydney: International Convention & Exhibition Centre - which is where my company was exhibiting at for a conference. Whenever booking a hotel for a work conference, I try to keep the walking distance down to under 10 minutes, and this is especially important if I’m hand carrying any equipment or supplies, and if I have to do any kind of set up/move in and break down. I did arrive fairly early in the day since my flight got in about 8AM or so, so I knew I’d have some time to kill unless the hotel could check me in early, but rooms weren’t ready yet.

I killed some time by walking around Darling Harbour, and then finding a coffee shop nearby. The seasons are flipped in Australia, so in August it’s winter - this worked out in my favor because I was coming from a heat wave of a summer in Southern California. So the temperature was chilly and there was on and off rain/drizzle. The location of the hotel is great, there’s so many restaurants, eateries and points of interest right in and around the Harbour. I came back to the hotel in the afternoon and was able to check into my Superior Room (Double Beds since either the 1 King Bed room was not available, or higher cost so might as well just get the cheaper one as long as I have a place to sleep - and in this I had two). It also unfortunately did not have a harbour or bay view, just the city view, but that’s okay! I am in proximity to the convention center and that was the most important aspect for me. My overall stay was 5 nights, averaging $366.80AUD ~$240.36USD/night - not bad for a luxury hotel. This was probably a down season as well since it was Winter, it’s still busy in the area, but I’m sure the rate/night can easily double when it’s spring/summer or a warmer time of the year.

The Superior Room is 35sqm (376sqf) and offers French amenities, with features including:

One king size or two double Sofitel MyBeds™
LED SMART TV
Large shower
Air-conditioning with individual room control
Coffee and tea-making facilities
Mini-bar
Writing desk
Safe deposit box
Iron and ironing board
Room views vary
*Not all Superior Room bathrooms include bathtubs

The room is chic, modern and more than enough space for me. I honestly was enjoying the space to the fullest, and thankful that I was getting to experience this level of luxury. One of the nights, I wanted to get a drink at the hotel’s bar, Champagne Bar - since it’s on the list of bars with harbour views. It was quite a busy night, and I was seated at the bar, but it was as if I was invisible, I didn’t have one person (aside from the hostess that sat me) greet me or take my drink order. And it wasn’t just me, several people having to really try to get these bartenders attention - it honestly was a bit weird. The hostess actually had to get my drink order because she noticed how I was not helped at all.

Overall, my stay was nice, the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a stunning hotel, with beautiful details, the staff if friendly, and the room is gorgeous with all the best amenities. I definitely would want to come back and stay in a room that has a harbour view, and also during a warm season so I could take a dip in their infinity pool!

The hotel has a spa, gym and meeting/event spaces - the dining/bar options you can see here. As I mentioned, the hotel is conveniently located next to the International Convention Centre, and steps away from shopping, dining options, the business district and the historic Pyrmont Bridge. Chinatown is also not too far away (about a 15 minute walk) so you have access to that vibrant area! How to get there:

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is 30-minute drive from Sydney Kingsford-Smith Airport. Private transfers, rental vehicles, and limousines to and from the airport can be organized with our Concierge Desk.

PARKING
Valet parking is offered at a rate of AU$89 per car per day with a entry height of 2m. Alternatively, two adjacent parking lots are available for self-parking – Wilson Darling Harbour Car Park or ICC Car Park (These are not affiliated with the Sofitel, Contact them directly for prices). Our Valet Carpark service includes unlimited in/out carpark privileges during your stay.

BY TRAIN
Airport Link Trains are available between Sydney Airport and Central Station, approximately every 10 minutes. To use this service, you will need to purchase an Opal Card from the station. From Central Station transfer onto the light rail – L1 line and stop at Convention Centre light rail – the station is located 100 meters away for the hotel.

Staying at the Sofitel Darling Harbour Hotel in Sydney, Australia