MARRIOTT International has confirmed the return of its designer brand W to Sydney, revealing plans for “The Ribbon” development now underway in Darling Harbour (TD 13 Jul 2016).
The 593-room hotel will occupy a striking building designed by Hassell architects, tucked between motorway flyovers on a site once occupied by the Imax cinema.
Set for an opening in 2020, the hotel is being developed by the Grocon Group, funded by Greaton Group, and is one of almost 20 properties under development in Australia for Marriott brands.
“Sydney — with its glamorous energy, cultural diversity and statement architecture — is the perfect match for W Hotels,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader for W Hotels Worldwide.
“Wherever my travels take me, I am asked again and again when W is returning to Sydney, and I am thrilled to finally be able to answer the question.”
The hotel will feature a “Wet Deck” pool area with “Insta-worthy” views of Darling Harbour, as well as a restaurant and two bars – including W’s “see-and-be-seen” Living Room.
It will also have an Away Spa and Fit gym, plus 925m2 of event space with a grand ballroom.
W Sydney will be the brand’s third hotel in Australia, with W Brisbane now open (TD 01 Jun)and W Melbourne due in 2020.
W previously operated a hotel on Sydney’s Woolloomooloo finger wharf, now run by Ovolo.
Marriott Int’l snr director of hotel development for Australia, NZ and the Pacific, Richard Crawford, said the hotel would “shake off convention”.
“The property will be a game-changer for Sydney and an absolute market leader when it comes to luxury hotels in the city,” he said – see pics page four.
Source: traveldaily