After 12 months of speculation, Hilton’s ultra-luxury hotel brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, this week confirmed its Australian entry with the management deal to operate the property at the heart of the One Circular Quay development in Sydney.
More than five years in the works, One Circular Quay was initially slated to be fully constructed and opened by 2022. The hotel element of the project, which also includes a separate free-standing residential tower, has been identified by several names over the years – Wanda Vista, Yuhu Sydney One and One Circular Quay – as ownership changed hands multiple times.
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Last May, The Australian revealed the project had secured the signature of Waldorf Astoria Hotels after a tight tussle with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to secure its name on the door.
Now confirmed to be the Waldorf Astoria Sydney, the development will offer unsurpassed views of the city’s famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, and bring Waldorf Astoria’s internationally acclaimed service to the heart of Australia’s eastern metropolis.
As LATTE exclusively revealed in March 2019, the project will rise 28-floors high and feature 220-keys (179 guest rooms and 41 suites).
Tokyo’s Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Sydney-based Crone Architects, will oversee the architecture of Waldorf Astoria Sydney, where they will artfully blend contemporary living with cutting-edge design.
Based on previous plans, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will also feature a double-height Presidential Suite on Level 22. It will be the largest hotel room in the building and occupies the full northern tower frontage.
The new Sydney hotel will mark the brand’s expansion into Australasia and will join six distinguished Waldorf Astoria properties in the Asia Pacific region. Each Waldorf Astoria is globally renowned for its landmark locations, unmatched personalized service and world-class culinary excellence.
“As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Australia, Waldorf Astoria Sydney signals Hilton’s commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer, Hilton.
“Our highly personalised, elegant service and iconic environments are at the heart of every hotel, and we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests in Sydney.”
“Hilton is thrilled to partner with AW One Circular Quay for the entry of the Waldorf Astoria brand into Australasia, which marks a significant milestone in the growth of our luxury portfolio. The introduction of Waldorf Astoria to Sydney underscores our development strategy of organically bringing our world-class brands to discerning travellers in key global markets,” said Guy Phillips, SVP of development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton.
Waldorf Astoria Sydney is earmarked to open in early 2025.