I’m not a particularly good artist, but if someone asked me to sketch what a dream looks like, I would draw clouds.
There is something whimsical about the shades of white and grey wisps and puffs that form above us in unpredictable shapes and swirls. So, to be amongst the clouds from my room at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour was a dream in itself.
The five-star hotel combines French elegance with Australian charm, and the experience starts with a ‘Bonjour’ at the check-in desk. It features 590 luxurious rooms, five vibrant restaurants and bars, conference and event facilities, a gym, a spa, and a pool.
I stayed in the Luxury Corner Room with Club Millesime Benefits, which offered a la carte breakfast in the morning, refreshments of soft beverages and snacks throughout the day, Le Gouter afternoon tea which reflects the French love of 4pm pastries, and Apero Chic pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the evening.
These benefits are enjoyed from level 35 of the hotel, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Sydney’s stunning skyline and Darling Harbour. From this vantage point, you can see ANZAC Bridge, The Star, Sydney Tower Eye, Pyrmont Bridge, and the smorgasbord of office and residential buildings that form the Harbour’s backdrop.
My room was on level 34. The curtains were closed when I first stepped in, so I had the pleasure of dramatically opening them to find that the view from above followed me one floor down – except now I had a private show.
My 35 square-metre room boasted the same floor-to-ceiling windows as the dining area above. It was cleverly designed with earthy tones and luxurious furnishings.
The carpet in the bedroom was various shades of brown and beige – reminding me of the view from an airplane when flying over dry Australian fields. Atop the carpet was a king-size bed adorned with white linens – bringing the clouds indoors.
The bathroom cabinetry was oak coloured with a black marble benchtop and sat against the windows across from sandstone tiles lining the back wall and the free-standing bathtub that I earmarked for a dip after dinner.
For dinner, I didn’t need to leave the building, I just pressed number three in the elevator and glided down to Atelier – a restaurant delivering a modern twist on classic French cuisine.
The award-winning restaurant was dimly lit, and dark wood was a common design feature. From my seat, I could see Darling Harbour – a body of water I’d started to become very acquainted with through the panes of the Sofitel.
To start my dining experience, I ordered Atelier Miche Bread, Hiramasa Kingfish Cru, and O’Connor Black Angus Beef Tartare. For the mains, I feasted on Dry-aged Moorabool Corn-fed Duck Breast and Chevre Gnocchi. For dessert, I indulged in Raspberry Pistachio Cheesecake and Chocolate Marquis.
I expected some of my choices to be quite heavy on my palate and stomach, but they were not. Every item I tried was fresh and vibrant. Every bite provided a harmony of flavours. Every new dish was a culinary adventure.
Satisfied with my experience at Atelier, I returned to the earlier earmarked bathtub to take in the city that only becomes brighter in the dark.
From there, with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne, I watched as drizzling rain formed traveling droplets on the window, and as light from the buildings surrounding the Harbour bounced off the ocean’s gentle rhythmic ripples, illuminating them and emphasising the sea’s natural beauty.
With my head in the clouds, my night at Sofitel Darling Harbour was a dream come true.
Visit https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au.
The writer stayed as a guest of Sofitel Darling Harbour.
Ally Hall joined the team 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.