This was published 2 years ago
Iconic New York hotel brand Waldorf Astoria to open its first Australian property in Sydney
By Katherine Scott
An artist's impression of the One Circular Quay development.Credit: Artist's impression
Iconic luxury hotel brand Waldorf Astoria is expanding Down Under, with plans to launch its first Sydney property by 2025.
The Hilton-owned Waldorf Astoria Sydney will occupy a 28-floor high-rise in the highly-anticipated One Circular Quay mixed-use development, considered one of the city's few remaining prime harbourside sites.
Hilton confirmed the signing with AW Holding Group, the company behind One Circular Quay, putting to rest years of rumours around the high-end hotel's Sydney Cove launch pad.
The famous clock in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria New York.
Construction is already underway for the 220-room luxury hotel that takes in some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney outpost will kick off the brand's expansion in the Australasian market, adding to the six Waldorf Astoria properties in the Asia-Pacific.
Nils-Arne Schroeder, Hilton vice president of luxury and lifestyle for Asia-Pacific, said that Australia's first Waldorf Astoria property reflects the company's commitment to expanding to the world's most sought-after destinations.
"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," Mr Schroeder said.
Other Waldorf Astoria hotels to open in recent years include the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and exclusive private-island resort Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
Tokyo-based design firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, and Sydney-based Crone Architects, will spearhead the project, with a brief to create a "strong sense of arrival" through the public spaces, day spa and guest rooms.
Waldorf Astoria Sydney will comprise 179 rooms and 41 suites, as well as two restaurants and a rooftop bar with views of Sydney Harbour.
In keeping with tradition, the Sydney hotel will also include a Peacock Alley, a signature space of Waldorf Astoria properties across the world. The gathering space will feature the iconic Waldorf Astoria clock, in a nod to the brand's roots.
The development of One Circular Quay has been plagued with delays. The site lay abandoned for three years between 2017 and 2020, as the project changed hands from developers Wanda to Yuhu, and ultimately AW Holding Group.
The luxury hotel brand is renowned for its landmark hotels, most notably its flagship New York property. Once hailed as the world's tallest hotel, the 1931 art deco building has served as a location for many Hollywood films, including Scent of a Woman, The Royal Tenenbaums and Coming to America.
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