Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is back at the top of Sydney�s five-star hotel list, winning the title of �Deluxe Hotel of the Year� in the 2008 Australian Hotel Association (NSW) Awards after a $10 million revitalisation.

Announced Friday night at a gala dinner in Sydney, the award is the hotel�s greatest accolade since its successful relaunch in September, the precursor to a worldwide repositioning of the Sofitel brand at the top of the luxury hotel sector.

A long-time institution in Sydney, the Wentworth has introduced its elite Club Sofitel concept to the harbour city, a �hotel within a hotel� providing new levels of luxury and service.

More than 100 rooms and suites have been upgraded to Club Sofitel status, while the hotel�s entire fifth floor has been redeveloped to create a stylish Club and a spectacular new restaurant Garden Court, both curved around the urban oasis of the hotel�s rooftop courtyard.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth General Manager Alex Penklis said the Best Deluxe Hotel award provided welcome recognition for a hotel with a remarkable history.

�The Wentworth has a heritage like no other in Australia, so we�re very proud to have placed it back at the top of Sydney�s finest hotels,� Mr Penklis said. �Our challenge was to create a hotel that combined the spirit of Sydney with the French sophistication of Sofitel, and we�re delighted to have achieved that in such a spectacular way.�

Originally opened as a guest house in 1854 and rebuilt several times before its current building opened in 1966, the Wentworth has become an iconic hotel in Sydney and the scene of events from Royal visits and celebrity appearances to Prime Ministerial speeches and corporate dealings.

As the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, the hotel offers luxury and refinement with a sophisticated French flair, inspired by the heritage of the Accor global hotel group.

For further information see www.sofitelsydney.com.au.

Media information: Bill Gray/Jon Murrie MG Media Communications (+612) 9904 0011 jon@mgmedia.com.au