With the festive season almost upon us, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has released a magnifique Christmas program for guests to celebrate in style, and hep conclude the hotel's 50th anniversary year as it draws to a close.

Once again, the Sofitel Sydney lobby has been transformed into a picturesque, festive wonderland, perfectly in harmony with Sofitel's Art De Noel (Christmas Art) theme 'Once Upon a Time'.  In keeping with the holiday spirit, the hotel invites guests to celebrate with a rewarding social media campaign #50yearsofchristmas, and a number of delightful culinary offerings before and on Christmas day featuring its renowned seafood Christmas day luncheon.

Sofitel's 2016 festive season coincides with the last quarter of the hotel's year-long 50th anniversary celebration, and as an acknowledgment of this special milestone, the hotel has embraced  the historic theme  and taken an opportunity to tell the unique story of the iconic and original Wentworth building opening in 1966.

The hotel's collection of Art de Noel animation, public anniversary exhibition, and its sumptuous seasonal offerings, set the stage for a heart-warming celebration with family, friends and loved ones. Celebrate this season with magnifique options that is uniquely Sofitel.

#50YearsofChristmas*

Enter Sofitel Sydney's rewarding Social Media competition and share your favourite Christmas memories from the past 50 years in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wentworth Hotel.

Register your details online then simply share a memory on Facebook or Instagram mentioning #50YearsofChristmas & #SofitelSydney to enter the draw to win one of five luxury prize giveaways including:

• 2x tickets to Carmen Opera on the Harbour in 2017 including an overnight stay at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
• 2 nights' accommodation at Sofitel Noosa Pacific
• 1x Cristina Re High Tea set
• Christmas Day dinner for 4 guests
• 1x 750ml bottle of Dom Perignon 2006

Discover more and visit http://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/Christmas

Before Christmas**

Whether you are planning to entertain clients, colleagues or friends, Garden Court Restaurant's leafy courtyard and sophisticated elegance makes it the ideal location for all festive lunches. The heavenly mix of French finesse, opulent decorations and indulgent l'experience gastronomique, are sure to create unforgettable memories.

• $39 per person for two courses
• $49 per person for three courses

Discover more and visit http://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/Christmas

Christmas Day Luncheon***

In celebration of the Wentworth Hotel's 50th Anniversary, Executive Chef Boris Cuzon presents the best of seafood indulgences to bring back memories of the most sublime festive celebrations. Share your festive moments with family and friends whilst feasting on a fresh seafood and succulent carvery buffet. Enjoy the mouth-watering flavours of the market; fresh king crab legs, sake steamed clams and Pacific oysters.

Discover the rich flavours in a luxurious setting this Christmas

• $235 per adult*
• $130* per child (aged between 6-12 years*)
• $45 per person for a premium beverage package*

Discover more and visit http://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/Christmas

Private Christmas Celebrations****

Create unforgettable festive moments in the elegant surrounds of Sofitel Sydney's iconic and private event spaces. Choose from 12 magnifique venues including the renowned Wentworth Ballroom.

Enjoy a 10% discount on any of our Christmas party packages. Plus the first 10 bookings confirmed will receive 2 tickets to our indulgent 50th anniversary High Tea package including a glass of Veuve Clicquot.

• From only $82* per person

Discover more and visit http://www.sofitelsydney.com.au/Christmas

ENDS

*Visit the website to view full the terms and conditions

**Offer is available from Monday – Friday from 28th November until 23rd December 2016 from noon to 2:30pm.Subject to availability and bookings required. Menu is subject to change.

***Subject to availability and conditions apply. Offer available on 25th December 2016. Bookings are essential and pre-payment is required. Accor Plus discount does not apply.

****Available for any new booking made and held before 20 December 2016. Minimum numbers of 25 - 30 guests apply. Subject to availability and conditions apply. Our 50th anniversary Wentworth High Tea is available until 31st December 2016. Only the first 10 bookings will receive two tickets to our free 50th Anniversary High Tea. Rate does not incorporate the 10% discount.

The history of the site of The Wentworth Hotel

In 1800 the site of the first Wentworth Hotel in Lang Street became part of a developing area of the new colony of Sydney called Church Hill. In 1824 three substantial, two storey terrace houses were built in Lang Street. The last terrace, No 3 Church Hill, became the future Wentworth Hotel. William Charles Wentworth and Dr Wardell launched "The Australian" newspaper which was published from No 3 Church Hill in 1833.

In 1854 a boarding residence was operated on the site which became known as Wentworth House. In 1882 Mary Hayes purchased Wentworth House and renamed it the Wentworth House Family Hotel. On Christmas Day in 1888, fire destroyed Wentworth House. In 1901 the lease on the Wentworth Hotel was given to Donald Samuel Maclurcan and remained in the Maclurcan family until 1950.

The Wentworth Ballroom was added and opened in 1920. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII and the Duke of Windsor after abdication, danced in the new ballroom on a number of occasions. By 1925, the hotel was a well-established and popular destination and was expanded to 100 rooms and further expanded in 1940 to 200 rooms.

In 1950 Qantas Empire Airways negotiated a controlling interest in the hotel, thus beginning a new phase in the development of the hotel. In 1961 approval was granted for Qantas to build a new 400 room hotel next to Qantas House in Chifley Square. The new Wentworth Hotel was completed in 1966 and was the first five star hotel in Sydney. In 1982, the hotel was resold and further refurbishments were done. In 2002 AccorHotels began managing the hotel under the Sofitel brand to bring it to what it is today, a luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Sydney CBD.

Keep up to date by following:

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth: @sofitelsydney | www.sofitelsydney.com.au 

Follow news on Accor:@accor | www.accor.com 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rebecca Astier (nee Freestun)

Communications Manager (Part Time: Monday-Thursday)

200 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

+61 0 417 667 042