W Sydney: A Modern Icon in Darling Harbour

W Sydney: A Modern Icon in Darling Harbour

By Author

Published on October 23, 2023

W Sydney, a new architectural gem, has graced the shores of Darling Harbour, Australia's vibrant capital city. As part of the W Hotels brand, it marks a triumphant return to Sydney and promises to be a coveted destination for both travelers and locals. Let's take a closer look at what makes this hotel so special.

The Heart of Darling Harbour

Situated within the stunning architectural structure known as The Ribbon, W Sydney is designed to hug Darling Harbour. It’s been meticulously crafted to offer a unique blend of luxury and modern energy, providing an exceptional experience for visitors.

Embracing Australian Spirit

The hotel’s interiors, designed by London-based Bowler James Brindley, pay homage to Sydney’s history, spirit, and culture. From marine-inspired rooms and suites to distinctive restaurant and bars, the essence of Sydney is infused into every corner. At the core of the design is “the larrikin,” a quintessentially Australian character whose vibrant spirit influences the hotel’s unconventional yet luxurious interiors.

Architecture

From the moment you step into W Sydney, you’re on a design-led journey. The entry, covered in copper, is a tribute to the city’s disused railway tunnels. An illuminated vertical promenade leads you into the Living Room, a social hub with a vivid blue theme that reinvents the traditional lobby. This space is inspired by the Australian Bowerbird, featuring an electric blue circular bar and nest-like seating.

Chic Guest Rooms

W Sydney’s 588 guestrooms, including 162 exceptional suites, draw inspiration from the nearby harbors and beaches. With a palette of nautical white and navy-blue, these rooms exude a marine-chic ambiance. The undulating walls pay homage to the sails of yachts in the marina, creating a unique and visually captivating experience.

Food and Beverage

W Sydney doesn’t just provide a place to sleep; it offers a vibrant culinary and nightlife scene. The hotel boasts four dining and bar venues across three exciting levels. BTWN, located adjacent to a flyover, brings the energy of night food markets to its urban surroundings. Head Chef Chris Dodd, known for his work at Aria and Blue Door, presents menus that highlight the best of New South Wales’ produce. If you’re a night owl, don’t miss 2AM: dessertbar, a late-night hotspot in collaboration with dessert guru Janice Wong.

Living Room’s menus reflect the hotel’s location on the edge of Asiatown, with a focus on Sake, Soju, and Asian small bites. For a fantastic view of Darling Harbour, head to 29/30, a two-level bar. And don’t forget the WET Deck level bar, which evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting.

Relax and Recharge

If you’re looking to unwind, AWAY Spa offers a serene space designed to leave you feeling rested and recharged. The hotel’s FIT Gym is equipped with Technogym equipment, and the WET Deck is the perfect place to chill poolside with stunning views of Darling Harbour.

Business with a View

For business travelers, W Sydney offers over 1,300 square meters of event space across eight versatile rooms. The hotel’s Great Room on level five features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer extraordinary views of the city. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, the hotel promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

W Sydney redefines luxury in the heart of Darling Harbour, offering a new cultural and social hub that captures the vibrant spirit of Sydney. It’s a departure from traditional hotels, and visitors are bound to feel the unique W spirit at every touchpoint.

About W Hotels

Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has been redefining hospitality for over two decades. With over 60 hotels worldwide, each property offers a unique experience that is often imitated but never matched. The brand is known for its detail-driven design, Whatever/Whenever service, and signature Living Rooms that create dynamic and invigorating spaces. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International.

From marine-inspired rooms to a vibrant culinary scene and serene spa, W Sydney by W Hotels promises a distinctive and unforgettable experience in Sydney’s vibrant heart.


Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.

This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.

Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.

In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”

Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.

With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.


Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.

France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.

While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.

The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.

To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.

Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.

Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.

From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.

Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.


Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 31, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.

This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.

Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.

Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.

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“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”

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Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.

Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:

  • Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.

  • India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.

  • New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.

  • The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.

Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.

With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.

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