Marriott International will open doors to the much anticipated W Sydney in the third quarter of 2022, the company has announced, with experienced luxury hotelier Craig Seaward today named to take charge of the property.
W Sydney will be housed inside the ‘Ribbon’ building, one of Sydney’s most striking architectural developments, which remains under construction in the Sydney CBD between two elevated corridors of the Western Distributor roadway at Darling Harbour. The Ribbon was designed by global architecture firm, Hassel, and features interiors from London design agency, Bowler James Brindley.
Prior to his arrival in Sydney, Seaward spent 11 years as General Manager at W Seminyak in Bali. He brings more than 25 years in the hotel industry to his new role, primarily with the former Starwood Hotels and Resorts organisation which merged with Marriott International in 2016. Other roles in an accomplished CV include General Manager at Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers and Pakuwon Golf and Family Club in East Java, Westin Chosun Beach in Pusan, South Korea and Sheraton Perth.
Along with overseeing the final construction and fitout of W Sydney, Seaward will be tasked with recruitment and training of more than 500 new staff at the new property, taking charge on a day-to-day basis once the new property opens. He will also manage the commercial performance and operating strategy for the new property.
W Sydney will feature 586 rooms and suites overlooking the Sydney CBD and Darling Harbour, along with 1,100 square metres of event space, fitness centre and all-day restaurant and bar. Guests will also be able to take advantage of facilities including a two-storey rooftop bar, Level 29 Wet Deck with heated infinity swimming pool and day spa.
Marriott International Area Vice President ANZP, Sean Hunt, said Craig’s skillset will play a vital role in ensuring a supreme experience for guests at W Sydney.
“W Sydney is one of our most futuristic and exciting projects to date that will deliver nothing short of an incredible guest experience coupled with W’s iconic brand of customer service and bold design,” he said.
“I am thrilled and honoured to lead the W Sydney team,” Seaward added.
“The hotel holds a prime position in Sydney’s leading entertainment district, and its bold design and electric energy will transform the Darling Harbour precinct and turn traditional luxury on its head.”