Sydney Hilton vs Sofitel Darling Harbour - How do they measure up?

1. Location

Sofitel is right on the Light Rail, close to ferry wharves; but Hilton is more central - Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, Town Hall metro station .

Sofitel has the views (if you pay extra for a Darling Harbour facing room)

Sofitel Darling Harbour

Hilton's central location - some rooms have harbour views

2. Club Lounge Access
 Sofitel's top floor Club Millesime is spectacular but the food and beverage offered during "Evening Canapes" is disappointing compared to Hilton's Executive Lounge.

Club Millesime Evening drinks 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Hilton's evening canapes - prawns, salads, hot dishes, antipasto

Hilton lounge - fresh bread

Hilton's executive lounge - afternoon tea

Generous 'top ups' in the bar (unlike Sofitel)

Hilton's lounge during evening drinks (6 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

Hilton has several sections in their lounge, feels more intimate

3. Breakfast

Hilton's Glass restaurant. Breakfast. Incredible range of buffet dishes plus a la carte. Sofitel's breakfast looks meagre by comparison.

4. Rooms
Sofitel's rooms are over furnished and seem cramped. The lighting system is poorly designed, no indirect lighting. The night light is more dazzling. Many rooms have the bed right up against the open planned bathroom.

Sofitel King Room

Hilton's "Relaxation Room" is spacious and well designed.

5. Swimming Pool/Gym
Sofitel's (infinity) pool is outdoor and barely heated. There are pleasant views across Darling Harbour/Cockle Bay. The gym is on the same level.
Hilton shares a huge gym and lap pool with Fitness First in the Basement level. There are poolside saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzi. Mornings can get busy with the before-work crowd.

Verdict: Hilton wins in all categories.

The only positive with Sofitel's lounge is the 'no kids under 12 years' policy during evening drinks period.

Which is the best Sofitel in Sydney? Sofitel Wentworth vs Sofitel Darling Harbour

Sofitel Darling Harbour was opened late in 2017. The Wentworth was opened late 1966. It is basically style over substance with these two Sofitels.
Although the new Sofitel is architecturally impressive, Sofitel Wentworth is the classier establishment - better service, food/beverage and location.

Sofitel Darling Harbour 
PROS

• 35 storeys (although floor 13 and 14 left out)
• 50 metres from the Light Rail stop (Convention Centre)
• 5 minute walk to public ferry terminal (Pyrmont)
• Infinity pool with views over Darling Harbour

CONS

• If your room faces north or east (meaning the view rooms, at an extra cost), it is very hot. We stayed in winter, also. The air conditioning temperature is set too high and is motion-activated, stay still for 60 minutes - it switches off. Hence you can wake up to a sauna in your room.
• Low floors (10 or below) can have views of car parks and surrounding buildings (south or east facing rooms).
• Lighting system in the room is 'all or nothing'. There is no indirect lighting. The overly bright nightlight in the bathroom would keep any person (sleeping on the bathroom side of the bed) awake, unless he/she wears a blindfold.
• If you are staying in the club lounge (Club Millesime is $150 extra, unless you have Accor Platinum status), expect tiny pours of wine by the staff (almost wine tasting size). If a beer is poured for you, the stubby isn't even emptied, so you get 3/4 of a glass. Go figure.

Sofitel Wentworth

PROS

• Exceptional service, better trained staff.
• 5 minute walk from Circular Quay (ferry, train, light rail, Opera House, The Rocks)
• 5 minute walk to Botanical Gardens
• 10 minute walk to Pitt Street Mall
• Club Sofitel staff pour a wine or a beer as you would yourself at home. Better range of evening cocktails/canapes.
• Quality of food superior to Sofitel Darling Harbour, in restaurant as well as in the club.
• First 3 levels of rooms facing courtyard have opening doors (Juliet balcony) - a boon for smokers.

CONS

• No spectacular views
• Because it is a 60's hotel, shower over bath in standard rooms (most of hotel rooms).
• Standard rooms are small (under 30 sq metres).

N-E view from Club lounge on level 35 (Sofitel Darling Harbour). The vaulted ceiling is spectacular.

The view is dazzling (automatic blinds are activated to shield some of the sun).

Club Sofitel at the Wentworth (Level 5)

Afternoon tea at the Wentworth (Club Sofitel)