Adina Sydney Darling Harbour is entering a new era, unveiling a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that repositions the much loved 114 room hotel back to its harbourside roots. Marking 26 years since opening ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the new-look reorientates the hotel towards the waterfront – delivering a design led guest experience where guests can move seamlessly from hotel pool to harbour’s edge.
Set between the CBD and King St Wharf – metres from the water and just minutes from Barangaroo – the Adina sits in one of Sydney’s most connected precincts, offering easy access to both business and leisure hubs, the harbourside attractions, and the International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Designed by Bates Smart and led by Brenton Smith, the new look is light, fresh, and inspired by the seafoam greens and blues of Sydney Harbour. The design narrative cleverly draws on the building’s strengths, with floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies that capture both natural light and sea breezes. For added liveability, each room features Adina’s signature fully equipped kitchen and laundry, and space to stretch out.
According to TFE Hotels’ Chief Executive Officer, Antony Ritch, Darling Harbour’s transformation extends beyond the guest rooms, with upgrades across the entire hotel designed to create a seamless flow – allowing guests to move with ease from the lobby to the pool, through the restaurant and the harbour beyond.
Four flexible meeting rooms cater to everything from small team sessions, product launches through to special occasions and larger events of up to 150 people, with a cutting-edge AV suite including laser projection, AI-tracked conferencing cameras, seamless wireless presenting, interactive displays, and next-gen Auracast hearing support.
Breakaway options are elevated with the pool and redesigned public spaces, including a new restaurant, offering a variety of areas to relax.
At harbourside level, the hotel will introduce a new signature venue – Shoreline Kitchen – designed to provide a moment of respite amid the bustle of the city. The all-day menus celebrate fresh, locally sourced ingredients across a contemporary café-style offering spanning healthy modern Australian breakfasts through to vibrant salads, premium sandwiches, and classic gourmet burgers.
“Designed with both travellers and locals in mind, this venue will bring a fresh, easy-going style where guests can settle in for long lunch, grab a quick coffee or enjoy an evening drink.” Antony Ritch said.
“In line with Adina’s Australian sensibilities, there is also a subtle nod to native bush flavours, with ingredients such as saltbush and pepperberry woven throughout the menu.”
Excitingly, this new-look Adina forms part of TFE Hotels’ broader evolution of their flagship brand, with a strong focus on design, comfort, Australian hospitality and how guests travel today.
“With this refurbishment, we are firmly repositioning Darling Harbour as a contemporary harbourside base – and one that reflects how people want to travel and stay in the city today,” Ritch said. “It’s part of our ongoing investment in our first-generation Adina portfolio, with a sharp focus on design and the guest experience.”
Staying true to TFE’s continued focus on sustainability and community, pre-loved furniture and fixtures from the refurbishment were donated to Sydney charity ReLove, helping support local families in crisis.
