Worldhotels applauds host of accolades marking debut of Sydney landmarks, The Darling & The Star

Worldhotels Deluxe Collection affiliate The Darling, at Sydney's one-of-a-kind entertainment destination, The Star, has been voted Best International New Hotel for Construction and Design at the 2012 International Hotel Awards.

The gem boutique was also recognised among Condé Nast Traveller’s Top 60 Best New Hotels in the World this year while The Star was voted Australasia's Leading Casino Resort in the World Travel Awards 2012.

No fewer than 35 domestic accolades have been collected by The Star and The Darling since their debut last year, following a U$860 million refurbishment and extension of the rebranded Star City Casino – with the entire complex re-orientated to face Darling Harbour.

The Star's Managing Director, Frederic Luvisutto, said: "We set out to build an iconic hotel at The Star that complimented its surroundings while working outside the square in terms of design and construction. The result is an innovative and stunning building that appeals to discerning travellers looking for a unique world-class experience.”

With 171 stylish rooms and suites overlooking Sydney Harbour in an inverted glass tower on a sandstone podium, The Darling’s top floors are dedicated to the ultimate in luxury, featuring two-bedroom penthouse suites designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee.

Alongside The Darling, The Star complex incorporates over 20 new bars, cafes and restaurants, shopping area and a fully refurbished casino.

On top of design success for The Darling in the International Hotel Awards, The Star also received seven New South Wales Master Builders Association Excellence Awards recognising builders Brookfield Multiplex, ISIS and Buildcorp for venues across the entire property, including new signature restaurants and the main gaming floor.

Momofuku Seiobo, which extends celebrity chef David Chang’s hipster Japanese restaurant brand from New York to Sydney at The Star, was also voted Restaurant of the Year in the 2012 Time Out Awards and Best New Restaurant in the Gourmet Traveler Awards.

Renowned chef Teage Ezard’s BLACK by ezard was also recognized in the Gourmet Traveler Awards with ‘Three Glasses’, as was Stefano Manfredi's Balla – which was also applauded for Best International Hotel Restaurant Wine List.

Completing a milestone debut for both domestic and international accolades, The Star’s mega-nightclub Marquee, opened by acclaimed Las Vegas nightclub operator Tao Group, was voted Nightclub of the Year in both the 2012 Australian Bartender Magazine Awards and Alternative Media Group’s Best in Sydney Awards.

Part of the Echo Entertainment Group, The Star is set to complete the final phase of its redevelopment opening a new 4,000 capacity event and entertainment centre in January 2013.

Worldhotels Executive Vice President Asia Pacific, Roland Jegge said: “The Darling and The Star are breathing new life into Sydney’s hospitality, dining and entertainment scenes in spectacular style. The owners set out to create a new icon and they have achieved it with flying colours.”

Source: eTravel Blackboard, 14 December 2012