Watsons Bay Hotel, Sydney’s iconic harbourfront destination, is all set to showcase one of the most significant transformations in its 190-year history, with the grand reopening of two event spaces that have been redesigned to celebrate the hotel’s legendary water views and elevate every event into unforgettable moments.

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The $3 million upgrade, led by Etic Design, and guided by the vision of Laundy Hotels’ Danielle and Shane Richardson, reimagines the hotel’s iconic Top Deck and Mid Deck venues as versatile, contemporary spaces that can transition from hosting intimate gatherings and full-scale celebrations to corporate functions and dream weddings.

Creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow was central to the redesign vision to maximise connection to the venues’ beautiful harbour setting. This was achieved through wraparound bifold windows that connect the Top Deck to the outside.

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“The Top Deck has always been a special part of our venue – it’s where locals and visitors have gathered for years to enjoy those incredible harbour views,” says Danielle Richardson.

The renovated Top Deck now accommodates up to 150 guests and features improved functionality, especially for weddings and private events, with a dedicated internal entrance and direct bathroom access. Meanwhile, the Mid Deck, which can accommodate up to 60 seated guests, introduces new decking, banquette seating, and custom-designed furniture for maximum comfort and style. A new dry bar along the windows, lined with high stools, ensures that every guest can enjoy the million-dollar views.

“We’ve focused on creating spaces where people feel they can stay for hours,” explains Emilie Delalande, Director of Etic Design.

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Both decks feature a palette of soft coastal blues, deep harbour tones, and warm neutrals to keep the spaces visually connected to the surrounding water. Describing the aesthetic as “relaxed sophistication”, Delalande says, “We wanted a palette that felt naturally connected to the harbour but elevated beyond predictable nautical themes.”

Alongside the decks, the hotel’s Sunset Room & Bar was completely refreshed with new flooring, updated bathrooms, and redesigned bar styling while preserving its signature Hamptons beachside charm. Lighting also plays a key role in the refurbishment with the spaces anchored by oversized sculptural pendants.

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Also launching this summer at the newly transformed Top Deck is Club Amalfi, Sydney's first authentic waterfront beach club experience that promises to transport Sydneysiders to the Mediterranean once a month with a curated menu, premium wines, and the lively ambience of a European beach club.

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"Club Amalfi represents the next evolution of Sydney's waterfront dining and entertainment scene," says Richardson.

This extensive renovation represents a significant investment in Sydney's hospitality landscape.

“This isn't merely a renovation,” she adds. “It's a complete reimagining that enables guests to create unforgettable moments, whether they're enjoying sunset cocktails or celebrating life's most significant milestones against one of the world's most spectacular backdrops."

Main image: Photo Credit - Michael Gribbin

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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