26 May, 2021

GM appointed to lead world’s largest W hotel in Sydney

W Hotels, part of Marriott International, has announced the appointment of Craig Seaward as general manager of the highly anticipated W Sydney.

Set to be the largest W hotel to open globally, W Sydney will mark a flagship opening in the third quarter of 2022 for the luxury brand.

Seaward (pictured above) arrives in Sydney having spent the past 11 years as GM of W Bali-Seminyak. He has spent 25 years working for premium hotels, predominantly with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which merged with Marriott in 2016.

Seaward has also held the GM position at Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers and Pakuwon Golf and Family Club in East Java, Sheraton Perth and Westin Chosun Beach, Pusan South Korea.

As GM for W Sydney, Seaward will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the final build, including recruitment and training of the 500-plus team and managing all pre-launch activity to ensure the hotel opens to the highest standard.

Upon opening, he will direct the hotel’s day-to-day operations and be accountable for the commercial and operating strategy and performance of the hotel.

Sean Hunt, area vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific at Marriott, said: “Craig’s career with W Hotels and diverse skill set will play a vital role in delivering a supreme experience for all guests to 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.”

Commenting on his appointment, Seaward said he was “thrilled and honoured” to lead the W Sydney team.

“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,” he said.

“Australians are very familiar with and loyal to the W brand. During my time in Bali, I hosted many guests from all over Australia who were totally hooked on the brand and the elevated guest experience we offer at W.

“W Hotels is a global leader in the luxury lifestyle market, and I have no doubt that W Sydney will further energise Australia’s hospitality scene with its lust for life culture, whilst delivering on W’s renowned ‘whatever/whenever’ service philosophy for its guests.”

Located in Darling Harbour, W Sydney will feature 586 guestrooms, suites and studios, along with a two-storey rooftop bar, an infinity pool, a spa and gym, an all-day dining restaurant, a living room bar, a food truck and over 1,100 square metres of event space.

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Craig Seaward darling harbour General Manager GM hospitality Hotel Marriott Marriott International Sean Hunt Sydney W hotels W Sydney