Laundy Hotels will reopen the top and mid decks of the Watsons Bay Hotel on Wednesday 29 October, following a $3 million renovation.
The upgrade, overseen by Laundy Hotels’ Danielle and Shane Richardson with Etic Design, has transformed the decks into modern, adaptable spaces designed to take full advantage of the hotel’s harbourfront location. The new layout is ideal for a variety of events, from intimate meetings to larger celebrations, offering a fresh approach to event experiences at the venue.
With capacity for 102 seated or 150 standing, the top deck now includes a dedicated internal entrance and direct bathroom access, while the mid deck features a new decking and banquette seating for up to 60 patrons.
The mid-level sunset room and bar have also been given a refresh, with updated bathrooms, new flooring and redesigned bar styling offering greater functionality and versatility year-round.
Danielle says: “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. With this renovation, we’ve enhanced what was already great about the space while solving practical challenges that allows us to better serve our community and guests who have made this venue a Sydney institution.
“We’ve reimagined these spaces to effortlessly transition from casual social gatherings to corporate functions and dream weddings. This isn’t merely a renovation – 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.”
A key focus of the Watsons Bay Hotel redesign was creating an indoor-outdoor experience that flows seamlessly into the venue’s waterfront setting. The top deck now features wrap-around bifold windows that open onto the harbour and a new dry bar running along the windows, complete with high stools.
A soft palette of coastal blues, deep harbour tones and warm neutrals have been used throughout, connecting the spaces to the surrounding water. Each space is anchored by oversized pendant fixtures, and complemented by textural details like rattan, micro-cement and a crazy pathing bar top.
Emilie Delalande, director of Etic Design, says the design brief was to create spaces where people feel they can stay for hours.
“We wanted a palette and furniture selection that felt naturally connected to the harbour but elevated beyond predictable nautical themes. It’s relaxed sophistication, coastal in spirit but timeless in execution,” she explains.
With the new spaces opening ahead of summer, head chef Damian Heads has ushered in a new menu of fresh seafood dishes including a signature seafood platter and grills, plus classic pub meals.
Laundy Hotels will launch the spaces in style, with the newly transformed top deck set to host Club Amalfi once a month throughout summer, promising to be an authentic waterfront beach club experience with a curated menu of Mediterranean-inspired share plates paired with magnums of premium wines.
Laundy Hotels opens the doors to the new spaces one year after the relaunch of Northern Beaches institute The Mona, which underwent a significant transformation to diversify its offering, introducing Ben’s Bakery Café and Pizzeria, an updated courtyard, beer garden and back yard, and a custom-made playground.
Take a look inside the new spaces:
