Sofitel Melbourne review: Weekend Away

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This was published 6 years ago

Sofitel Melbourne review: Weekend Away

The lobby of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

The lobby of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Fiona Carruthers finds elegance on a grand scale at Sofitel Melbourne.

THE SETTING

The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is located at the "Paris end" of Collins Street, literally a five-minute walk to many weekend-away delights, including Bourke Street, Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street. There are a number of trams right outside the hotel's grand sweeping entrance. Flinders Street Station is a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is 21 kilometres from Tullamarine Airport.

Classic king room at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Classic king room at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

THE SPACE

This 363-room hotel (where all rooms sit between levels 36-50, ensuring spectacular city views) opened in 1981 as the Wentworth. It was then the Regent, becoming the Sofitel in 1996. It's undergone a number of major refurbishments in its lifetime. Set back off the road with its own driveway entrance, it feels laid-back as soon as you arrive. A small escalator takes you from the retail/dining complex to the grand foyer and reception area. It's the perfect place to meet friends for coffee or just sit in the foyer's comfy chairs and watch the world go by. Enjoy the trademark Sofitel scented candles and French touches (guests are welcomed with a crisp "bonjour" given Sofitel is part of French giant Accor's brand stable.)

THE KIT

We stayed in an entry-level classic king deluxe room. Our room, at 36 square metres, was more than adequate for two. Features include a glass bathroom (with frosting at the touch of a button for privacy), a huge plasma TV screen, and radio. In the bathroom, there are Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange toiletries. Tea and coffee facilities are in the room. Wi-Fi is $29.50 a day.

COMFORT FACTOR

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The big fluffy towels and the lovely toiletries. One of the nicest things about this hotel is just lying in bed watching the TV or gazing out over Melbourne - from 36 floors or above. Services such as 24-hour butler service, business centre, guest relations, fitness centre/gym (on level 36), valet car parking, luggage storage, laundry and complimentary overnight shoe shine complete the spoiling factor. But remember how I mentioned lying in bed gazing over Melbourne? For true indulgence, lash out and order champagne and chocolate-coated strawberries.

FOOD

Sofitel has three food and beverage areas: Sofi's Lounge is an elegant gallery-style lounge that does coffee during the day, shifting to high teas from 2.30pm on weekends, then transforming again into an evening cocktail lounge. Atrium Bar on level 35 opens at 5pm for champagne, signature cocktails, premium wine and beer, as well as light meals. Or go the whole hog at No35, Sofitel's fine-dining restaurant. Breakfast is also served in No35 from 6.30am-10.30am for $43 per person.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

The hotel is located above part of the Collins Place complex, which includes Kino Cinema. There are also many great cafes close by. Do breakfast a couple of blocks away at the Cellar Bar, the little brother to Melbourne institution Grossi Florentino. One of Melbourne's hippest new joints, Gazi - a modern twist on Greek cuisine run by chef and MasterChef co-host George Calombaris - is a three-minute walk down the road, at 2 Exhibition Street. Across the road from the Sofitel, head to Cumulus Inc, run by leading Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell.

THE VERDICT

If you have a special occasion to celebrate or are planning an event weekend in Melbourne, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins should be high on your shortlist. OK, it's a large hotel and it isn't heritage, but it oozes Melbourne charm and elegance. One quibble - the elevators can be slow when the hotel is at capacity.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Skybus airport shuttle (from $18 a person one way) runs on the half-hour from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday to Sunday, and from 6am to 10pm, Monday to Friday. A taxi from the airport costs about $70. The closest train station is Parliament Station in Spring Street. There is also valet parking.

ESSENTIALS

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne. Phone 03 9653 0000, see sofitel-melbourne.com.au. Classic king room from $295 a night; club-level room from $470 a night.

The writer was a guest of Accor.

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