I was in Melbourne for a few nights for work and fortunately the Sofitel at that time was just under my company’s acceptable nightly rate. I’ve had Platinum status with Accor LeClub for a while, and I was interested to check out the Sofitel and see what benefits they might throw my way.
Unfortunately I didn’t have my good camera with me on this trip, but I managed to grab a few serviceable pictures of the room and the hotel – my room for once in fact actually looked exactly like this press image. I got lucky with the upgrade.
I previously wrote about how I received an upgrade to the Junior Suite on a standard booking. It was a great corner room, a really comfortable size with these stunning views across the Yarra, and beyond. I was really pleased with the outcome.
On arrival there was a box of chocolates, extra water, some fruit and welcome note from a manager waiting for me in the room. A nice touch.
The lounge area of the room was really spacious and comfortable, a nice space to relax in.
Now, onto the bed. This was my first stay in a Sofitel, and man was this bed comfortable. Firm underneath, dense but squishy mattress pad on top. It felt like my legs were floating while the rest of my body was well supported. Really, really pleasant. If all Sofitel beds are like this as standard, I will be seeking them out and coming back.
I ordered room service one evening – grilled fish and wedges – which was pretty tasty. Not AMAZING, but respectable, tasty food.
My main issue with the room was the annoying TV and lighting remote. This sucker wouldn’t go dim, was fiddly and slow to use, and was pretty much tied to the bedside table. When that’s several metres away from the couches, it quickly gets a bit annoying.
The entrance to the Sofitel is on Collins Street (the tower on the right of this picture), with a large driveway leading up to one of the entrances – but not directly into the lobby. The independent restaurant incidentally next to the driveway is excellent.
The lobby wasn’t really a place you might spend time – it’s connected to a shopping centre, admittedly high-end, but the set-up was a little, say, non-standard – and not a particularly inviting place to spend time. Which is fine. The hotel bar though higher up had an amazing view.
Conclusion
This was a great stay. The hotel is in a good part of the city, near open space and parks, but also really close to many excellent restaurants and bars. The service throughout was impeccable with friendly, polite interactions all round, and the room and LeClub Platinum recognition were both outstanding.
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