OVERVIEW
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins offers the relaxed yet attentive style and service that the Sofitel brand is known for. All with a slight French flair, of course – expect to be hailed with plenty of “bonjours” as you move around the property.
You couldn’t ask for a more central location in Melbourne. This is the city’s designer shopping haven, and there are plenty of high-end dining options that cater to the business crowd that swagger through the area during the day. Plus, with the Victorian Parliament sitting just up the road, you never know who you’ll stumble past. By night, the area turns quiet, which means you’re guaranteed a great night sleep, though Melbourne’s best nightlife – think quirky hidden bars and best theatres – are a short stroll away.
The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins does have a business edge to its charm, making it particularly appealing for business travelers. The hotel building also houses some offices and retail spaces, and guests walk past the property’s meeting rooms on their way to the lobby.
CLUB ACCESS
Arguably the best – if least advertised – facility at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is Club Sofitel, the hotel’s very own version of an executive lounge. Tucked into a corner on the 35th floor, Club Sofitel is a tranquil retreat with stunning panoramas over St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and offers a host of useful services and amenities to discerning travelers.
If private check-ins and check-outs, and elevated room experiences aren’t enough to convince you, the Executive Breakfast should be reason enough to book a room with club access. Grab a window-side table and start your day with a feast of juices, fresh bread and pastries, assorted cereals and fresh fruits, and made-to-order coffees, teas and hot dishes. You won’t want to miss the masterful eggs benedict.
Throughout the day, Club Sofitel is a great spot to do a little work. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi, TVs tuned into new channels (with the volume turned low, naturally) and coffee on demand. When the work day’s over, take a load off with the club’s happy hour offering, which includes a range of drinks and canapés.
DINING AND DRINKING
Surrounded by a smorgasbord of Melbourne’s best dining, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins made the wise decision to limit their F&B offerings to a capsule collection of well-executed offerings – specifically, one restaurant, one bar, and a lounge.
No35 Restaurant is the hotel’s sophisticated dining room, where art appears on the plates and the walls. Taking advantage of all the fresh produce available around Melbourne, the menu here focuses on seasonal local ingredients that come together to create bright, modern dishes with a definitively Australian accent.
Tucked under the soaring atrium roof and the 15-floor mirrored canopy that dominates the building’s atrium, Atrium Bar on 35 is everything you’d expect from a hotel bar. Except drinks are taken seriously here, so you’ll get much, much more than an average glass of wine. The extensive drinks list features a well-curated Champagne (and wine) selection, signature craft cocktails, and boutique beers. Small snacks are served with drinks as a matter of course, but if your stomach’s grumbling, there’s a menu of bar bites menu available.
There’s nothing more luxe then whiling away an afternoon over tea, and Sofi’s Lounge caters to this with a lovely afternoon tea experience. You’ll find the classic combination of sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats available throughout the week, but on occasion, the lounge offers exclusive high tea experiences in collaboration with other brands – most recently, the collaborative tea experience celebrated an Escher exhibition at the nearby National Gallery of Victoria.
RATES
The entry-level Classic King Rooms start from US$168.
WHAT WE LOVE
- The Sofitel MyBed have to be some of the best hotel beds in the business — and the ones at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins live up to that sleep-on-a-cloud experience.
- The Atrium Bar on 35 offers a great selection of Champagnes and cocktails, making it a great spot for aperitifs (or nightcaps).
- The hotel offers some seriously incredible views over Melbourne from its rooms, gym, and Club Sofitel.
- The hotel’s location is almost unbeatable – you’d be hard-pressed to find a better position from which to explore Melbourne.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- The hotel is set in a large, modern building that also houses offices, retail spaces, and food options on its lower floors.
- You’re in the heart of the Central Business District here. While the hotel’s immediate surrounds turn quiet by night, you’re just a quick walk from some of Melbourne’s best cafés, restaurants and bars, and shopping.
- The hotel is a top choice for corporate celebrations and events — you’ll probably walk past a lot of suits on your way in and out of the lobby.
ROOMS
Each of the 363 guest rooms and suites at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins are built along the four sides of the massive atrium that sweeps through the centre of the building, creating a sense of space and anonymity. Inside, the expansive rooms are rendered in classic Sofitel style and created to appeal to both the leisure and business traveller. Undoubtedly, the star of the show are the floor-to-ceiling French windows which offer sweeping panoramas of the city and the bay area. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay here, from the unique Sofitel MyBed experience, expansive work-desks, fully-stocked minibars, a touchscreen to control lighting, and spacious marble bathrooms stocked with Lanvin amenities.
Perhaps the best part though, are the little touches that would be so easy to overlook, but make your stay so much more homey. During the turndown service, chocolates and linen sprays are left on your pillow to help lull you to sleep, while an express pressing service ensures you always look sharp – though there’s an iron and ironing board in the room too, if you’re the do-it-yourself type.
WELLNESS
Though there’s no spa or salon on site, staff are more than happy to recommend (and book) pampering sessions at the plethora of day spas that are within walking distance at the hotel. There’s a fully-loaded gym onsite, stocked with all manner of weight and cardio equipment, as well as city views that’ll make your workout feel less like…well, work. If you fancy an outdoor workout, you’re not far from some of the city’s favorite parks, including Fitzroy Gardens.
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Blend in by packing plenty of smart casuals in neutral tones. Melbournites are known for their breezy style and penchant for black. Don’t forget layers – you never know when the tempestuous whether will dip or soar.
WHEN YOU SHOULD GO
Anytime, really – you’ll enjoy delving into Melbourne’s exquisite food scene, coffee and cultural offerings all year round. During the summer though, you’ll be able to enjoy all of Melbourne’s best outdoor spaces and festivities, along with a wealth of sporting events.
SOFITEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS
25 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia
+613 9653 0000
sofitel-melbourne.com.au
