Sofitel Melbourne on Collins – Hotel Review

It’s somewhat of a surprise to find Sofitel Melbourne on Collins tucked into a discreet circular driveway in Collins Street, just up from Prada, Hermès and Gucci. Not because it doesn’t seamlessly slot in with its luxury neighbours — quite the contrary — but because the grand building somehow maintains its quiet, French-inspired grandeur despite its position right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Read on for the full review.

The softly scented lobby lands you in the Sofitel world, a place of friendly ‘bonjours’ and neck-craning ceilings that often extend way past the eye can catch. The hotel’s recently refurbished rooms swirl around a central mirrored atrium, each flushed with natural light and furnished in an understated European elegance that frames the Melbourne skyline spectacularly.

Where is Sofitel Melbourne on Collins?

The stalwart building, which has been around since the 1980s, sits just back from busy Collins Street towards the eastern end of the CBD, near the Spring Street tram stop. Melbourne Airport is about 30 minutes north of the city by car.

What’s near Sofitel Melbourne on Collins?

The tangle of famed (and frequently photographed) laneways, laced with eateries and bars, is just a few blocks from Sofitel’s curved driveway, while the electric ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), The Ian Potter Centre and Federation Square is a 10-15 minute trot downhill.

Room types

With rooms stacking upwards from level 36, stunning views of the Melbourne skyline — and well beyond — through tall, tastefully shuttered windows are guaranteed, even in entry-level Superior Suites. Junior Suites, a generous 50 square metres, and corner rooms have an arresting L-apex of windows that wrap a plush, salon-style lounge area with blue velvet egg-shaped chairs. Pillow menus, a tablet loaded with newspapers and magazines, white marble bathrooms and Balmain amenities complete the picture of French elegance.

Restaurants and bars

Expect several separate birthday tributes to erupt while dining at No 35, the luxe on-site restaurant soaring 35 levels into the air: this is a place where locals bring their beloveds to celebrate. And it’s not only for the incredible views of the city — the food is also deliciously sumptuous and the service – impeccable. There are two and three-course options, do whatever it takes to order the umami bomb of truffle tortellini with sun-dried tomato and the crackling-edged pork belly, which are both as delightfully rich as they sound.

Celebrations also spill into and out of the Atrium Bar On 35, a circular spot of metallic lounges and craft cocktails wrapped in the soaring smoked-mirror space at the centre of the hotel.

No 35 is also where the restrained but generous buffet breakfast is served with barista coffee and crusty French baguettes, of course.

Travel for work

Club Sofitel, a plush, private lounge with a grand corner fireplace, sweeping views of the skyline and a near-constant rotation of refreshments, is the ideal place for business travellers to shoot off a few emails. Available for guests in Luxury Club Rooms (and above), access includes one-hour daily use of meeting space and personalised, express check-in and check-out services.

Gym

Take your bicep curls to the next level: occupying a space on level 35, the small and well-equipped gym has what’s likely some of the best views in Melbourne. There’s a duo of massage chairs positioned in a space away from the equipment if it’s rest day.

What you need to know

Even if just for a freshen up, it’s worth visiting the toilets on level 35 (you’ll see why once you enter).

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in Melbourne’s CBD