Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

The hotel is close to half a century old and in some aspects shows its age. We stayed in a corner suit on the 48th floor which was spacious and well-equipped. The numerous windows each have their on shade blinds and wooden shutters to block out light completely. In our suite an annoying red light was blinking all night from the rooftop of the building next door which I assume was a building height warning device although the hotel is 3 floors higher; the light made it necessary to close the shutters after sunset. The paradox of a suite in this price-category was that it only had a bathtub and no separate shower. The light sensors at waist height activate each time one enters the bathroom and also triggers the dressing room lights which are very bright and disturb the other person in bed sleeping. Evening turndown is good however bandwidth of the time it is provided was not ideal on several occasions. A refurbished equivalent suite is available on the 50th floor (called the Celestial Floor) for an astronomical surcharge. The club lounge is located on the 35th floor and serves breakfast, afternoon tea and canapés. One annoying aspect are the double-sided televisions which are placed every four tables and are permanently switched on constantly drawing attention to visuals without sound.

First the location. The location is great. Right on Collins avenue. Hotel is on top of a profession building so - floor 35 and up are the hotel. The rooms are comfortable but the hotel decor is quite dated. Service however is excellent. We were on the 44th floor and we could see the bright lights from the skyscraper next to us. The lights were painful. Noise was an issue. You could hear the band two blocks away and the Rugby match from the stadium 2 km away. Close walk to most sites and nearby restaurants. The last part is especially true because the hotels offers only one restaurant and a bar (with a very limited food menu). We did not try No 35 for dinner, because we did have the buffet breakfast for $A42 pp. Thought the food quality well below par, not up to Sofitel standards. The croissants on our Saturday morning stay -- were stale, the eggs were liquid, the bacon was under cooked. The eggs, bacon and potatoes were cold. The restaurant is tiny for the number of rooms and if you try for a table after 0830h on the weekend you will likely wait. WiFi as a Accor member was excellent. No issue streaming or using a VPN to the States. We enjoyed our stay, but as I stated there are better properties in the area.

We had a really good stay in the Sofitel on Collins and it is well located. The rooms were quite spacious and luxuriously comfortable. Staff were extra helpful and breakfasts were very good. Probably a little expensive in peak times.

Other than the staff, nothing here is 5 star. The bathrooms are a throwback to the 1970s with terrible water pressure to boot. Showers in the bathtub should be replaced asap. Lacklustre breakfast in Club Sofitel, much better in No. 35. Freezing temperature in the room which did not get warmer despite adjusting the temperature control. Totally overpriced and overrated. Won’t be back. Pullman on the Park beats this hotel in every aspect, for half the price.

The hotel was exceptional right from stepping off the Collins Street pavement to checking out. The staff were so friendly and obliging. The room offered sweeping views and was clean with good amenities and a well stocked mini bar. The bed was very comfortable and linen soft, the TV and lighting were easy to navigate. The tea and coffee provision had something for everyone. We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast, with very attentive staff. I shall definitely be returning upon my next visit to Melbourne.