Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

"How did it strike you on arrival? Its location at the "Paris end" of tree-lined Collins Street, surrounded by luxury retail and historic buildings, gives this particular Sofitel an added injection of French chic. Nice. What’s the crowd like? European travelers, old-money Australians, locals catching shows at the nearby theaters. How was check in? The hotel is set on the upper floors of a 50-story tower, and there's a standalone elevator from street level to the lobby. Elevator service inside the hotel proper can become slow when all 363 guest rooms are full. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. These are well-maintained and well-appointed luxury-chain rooms, although the smallest room class does feel a little tight for two. The elevated views of Melbourne are a highlight (it's worth paying extra for a corner room to see even more), and there are tubs in every bathroom. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Anything you noticed? The $30 Wi-Fi fee is galling, even by Australian standards. Noted. Room service and food: Worth it? In the lobby, the gently buzzing Sofi's Lounge does coffee and evening cocktails. For a more dressed-up drinks experience (with city views), the hotel's Atrium Bar opens at 5 p.m.—it serves light meals, too. There's also a fine-dining restaurant, No35, which is reliably French. An eclectic, pricey buffet breakfast at No35 kicks off at 6:30 a.m. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. The hotel is set directly above Collins Place, a small, independent mall with decent shopping options and the charming Kino arthouse cinema. The French luxury houses and Melbourne's best-curated clothes boutiques are within a short stroll. Bottom line: worth it, and why? The Paris end of Collins Street is Melbourne at its most elegant, and this true-to-brand Sofitel property fits in seamlessly." - Dan F. Stapleton