Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its luxurious experience, exceptional service, and prime location in the heart of Melbourne.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as an excellent 5-star luxury hotel. On Booking.com, it boasts an impressive overall score of 8.9 out of 10, with particularly high marks for staff (9.5) and location (9.5). Guests consistently describe their stays as "stunning, luxurious and elegant."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for several key aspects:

• Service & Staff: The hotel's staff receives widespread commendation for being professional, polite, friendly, and accommodating.
• Location: Situated at the prestigious "Paris end" of Collins Street, its central CBD location is ideal for exploring Melbourne's attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel exudes "old-school charm" and "timeless elegance," blending French sophistication with Melbourne's creative energy. The interiors feature classic clean lines and contemporary design.
• Views: Being located on levels 36-50, the hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Club Sofitel: For those with access, the Club Sofitel executive lounge (now on the 47th floor) provides an elevated experience with complimentary meals and personalized service.

3. Room Quality

The 363 rooms and suites, refurbished in 2022, are described as luxurious, spacious, clean, and comfortable. Key features include:

• Comfort: The King "So" beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, like "falling into a pile of soft pillows."
• Views: All rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning panoramic city or bay views.
• Design: Rooms feature chic modern furnishings that blend Melbourne's essence with French identity.
• Amenities: Toiletries are provided by luxury brand Balmain, and suites include tablets for accessing hotel services like room service. Entry-level King Classic rooms are spacious at approximately 36 square meters, while Prestige Suites offer a substantial 77 square meters, complete with a proper living room.

4. Dining Experience

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins offers a diverse culinary experience:

• No35 Restaurant: This award-winning restaurant on the 35th floor provides sophisticated seasonal dining with most tables offering views of the city.
• Atrium Bar on 35: Guests can enjoy an extensive wine and cocktail list while soaking in views of the internal atrium.
• Room Service: Highly praised by guests, room service offers delicious options, including well-prepared French and American dishes.
• Club Sofitel Breakfast: For Club guests, breakfast includes a continental buffet alongside an à la carte hot breakfast menu. Complimentary afternoon tea and evening drinks/canapés are also served.
• Breakfast Cost: If not included in the room rate, the breakfast buffet can be quite expensive, with a discounted price of $30 AUD and a normal price of $47 AUD.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins consistently receives glowing reviews. Staff members are repeatedly described as excellent, professional, polite, friendly, and efficient. Many guests highlight the accommodating nature of the team, with specific mentions of helpful concierge staff, who provide excellent recommendations and assistance. Handwritten notes of appreciation from staff also contribute to a personalized experience. Valet parking staff are noted for their quick and polite service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a major draw, situated at the "Paris end" of Collins Street in Melbourne's Central Business District.

• Attractions: It offers easy walking access to numerous landmarks and attractions, including Federation Square, Bourke Street Mall, the Princess and Regent Theatres, designer boutiques, and Melbourne's famous laneways filled with cafes and bars. It's also a convenient base for events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena, with some rooms offering glimpses of the venues.
• Transport: A tram stop is located directly outside the hotel driveway, providing access to metropolitan train and tram services.
• Airport: Tullamarine Airport is approximately a 30-40 minute drive away, and the hotel offers airport transfer services for an additional charge.
• Parking: Valet parking is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury 5-star hotel and a Michelin Key Selected property, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is positioned at a premium price point. Room rates generally start from over $300 AUD per night, though deals can sometimes be found. For instance, prices for a 1-night stay in early March 2026 were observed starting from around $230.92 AUD. While some guests note the high cost of certain amenities like breakfast if not included, many feel the exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and prime location justify the expense. Valet parking costs $75 AUD per night for in-house guests.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms include:

• Breakfast Cost: The price of the breakfast buffet, if not included in the room rate, is often mentioned as being high.
• Internet Charges (Historically): Older reviews highlighted expensive in-room internet charges. However, current information indicates complimentary WiFi is available throughout the building.
• No Pool: Some guests note the absence of a swimming pool, which can be a drawback for a five-star hotel.
• Minor Service Lapses: Isolated incidents have been reported, such as dirty coffee cups, a lengthy check-in process despite pre-check-in, or rooms not precisely matching booking details.

Sources

1. booking.com
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6. accor.com
7. thetraveltemple.com.au
8. youtube.com
9. tablethotels.com
10. sofitel-melbourne.com.au
11. expedia.com
12. kayak.com