Sofitel Melbourne on Collins — Hotel in Melbourne

The service was functional at best. There were several inconsistencies and lapses, albeit staff members trying their utmost to mitigate. At it's core, effective communication appears lacking in numerous aspects. In particular, Club Sofitel was overcrowded and staff appeared overwhelmed. There was little personalisation and aspects, such as offering canapes over a semi-buffet, were simply not productive or time-effective. Canapes were also served with items that I am allergic to.

Only Mia Gita, Derek Chen, Luella Wang, Nicky, Indy and Erin came across friendly and approachable. The others were always seemingly busy and somewhat superficial. Special mention has to be made of Mr. Derek Chen. He was the one who made me decide against checking out instantaneously. His demeanor and hospitality standards are world-class.

Concierge was virtually non-existent; as I emerged from my Uber, my luggage was hastily taken from the trunk and I was simply told to take the elevator direct to the Club. As I did not know where the elevator was, I ended up navigating the escalator with my hand-carry to reception and then to the main lift lobby. All this while, concierge staff remained oblivious and non-attentive. The worst occurred during my departure. Understandably, it was 2.30am in the morning but there was just no one around to assist me with my bags. It didn't help that staff in uniform were seen walking past but seemingly on break.

I switched rooms a grand total of 4 times, in part due to inefficiency of guest services/reservations, who had sent a pre-arrival email but paid little heed to the specifications and preferences. There appeared to be constant engineering works going on throughout the stay and I had an engineer who walked into my room without consent whilst I was taking a shower; due to lack of communication with housekeeping.

What irks me the most would be the structure and layout of the building where noise readily travels up to the rooms. The rooms, even the suites, do not bear the same level of interior luxury as the lobby. The electric points are outdated and not all rooms come with USB ports. The worst would be the shower over tub, which is surprising as suites usually come with separate bath and showers. In gist, I was utterly disappointed with the stay.

The saving grace was Atrium 35, but only staff like Jesse, Yuri, Erika and Tara were professional and hospitable. The rest appeared arrogant and unable to manage noise and crowds. Having stayed at the Pullman and Mgallery and even the Ibis previously, I was looking forward to a magnifique experience at the Sofitel. Instead, this extended stay has firmed my decision to give due credence to my Marriot Bonvoy membership instead. I had the opportunity of patronizing the Westin a few blocks away and the Ritz Carlton. Though I was not an in-house guest, their respective reception at concierge and the lobby lounge was far more superior to that of Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. They will be my options when I next pass through Melbourne.

Dr. Sam Jay Yeo Singapore Accor Live...

The service was functional at best. There were several inconsistencies and lapses, albeit staff members trying their utmost to mitigate. At it's core, effective communication appears lacking in numerous aspects. In particular, Club Sofitel was overcrowded and staff appeared overwhelmed. There was little personalisation and aspects, such as offering canapes over a semi-buffet, were simply not productive or time-effective. Canapes were also served with items that I am allergic to.||Only Mia Gita, Derek Chen, Luella Wang, Nicky, Indy and Erin came across friendly and approachable. The others were always seemingly busy and somewhat superficial. Special mention has to be made of Mr. Derek Chen. He was the one who made me decide against checking out instantaneously. His demeanor and hospitality standards are world-class.||Concierge was virtually non-existent; as I emerged from my Uber, my luggage was hastily taken from the trunk and I was simply told to take the elevator direct to the Club. As I did not know where the elevator was, I ended up navigating the escalator with my hand-carry to reception and then to the main lift lobby. All this while, concierge staff remained oblivious and non-attentive. The worst occurred during my departure. Understandably, it was 2.30am in the morning but there was just no one around to assist me with my bags. It didn't help that staff in uniform were seen walking past but seemingly on break.||I switched rooms a grand total of 4 times, in part due to inefficiency of guest services/reservations, who had sent a pre-arrival email but paid little heed to the specifications and preferences. There appeared to be constant engineering works going on throughout the stay and I had an engineer who walked into my room without consent whilst I was taking a shower; due to lack of communication with housekeeping.||What irks me the most would be the structure and layout of the building where noise readily travels up to the rooms. The rooms, even the suites, do not bear the same level of interior luxury as the lobby. The electric points are outdated and not all rooms come with USB ports. The worst would be the shower over tub, which is surprising as suites usually come with separate bath and showers. In gist, I was utterly disappointed with the stay.||The saving grace was Atrium 35, but only staff like Jesse, Yuri, Erika and Tara were professional and hospitable. The rest appeared arrogant and unable to manage noise and crowds. Having stayed at the Pullman and Mgallery and even the Ibis previously, I was looking forward to a magnifique experience at the Sofitel. Instead, this extended stay has firmed my decision to give due credence to my Marriot Bonvoy membership instead. I had the opportunity of patronizing the Westin a few blocks away and the Ritz Carlton. Though I was not an in-house guest, their respective reception at concierge and the lobby lounge was far more superior to that of Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. They will be my options when I next pass through Melbourne.||Dr. Sam Jay Yeo|Singapore|Accor Live...

Once again, Sofitel Melbourne is ranked ‘Top Shelf’ for a reason.|Upon checking in on level 35, and welcomed back as a Diamond member, we were presented a swift check in.||Our suite was ready an hour prior to the check in time. At this hotel that would not be bothersome as you could relax looking at the views from the large panoramic windows on level 35.||The rooms here are gracious. Large, comfortable and full of flair. Our suite was situated on level 50, looking over Parliament and St Patrick’s cathedral.||Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is a stand out performer. We have stayed at six Sofitel properties in the last 6 months and always look forward to our return to this one particular property.||The bed- offers the real Sofitel experience. Unlike some other properties that may have a harder style pillow positioned on the bed, the pillows here are luxe with a pillow menu positioned by the bed offering a range of pillows and aromatic products too.|The bathroom - marble tiles floor to ceiling plus a seperate vanity away from the wet area.||The living area - chic, contemporary and very comfortable for catching up with a few friends or catching up with business (like we did on this trip)||The food- modern French cuisine including a French inspired breakfast menu and a juicy and mouthwatering dinner menu at No 35.||The hotel includes a well equipped gym, conference facilities and valet parking.||The staff- Derik remembered us from a stay in 2023 while Laura who welcomed us upon check-in, plus all the others friendly lounge staff are attentive and welcoming.|(Speaking of the lounge, what I appreciate here is the finer detail and thought that goes into the hors d'oeuvres menu. A selection of antipasto, cheese and crackers plus three small finger sized hot canapés. This lounge is a true representation of what a lounge should offer during cocktail hour which is designed as hors d'oeuvres unlike some properties serving up roast meats and vegetables where guests fill up plates and treat a lounge visit as their dinner, not leaving anything for guests arriving later)||My list can go on regarding this property; showcasing the fabulously styled rooms and common areas, not to mention being situated in Melbourne’s French quarter and only a short walk to the glam of Bourke St Mall or Southbank. ||My recommendation is for anyone visiting Melbourne ensures Sofitel is included in...