Having had an extensive refurbishment less than three years ago, the Sofitel Brisbane is a stunning property in the heart of the Brisbane CBD.
Located directly above Central Station, the Sofitel is only a 25 minute train trip directly to the domestic terminal or roughly about the same time by car — and with a perfectly timed train combined with a hotel entrance inside the train station I was relaxing in my room only forty minutes from my aircraft arriving at the gate on my most recent visit.
The Rooms
The Sofitel offers 433 rooms including 101 Club rooms and 20 well-appointed suites.
If you’re able to reserve a Junior Suite or higher then you’re in for a treat as these rooms are exceptionally comfortable and large.
Unlike many other properties however the regular guest rooms are generous in size and the only thing I don’t like about them is the shower-bath.
Club Lounge
Club Sofitel would have to be among the best hotel lounges in Australia, and certainly the best that I’ve been to in Brisbane.
Occupying the majority of the 30th floor, Club Sofitel provides eligible guests with breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments available all day.
Breakfast in the lounge consisted of a multitude of hot items including eggs (both scrambled and poached), bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes. There were a variety of cold items including bircher muesli, yoghurts, smoothies, smoked salmon, assorted cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, and more. It’s certainly one of the more comprehensive lounge breakfasts around.
The evening canapés consisted of various salads including a salad with Moreton Bay Bug, cheeses, dumplings, and more. While I had planned on going out for dinner I decided that I didn’t need to!
Keeping Fit
When you want to work off the food and beverage consumed in the lounge, Sofitel has a fully equipped gym with views to die for.
Relaxation
For the warmer months, Sofitel has a fabulous heated pool and outdoor spa with plenty of outdoor deck chairs. While there isn’t a poolside bar, there is a poolside menu and staff will bring food and beverages to you.
For a bit of pampering there is also Stephanies Spa Retreat but I have not experienced this yet.
Technology
During the refurbishment all guest rooms were equipped with LCD televisions with Foxtel and Free-to-Air television channels.
Unfortunately the Wi-Fi is provided by Reivernet and in my experience is slow and painful to use with service capped at 512Kbps (quite an adjustment given I have 100Mbps at home). I’d suggest having a 4G connection handy.
Other Facilities
Sofitel is home to several bars including Cuvée and Harlequin Jack. If you are entitled to a welcome beverage you’ll be able to redeem your voucher at one of these.
There are also several restaurants including Thyme² and Privé249. I have eaten breakfast at Thyme² (which is very good) but have not yet been to Privé249.
Conclusion
Sofitel Brisbane was certainly a bit dated prior to the renovation but is now a magnificent property in a very convenient location. It’s my hotel of choice when visiting Brisbane.
Shaun Ewing stayed as a self-funded guest.
Cover property shot and pool photo credit to Sofitel Brisbane. All other photos by Shaun Ewing.