Sofitel Brisbane - Did the job
by TripAdvisor Member hollc
My wife & I stayed overnight at the Sofitel in Brisbane mainly to see a local game of AFL and also stumbling on the city's Riverfire festival.
The main advantage of this hotel is it's location. The train from Brisbane airport stops right underneath the hotel and it's merely an esculator ride up to the lobby. It is also conveniently located in the Brisbane CBD with just a short stroll to most of the city's attractions.
The room was big enough for the two of us. The decor was nice & new & the LCD TV was a pleasant surprise. The king bed was a little hard on the back but not too bad overall. A little disappointed in the bathroom. Just would not expect a 5 star hotel to still have a shower/bath combination. The slippery surface made getting in & out a little frightening.
The service from the reception & concierge was really friendly. A problem with the key & a mobile phone charger being left behind was sorted out promptly. The only down side to the service was the waiting in queues at the front desk everytime we encountered it.
We didn't use any of the hotel's dining facilities as there were plenty of other & less expensive options a short walk away into the city.
All in all, the Sofitel was useful for a base for an overnight stay in Brisbane but not as polished as other 5 star hotels.
One of Brisbane's best hotels
by TripAdvisor Member vissi87
My friend and I stayed at Sofitel Brisbane for 2 nights from the 6th to the 8th of July. Upon arrival to the hotel we were greeted by friendly desk staff and check-in was very efficient. Our 15th level room was a decent size and was beautifully decorated with trendy modern furniture. The room was equipped with 2 double beds, a well-sized marble bathroom (for an unknown reason there was a telephone next to the toilet), flatscreen LCD television with a selection of Foxtel channels, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, alarm clock, hairdryer and bathrobes. It had a large picture window with lovely views of Anzac Square and the surrounding buildings.
May I suggest to travellers staying here however to bring their own bottled water as the 1 litre bottle of Evian spring water in the room was $7.50! Definitely the most expensive bottle of water I've seen in a while.
The hotel bedding was of 5 star quality, the pillows were firm and provided me with a very comfortable night sleep. The bathroom products consisted of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath and shower gel as well as hand and body soap from Roger & Gallet Paris. Sofitel also provided a shower cap, make up removing pads and cotton buds, and even sewing needles and spare buttons in case of an unfortunate loss of a button before an important business meeting.
Staff at the hotel are extremely friendly, courteous and professional and really do make you feel special. Even something as small as opening your taxi door as you arrive or simply addressing you as "Sir" reminds you that Sofitel truly is a 5 star property. Check-out was equally as smooth as check-in.
Overall the Sofitel Brisbane provided me with a beautiful room, a great central location walking distance to Queen St Mall, Southbank, and Dockside areas, and a very memorable stay.
Definitely one of the best hotels in Brisbane. Highly recommended.
not a pleasant experience...
by TripAdvisor Member W0zza
Stayed at the Sofitel Brisbane in May 2007 and when we (3 business people) return in June, we will NOT be returning to the Sofitel. This is a very dated business hotel but disgustingly over priced. We were unfortunate enough to have to stay in Brisbane during the “Australia Tourism Exchange”…..a euphemism for lets overcharge the guests till it hurts....then gouge some more!!!
We did ask one of the taxi drivers why the prices for hotels in Brisbane were so fantastically expensive (AU$445 per night for a very ordinary hotel room). He told us that in general, the hotels in BNE complained that they only had 40% occupancy rates throughout the year but they double or triple prices during “events”! Great idea guys!!!!…. That will attract guests back when they visit on business and see how expensive it is!?
Another curious practice is to charge a lower rate for the first night and then increase the rate by $50-70 for the second night. When I asked why, the response was “oh it’s because of market conditions” ???!! Huh?!!! When I asked her what those market conditions were - she didn’t have a clue. This is a practice, calculated to aggravate any guest and discourage staying for more than one night. In general, the total lack of service mentality is shocking.
Note to hoteliers in Brisbane: We were so incensed at the ripoff prices we were charged on our last visit to Brisbane, that we informed our travel department and our company policy has now changed to “MINIMISE your stay in Brisbane to day trips, if at all possible” .
Great location
by TripAdvisor Member silvergate
Recently we stayed at this former Sheraton, now a Sofitel hotel. Wanting a central downtown hotel with easy access to the airport train on departure, this hotel could not be located any better, sitting astride Brisbanes's main train station. Brisbanes's attractions such as Queen street pedestrian shopping zone, riverfront, southbank, and casino are only a few blocks away, easily reached on foot. The highrise hotel met all expectations of a classy hotel with a business clientele. Reservation and on arrival check-in were handled by friendly, efficient staff. Our room was well appointed. Most importantly, it was quiet as a church and trains passing underground could not be heard at all. A courtesy welcome drink coupon prompted us to sit by the large windows of the lobby bar, enjoying the view over Anzac Square and the city skyline beyond. We made use of the business center and room service, and found both most satisfactory. Transfer to the airport on the airport train could not have been more convenient, involving just an escalator ride down to the station. We certainly will stay at this hotel again on our next trip.
Great New Day Spa
by TripAdvisor Member SydneyGeoff
I had a great time last weekend at the Sofitel's new Day Spa. The relaxation started the moment I opened the door and smelled the fragrant oils. I opted for a specialist facial and the mud bath treatment called a Rasul. Sublime. I felt wonderful and really relaxed. The start of a great weekend in Brisbane.
Excellent
by TripAdvisor Member avwood
Excellent hotel with great views down Post Office Square. Very easy for airport transfer as the train from the airport goes direct to the Sofitel (Central Station underneath the hotel).
I found the room excellent and the staff outstanding and obliging.
The dining room buffet for both breakfast and dinner is "extravagant" in the variety and quantity of food on offer.
I would return to the Sofitel any time I go to Brisbane.
Forum Posts
Brisbane Hotel name
by betska
Greetings & good evening to our Brissy VT experts!
I have a question from some friends of mine...
What is the name of the hotel that is situated directly above Central Station?
Thanks!!
Re: Brisbane Hotel name
by worldinabag
Sofitel Brisbane Central - http://www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au?
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