Sofitel Melbourne On Collins sits at 25 Collins Street, at the eastern, Paris-end of the street that is Melbourne's most elegant address. It is a five-star hotel with 363 rooms and a French accent in its service and style, and its position is its best feature: Flinders Lane is a two-minute walk away, Federation Square five minutes, the Princess Theatre five minutes and Parliament Station four minutes, with Flinders Street Station about eleven minutes and Melbourne Central about ten. That makes it an excellent base for visitors who plan to eat, shop and see shows on foot. The hotel's food and drink options include No35, a modern European restaurant, the Atrium Bar on 35, a cafe and a bar and lounge, and the rooms have in-room massage available and a gym on site. There is no pool on site, so those who prioritise swimming should look at Southbank hotels instead. The hotel is rated 9.0 by guests, which reflects consistently strong service. Check-in starts at 3pm and check-out is before 11am, and the airport is a drive of around half an hour. It suits couples, theatre-goers and travellers who want a refined base close to the laneways.
Think about what the location offers. The eastern end of Collins Street is quieter than the Bourke Street Mall end, with a more polished feel, and it is within easy reach of the Spring Street theatres and the Treasury Gardens. Trams run along Collins Street and the free tram zone covers the central area, so getting about is simple. Evenings are well catered for within a few minutes, from the laneway bars to the theatre district, and you can walk to the Arts Centre and the National Gallery across the river in around fifteen minutes.
Inside, the emphasis is on comfort and service rather than facilities. The restaurant and the bar on the 35th floor are the draw for those who like a view with their drink, and the in-room massage option suits guests who want to unwind without leaving their room. Because there is no pool, families with young children and those who want to swim may find other hotels more suitable. Ask about club access, breakfast and views when you book, since room types vary.
Who is it for? Couples, business travellers and anyone attending a show or an event in the east end of the city will get the most from it. Rates rise during major events such as the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup carnival and the Grand Prix, so book early for those periods. If you prefer a design-led, playful atmosphere, the laneway hotels or W Melbourne may suit you better, but for classic five-star service in a central position, Sofitel On Collins is a reliable choice.
Why stay here
- ✓25 Collins Street location
- ✓No35 modern European restaurant
- ✓Atrium Bar on 35
- ✓Cafe and lounge bar
- ✓In-room massage
- ✓Gym
- ✓Two minutes to Flinders Lane
- ✓Four minutes to Parliament Station
Good questions
Where is Sofitel Melbourne On Collins?+
At 25 Collins Street at the eastern end of the street, with Flinders Lane about a two-minute walk away and Federation Square around five minutes.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
There is no pool on site. It does have a gym, and in-room massages are available.
What are the check-in and check-out times?+
Check-in starts at 3pm and check-out is before 11am.
