Sofitel is a fairly new addition to the Gold Coast hotel scene. It is located in trendy Broadbeach, one suburb away from Surfers Paradise. Broadbeach boasts a multitude of nice cafes and restaurants, hence presents a lively backdrop for the Sofitel.
Spectacular white sand beach is only 5 minutes walk away and Jupiters Casino is also in close proximity to the hotel.
Accommodation
Sofitel is located in a 23 level tower built over Broadbeach; if offers its guests a choice of 296 rooms and suites. Some of the rooms face the river at the back, some have spectacular views towards the sea. All rooms in the Sofitel are modern and spacious.
Our favourite room is Luxury Ocean View with 180 degree views of the Pacific ocean. In the mornings it feels like you are waking up on a cruise ship – wonderful.
Suites are perfect for those who love to entertain and for families with young children. We stayed in a one-bedroom Prestige Suite with a spacious living room with a balcony, kitchenette, bedroom with a divine Sofitel MyBed, ensuite with a spa bath and a separate powder room.
When we arrived in the suite, we were pleasantly surprised by a beautifully designed fruit plate, chocolate strawberries, toys and books for the kids waiting to welcome us. Little treats were freshened up in our room every day and nice chocolates offered at turn down service. Made us feel very welcome!
Nespresso coffee machine also was a welcome addition in our suite. A morning coffee on the balcony with a view was priceless!
Facilities
Sofitel doesn’t have a lot of facilities – only a tiny enclosed gym without a view and a swimming pool on level 3. We found the swimming pool to be on a chilly side and the lack of service by the poolside was somewhat unusual.
We preferred the beach to the pool and spend the days playing in the waves.
Dining
Buffet breakfast has a standard selection of a 4 star hotel – bottled juices, some simple fruit, yogurts, cereals. Not a lot of choice but pleasant service.
Dinner however was a highlight of our stay.
Room 81
Room 81 is a fine dining restaurant that was awarded highly regarded ‘Chef Hat’ for 3 years in a row. Young UK chef Sam Moore has worked in many wonderful restaurants in Europe and Australia and had brought innovation and imagination to Room 81.
Every dish we tried from an a la cart menu was very visually pleasing as well as delightful for our taste buds.
Yabbie tails and Green tea smoked Ocean trout are ‘must try’ entrees while wagyu rump, a signature main, simply melts in your mouth.
We recommend to accompany the dishes by a ‘bubble bath’ – beautifully presented selection of champagnes.
Room 81 is a perfect restaurant for a romantic occasion. Highly recommended, even if you are not staying in the Sofitel.
The Lux Traveller Loves
Spacious suite with a sea view
Modern décor of the rooms and suites
Dinner at Room 81 – a highlight of our stay
Splitting Hairs
There are no premium wines & champagnes in the mini bar and staff are not very familiar with premium wine selection
No service by the pool – really?
The gym could be bigger and better
Strange wifi set up – at check out I ended up with a $200 wifi bill for checking my emails twice. Hotel has graciously waived the fees after a lengthy conversation, but just check the T&Cs before logging in.
All In All
The rooms at the Sofitel start from $300 per night and go up to $560 for the suite. Hotel represents good value for the guests who are coming to the Gold Coast to explore the area and the theme parks or love to spend their time at the beach.
If you are looking for a resort type hotel and like to spend a lot of time at the property I would suggest the Marriott or Versace.
