PARIS FOR SOFITEL MELBOURNE

SOFITEL Melbourne on Collins is now home to new guest rooms that “feel like a Parisian apartment in the heart of Melbourne” thanks to an extravagant $15 million renovation.

Celebrated architect IM Pei – who was originally tasked with designing the five-star address that sits at the Paris End of Collins Street in Melbourne – has managed the update with the “design direction of the new-look guest rooms” showing “an understated minimalist style”.

Tony Leung, founder of A+ Design Group which was commissioned to manage the refurbishment, said the design elements of the new rooms reflected the hotel’s existing architecture and downtown location. 

“We’ve drawn on I.M Pei’s narrative of strong triangular geometry, which are all elements seen in the architecture of Sofitel Melbourne such as the courtyard and portico roof structure of the building,” Mr Leung said.

“Some of the key interior design elements of the new guest rooms include an angled mirror and timber window shutters that follow the triangular structural framing of the building’s architecture and new joinery that pays homage to I.M. Pei,” he said.

“This is also demonstrated in the cabinet’s handle detailing and fabric patterning on the bedside tables as well as the minibar’s beautiful soft metallic triangular form and checker fabric patterning.”

“One of the hero furniture items in the room is the signature armchair and footrest with its striking deep blue colour, this not only reflects the colourful streetscape of Melbourne and its laneway artwork but also draws on the French flag with the blue venerating Saint Martin.

“Its softness, the shape and curves, subtly contrast with the triangular geometry and belie the ‘Frenchness’ of the Sofitel brand and its position within the French Quarter of Melbourne.”

The hotel’s General Manager, Clive Scott AM said the new-look spaces “showcase the hotel’s timeless elegance and continued commitment to the arts”.

“We’re excited to welcome guests to enjoy our stylishly refreshed guest rooms that evoke a feeling of calm and luxury in the heart of Melbourne,” he said.

“Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is proud to support Melbourne’s arts and cultural scene and as such, has incorporated French inspired photography in the new guest rooms that celebrate the uniqueness of both Melbourne and Paris.”