We review the top 10 Sofitel hotels in Asia. The best hotels include SO Sofitel Singapore, SO Sofitel Hua Hin Hotel, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Bali, Sofitel Brisbane Central, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra, Sofitel Legend Metropole, Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao, Sofitel Xining.
They say, “Indulge in modern luxury and French art de Vivre at over 120 Sofitel addresses in more than 40 countries around the world.”
1. Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi, Vietnam
From its opening in 1901, the Sofitel Legend Metropole welcomed in a golden age of travel. Heads of state, ambassadors, and celebrities would dine together on elaborate haute cuisine while writers and artists debated in a haze of cigar smoke in the bar.
This grand dame of hotels has stood witness to the Japanese invasion of Vietnam during World War II and survived heavy bombing during the Vietnam War. Join the ‘Path of History’ tour run daily by the hotel, and you can learn more, as well as a chance to enter the 1970s war bunker that sheltered guests.
The trysts of history may have swirled around the hotel, but aside from a few short periods, it’s stayed open. Over a hundred years after it first opened, this is still the best hotel in Vietnam. Rooms and suites in the Historical Metropole Wing have preserved the original grandeur with polished wooden floors, carved bedstead, and cut-crystal chandeliers.
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi beautifully combines French art de Vivre with elegant Vietnamese touches. Located just steps from the Opera House in Hanoï’s French Quarter, this legendary property brings guests into intimate contact with the opulence of another era. You can surround yourself with heritage as you stroll through stately corridors and explore its dramatic past. Daily tours of Metropole’s Path of History and the bomb shelter with historians are offered exclusively for guests staying at the hotel.
The hotel features 364 rooms and suites and excellent meeting and event facilities. The SoFIT by Sofitel gym, situated in the hotel’s inner garden, has been completely redesigned to become a prominent luxury fitness center in Hanoi. The spacious 400 sqm Le Spa du Metropole is a calming sanctuary overlooking the charming garden, courtyard, and pool, featuring private massage areas, thematic spa suites for couples, a manicure and pedicure booth, and a humid zone with a steam bath.
In terms of dining, guests can choose between the Parisian-inspired cafe La Terrasse, the popular poolside Bamboo Bar, the Vietnamese restaurant Spices Garden, the multi-award-winning French restaurant Le Beaulieu, the bespoke cocktail bar, whiskey lounge, and restaurant Angelina, and the colonial-inspired Le Club Bar famous for its afternoon high tea and evening jazz performances, there’s truly something to make every gastronomic journey a memorable one.
2. Sofitel Bali
The Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort has 415 beautifully-appointed rooms, suites and villas. The beach is a short walk from the swimming pool, where you will find one of the world’s leading beach clubs, Nikki Beach. Nikki Beach is fun but also noisy as it pumps music out onto the beach throughout the day and into the evening, which invades the peace of the hotel’s grounds.
The resort is a 15-minute drive via toll road from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International. Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua mixes French elegance with Balinese culture in a lavish 5-star beachfront location. The resort also offers gorgeously landscaped pools and 8 hectares of tropical gardens bordered by an immaculate stretch of white sand on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
The pool is a ‘lazy river’ in style, meandering under bridges and ending up at the main pool area. It is the perfect place to cool off unless you prefer to laze on the beautiful beach that borders the resort. The exceptional SoSPA at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort will help you unwind with soothing treatments and anti-aging treatments. Their kids’ club is ideal for younger guests if you can drag them away from the pool.
The spacious rooms are beautifully furnished with amazing bathrooms offering a walk-in rain shower and a free-standing bathtub. Even the base “luxury” rooms are excellent here. They are large, with 48 sqm of living space, a small sofa, and a balcony. The bathroom is open with an excellent bathtub. The welcome gift here is chocolates, bottled water, and fruit. If you upgrade to a Club Room, you get free food and drink and can use a separate and exclusive pool in the Club Lounge (see more below). Room tip: If you have kids, upgrade to a pool access room. Your kids will want to leap straight out of bed and into the pool. For more privacy, if you are a couple, you may want to consider a room with a private plunge pool.
Upgrading to the Club Millésime rooms, suites, and villas offers great value and gives you a quiet and exclusive place to sit, relax, eat, and drink. Club Millésime is located on the 1st floor of the hotel’s main building and offers an exclusive lounge and bar with indoor seating. Inspired by the French ‘Art de Recevoir,’ this exclusive club features sumptuous breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening canapés, an extensive selection of wines, butler services, and many other special benefits.
Club Millésime guests (these are Sofitel’s club lounge guests) at the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort check-in and out at the private check-in desk in Club Millésime. It’s a nice way to arrive, and you are given a welcome drink and hot towel on arrival.
Club Millésime guests get the following privileges:
- Welcome drink and fruits upon arrival (as described above)
- All-day refreshments (tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks)
- Complimentary local landline calls
- Complimentary pressing of two garments per stay
- Daily afternoon tea
- Daily buffet breakfast at Kwee Zeen or at Club Millésime
- Daily evening cocktail/ Millésime wine tasting
- Personalized check-in and check-out at Club Millésime lounge
- Butler service (only for Suites & Villas)
- Shoeshine service (only for Suites & Villas)
- Late check-out for Le Club Accorhotels Platinum members (subject to availability)
If you are trying to cool off from the heat, try an Iced Latte or my personal favorite, Lychee Iced Tea – just remember to tell them to hold off the sugar, though. Even though the spread wasn’t extensive in the club lounge, I thought that they were quite well-executed, and I also liked that there was a mixture of both hot and cold items.
The Club Millésime is a stylish lounge with a pool table, video games, and magazines if the weather isn’t kind during your vacation. There is also an outdoor terrace as part of this lounge.
In the morning, you can have breakfast in Kwee Zeen, which is built around a spiral staircase from the lobby. Seating is both indoors and outdoors, and there are loads of buffet choices, including bread, pastries, fruit, yogurts, and cereals, plus cook-to-order food stations for eggs but also dishes like Indonesian noodles.
Evening cocktails and wine tasting take place in the lounge and is a refined occasion with loads of wines and some great cocktails, along with high-quality light bites and hot canapés passed around by the lounge staff. It is really good, including sandwiches, cheese, and veggies on toast in canape style, and lots of desserts, but all in very small portions that may or may not be enough to fill you up. You might find you need to eat out in the evening.
The Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort offers lime green tropical grounds, beautiful pools, and picture-perfect beaches under the Bali sunshine.
3. SO Sofitel Singapore
So/ Singapore is a luxury boutique hotel ideally located in the city-state’s central business district. This hotel fuses old-world charm with the latest media technology. Known as downtown Singapore’s funkiest hotel, this hotel AccorHotels’ 800th hotel in the Asia Pacific region.
An oasis at the heart of historic Tanjong Pagar, the hotel is strategically situated just 20 minutes from Singapore’s Changi Airport. It will be AccorHotels’ 13th hotel in Singapore and will be shortly followed by a combined 782-room Novotel and Mercure complex, which will open on Stevens Road, firmly cementing the group’s position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore.
Housed within an iconic former telecommunications building and decorated with a perfect blend of both French style and chic Singaporean influences, it redefines the 5-star luxury boutique hotel experience in the Lion City and is perfect for any traveler who wishes to experience local charm at its best.
So/ Singapore is an audacious lifestyle hotel bursting with local energy and infused with a French twist. Located in the heart of The Lion City, the luxury boutique hotel is the perfect blend of old and new, housed in a heritage building yet fitted with the latest media technology. Enjoy unique experiences in design and gastronomy that showcase local traditions and cultures in a new light to surprise and delight.
So/ Singapore offers great value as well as boutique 5-star luxury in the center of Singapore, and their rooftop infinity pool is fabulous!
4. Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao
On your next trip to Shanghai, China, stay in pure luxury at the stunning, Parisian-inspired Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao. The Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel lies in the heart of the city’s Hongqiao central business district. You are conveniently near to Hongqiao Airport and Railway Station and opposite the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).
The Parisian-inspired common areas, guest rooms, and suites are simply beautiful. Opulent, lavish, and chic, just like Paris. The city of Shanghai has long been referred to as the “Paris of the East,” and so the hotel is a wonderful representation of this tradition.
An impressive array of avant-garde business and leisure facilities are available to you. Clock up some lengths in the 25-meter indoor infinity pool, then relax on the outdoor terrace.
For some serious pampering, treat yourself to a massage at the SPA and make use of the sauna, hammam, and Jacuzzi, too. There’s also a So Fit gym as well as 11 meeting rooms covering 2,000 sqm. Events held at the Grand Ballroom, whether for a personal or business occasion, will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Choose from 354 beautiful guest rooms and suites, all featuring French-style furnishings, the signature Sofitel MyBed, and bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. Opt for a Superior or Luxury Room, both of which can be taken with Club Millesime access, a definite must for discerning guests.
There is a fabulous selection of restaurants and bars available to you at Sofitel Shanghai Hongqiao. Dine in elegance at the international restaurant Kwee Zeen whilst marveling at the stunning views of the cascading waterfall. Savor modern Cantonese fusion cuisine at Le Chinios, which also gives you a delightful view of the falls. Head to Wasabi for Japanese delicacies, or for Spanish tapas, try Ocho Tapas and Wine. End your evening at Le Bar with a creative cocktail in the surroundings of an opulent Parisian lounge.
5. Sofitel Xining
For the very best in Chinese luxury, you’d struggle to find a better example than the exquisite Sofitel Xining in the city of Xining in China.
The hotel lies on the ancient Northern Silk Road in Xining. The largest city on the Tibetan Plateau, Xining, is the capital of Qinghai Province in western China. The nearest airport, Caojiapu Airport, is just 25 miles from the hotel, and there is a shuttle bus.
Xining itself offers a unique and utterly fabulous cultural experience, with influence from all the province’s varied cultures, Muslim, Tibetan, and Han Chinese felt strongly. Browse the colorful street markets and traditional shops, enjoying the contrast with the gleaming modern skyline, all set against an inspiring mountain backdrop.
The opulent, neo-Gothic façade gives you the first hint of what awaits. The lobby is an experience all of its own; soaring ceilings, translucent chandeliers, and marble finishes. Inside, the traditional French chic of a Sofitel hotel blends exquisitely with the glamour of modern Chinese décor.
The indoor heated swimming pool has a stunning stained-glass ceiling that twinkles its reflection to the pool below. There’s also a spa bath and a thermal. You can keep active while you’re away too at the fitness center. The business and events facilities here are vast, with 12 meeting rooms, one of which is the gorgeous Grand Ballroom.
If you decide to book a room rather than a suite, then be sure to opt for one with Club Millesime access. The rooms are spacious at 40m2 and are very beautiful spaces, but discerning travelers will undoubtedly be tempted by the grandeur of the Suites. The Junior Suite alone stands at 60m2, but the vast Prestige and Premium Prestige Suites are simply stunning and include separate living rooms and walk-in closets.
The Sofitel Xining promises to take you on a gastronomic journey. With influences from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, as well as other regions, a true treat awaits. There are its three restaurants and a cocktail bar in the lobby.
6. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Hotel offers 276 elegant styled rooms and suites set within a beautiful tropical garden. Guests at the beach resort enjoy the largest lagoon swimming pool in Krabi, a spa, restaurants serving Thai, Italian, and Indian cuisine, and luxury speedboat tours to nearby islands. You also get to pamper your kids with fun activities and kids’ meals with the MyKids package.
Close to Ao Nang, Phi Phi, and James Bond Island, Sofitel Krabi is the perfect choice for family holidays and romantic getaways. Facilities and venues are ideal for weddings, banquets, and MICE meetings. Situated 814 kilometers from Bangkok, Krabi is one of the most attractive and exciting destinations in Thailand. Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea, indulge in freshly caught cuisine, and shop till you drop at the local markets.
7. SO Sofitel Hua Hin Hotel
SO/ Sofitel Hua Hin Hotel is a playful and stylish hotel located directly on Cha-Am beach. The resort is equipped with 100 SO guestrooms and nine exclusive SO Pool Villas with two distinct room styles: SO Nature, a mix of simple natural elements and lavish French refinement, and SO Arty, blending the sophistication of the past with chic, contemporary design. The resort benefits from the creative signature of fashion designer Polpat Asavaprapha.
Quiet Cha-Am still holds its original fishing village charm and is ideal for a relaxing holiday. With Thailand’s longest white sand beach, this is the perfect escape after enjoying the buzz of Bangkok, while nearby Hua Hin offers lively temptations. Located 281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is the most popular beach resort town in Thailand.
8. Sofitel Foshan Hotel
Sofitel Foshan Hotel offers French luxury and local cuisine in the world’s most exciting city. Sofitel Foshan is located in China’s Leading Furniture Town, Lecong, Shunde District, Foshan, and is connected to Louvre International Furniture Exhibition Center. Sofitel Foshan offers 325 superbly decorated and spacious rooms and suites in 4 different styles: Modern, Post Modern, Chinese, and French.
The hotel is only a 20-minute drive to Foshan downtown and 60 minutes to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Foshan is the ideal place for furniture shopping. It is also well known for its cuisine and has been nominated by UNESCO as the City of Gastronomy.
9. Sofitel Brisbane Central
Sofitel Brisbane Central may be considered the Asia Pacific region, but it is worth mentioning as it is one of the best hotels in Brisbane. Book an executive room at the Sofitel Brisbane Central and get access to the excellent executive lounge in this hotel. Not only does this Sofitel have a great location, possibly the best in Brisbane (many rooms look down on Anzac Square), it also has a very good gym and pool, and we think the best club lounge in Brisbane.
It’s worth splashing out to stay on the executive level with access to the executive club lounge. The staff here are excellent and treat guests well, and the food here is outstanding and filling. Club Sofitel offers some of the best city views in Brisbane, being on level 30. The Brisbane Club is Australia’s largest executive club lounge and is spread over two floors.
There is a great range of buffet-style dishes both in the morning and in the evening. The breakfast offers everything you would expect from a five-star club, from cheeses to scrambled eggs, and there is a coffee machine that makes nice coffee. The ‘pre-dinner’ canapés in the executive lounge (including unusually Escargot snails) are also extensive and enough to fill you up as there is enough for a complete meal.
The lounge itself has a great atmosphere with lovely candles set out at night, great soft “luxury hotel music” in the background, and as much champagne as you can drink. Although the hotel is in Australia, everything has a tinge of French, which helps with the sophistication! You also get turn-down service each night with your executive room, which is a nice touch.
Le Club AccorHotels Platinum members (and registered guests staying in the same room) enjoy free access to the Executive Lounge, whatever room you book. Otherwise, you need to book an executive room to get access to this lounge. We have also reviewed the Sofitel Sydney club lounge in our best club lounges in Sydney article. Book via our luxury travel concierge to get extra free benefits.
10. Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is set among tranquil landscaped gardens on the tree-lined Charles de Gaulle Avenue. It is just a 10-minute drive to Angkor Wat.
Rooms enjoy a blend of French and Khmer design and decor, and the hotel has a wide variety of dining options, including French and international cuisines. The outdoor pool with a swim-up bar is an ideal place for relaxing, and there is an indulgent spa center with a hot tub and massage treatments for relaxing. The hotel also has an 18-hole Country Golf Club.
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort has a newly opened Club Millésime, which adds to the luxury experience if you stay at this luxury hotel. This is definitely one of the best hotel club lounges in Siem Reap. It offers superb cuisine and an extensive list of wines, cocktails, and beers from around the world to inspire you as you overlook the peaceful Sala Lake and its colorful water lilies.
Enjoy a Champagne Breakfast or a tea break. This Club Millésime lounge is open throughout the day. In the evening, as you come back from your visits, the Apéro Chic cocktail hour features a luxurious selection of finger sandwiches, cold cuts, and imported cheeses, all included for free when you book a room with lounge access. It is the perfect way to relax after a tiring day at the Temples.
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