Hilton Brisbane vs Sofitel Brisbane Central

[featheast]

I have an 2 nights stay in Brisbane this coming weekend, and I have booking with both at the moment (need to cancel one).

First time travel into BNE city so mainly as a tourist for a few days. Both are central so locations wise not much difference.

I’m a diamond with Hilton and an Accor plus as well (both thanks to the Amex card), for the booking itself Hilton one is cash and Sofitel is one free night so ended up about $200 cheaper. Diamond will get me free breakfast at Hilton, while the booking with Sofitel is BB so breaky is also covered.

I’ve heard both are a bit outdated but would like to hear some advise re the choices.

 

[eric2011]

IMO the Hilton is "just a Hilton" the same as every other Hilton, same boring decor etc. The Sofitel is just a bit different and has a nicer feel about it. The Hilton is in the Centre of the downtown and within easy walking to shops, bars restaurants and the river etc. The Sofitel is just on the fringe and roads leading to it are quite steep although there is an easy walking short cut which goes up escalators and through the concourse of the railway station. I'm like you and have status with both. If I just want to stay in Brisbane I would go to the Hilton however if I want to stay in Brisbane and have something just a little bit different I would go to the Sofitel.

 

[turtlemichael]

IMO the Hilton is "just a Hilton" the same as every other Hilton, same boring decor etc. The Sofitel is just a bit different and has a nicer feel about it. The Hilton is in the Centre of the downtown and within easy walking to shops, bars restaurants and the river etc. The Sofitel is just on the fringe and roads leading to it are quite steep although there is an easy walking short cut which goes up escalators and through the concourse of the railway station. I'm like you and have status with both. If I just want to stay in Brisbane I would go to the Hilton however if I want to stay in Brisbane and have something just a little bit different I would go to the Sofitel.

The only real attraction for me of the Hilton, apart from its slightly better central location, is the staff and management of the executive lounge. I don't know if the lounge is open now but, if it isn't, I'd pick the Sofitel.

 

[eric2011]

The only real attraction for me of the Hilton, apart from its slightly better central location, is the staff and management of the executive lounge. I don't know if the lounge is open now but, if it isn't, I'd pick the Sofitel.

Last time I stayed it was still closed

 

[Muppet501st]

Sofitel BNE central lounge opened up first week of Feb this year.

The only real attraction for me of the Hilton, apart from its slightly better central location, is the staff and management of the executive lounge. I don't know if the lounge is open now but, if it isn't, I'd pick the Sofitel.

 

[Pele]

IMO the Hilton is "just a Hilton" the same as every other Hilton, same boring decor etc. The Sofitel is just a bit different and has a nicer feel about it. The Hilton is in the Centre of the downtown and within easy walking to shops, bars restaurants and the river etc. The Sofitel is just on the fringe and roads leading to it are quite steep although there is an easy walking short cut which goes up escalators and through the concourse of the railway station. I'm like you and have status with both. If I just want to stay in Brisbane I would go to the Hilton however if I want to stay in Brisbane and have something just a little bit different I would go to the Sofitel.

Had to laugh when i read your comment. When i stayed at the Brisbane Hilton one of the things i loved was the architecture and design of the foyer and atrium. I thought it was superb. I believe it was designed by Harry Seidler.

 

[Marsonline]

The only real attraction for me of the Hilton, apart from its slightly better central location, is the staff and management of the executive lounge. I don't know if the lounge is open now but, if it isn't, I'd pick the Sofitel.

I believe they give you 'Happy Hour' when the lounge is not open so that's still something.

 

[DC3]

Last time I stayed it was still closed

I have stayed at the Hilton Brisbane several times recently. On some nights it is totally booked out. The EL was open on Friday and Saturday nights, at least. I was told that it was more to do with how busy the lobby lounge is on those nights.

 

[Buzzard]

I've not stayed at the Sofitel but quite like the Hilton. Location is great, E L staff fabulous and I enjoy the pool and spa.

 

[Daver6]

Had to laugh when i read your comment. When i stayed at the Brisbane Hilton one of the things i loved was the architecture and design of the foyer and atrium. I thought it was superb. I believe it was designed by Harry Seidler.

I read it to mean the rooms more than the building. I agree, the building is pretty cool. The actual rooms are just cookie cutter Hilton rooms.

 

[eric2011]

I read it to mean the rooms more than the building. I agree, the building is pretty cool. The actual rooms are just cookie cutter Hilton rooms.

Exactly what was meant. The general decor of the rooms, carpet, colourings etc are pretty much the same boring furnishings everywhere

 

[justinbrett]

The only real attraction for me of the Hilton, apart from its slightly better central location, is the staff and management of the executive lounge. I don't know if the lounge is open now but, if it isn't, I'd pick the Sofitel.

The atrium bar in the Hilton is one of the best coughtail bars in Brisbane, and when the lounge is closed that's where happy hour is where you still get free drinks and food.

I read it to mean the rooms more than the building. I agree, the building is pretty cool. The actual rooms are just cookie cutter Hilton rooms.

They have been refurbished recently. I'd describe them as "fine".

But I think that's why people who stay at Hiltons stay at Hiltons - you know what to expect regardless of where you stay. Sofitel Brisbane rooms look pretty standard to me as well. They don't exactly wow me. As long as the bed is comfortable, there's a fridge and the TV accepts HDMI inputs, I'm usually satisfied.

 

[drross]

I know prefer the Sofitel over the Hilton after stays at both in the last few weeks

 

[DC3]

Has the Sofitel reopened the restaurant? I wanted to book dinner over last Christmas but it had been closed? (for months?)

 

[drross]

Has the Sofitel reopened the restaurant? I wanted to book dinner over last Christmas but it had been closed? (for months?)

Yes

 

[Anna]

Hilton EL has reopened in BNE I believe

 

[DC3]

Hilton EL has reopened in BNE I believe

Is that every night now? Was only open on Fri and Sat nights recently.

 

[DC3]

.. They have been refurbished recently. I'd describe them as "fine" ..

Yes, I agree. I’m not sure what rooms some AFFers are getting, but I have had several stays in the past two months and the rooms have all been recently refurbished, including the bathrooms.

 

[Anna]

Is that every night now? Was only open on Fri and Sat nights recently.

Dunno but i understand it's open tonight

 

[DC3]

Dunno but i understand it's open tonight

Tonight being Friday?