Mr Simon McGrath (AccorHotels Chief Operating Officer Pacific), Ms Jacqui Felgate (Channel 7 and the MC for the evening) and Mr Clive Scott (General Manager Sofitel Melbourne On Collins) at the 20th Anniversary of Sofitel in Melbourne Cocktail Party.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is celebrating its 20th anniversary during 2016.

Located within the Collins Place precinct at the `Paris End’ of Melbourne’s famed Collins Street, the hotel was formerly known as The Wentworth and then The Regent Melbourne. Sofitel rebranded the iconic I.M Pei designed property as Hotel Sofitel on 1 July 1996.

The opening of the Hotel Sofitel in Melbourne represented a significant milestone for the French luxury hotel company, and its parent company AccorHotels, as it was the brand’s first property in Australasia. Reflecting its prestigious address, the hotel was renamed Sofitel Melbourne On Collins in 2008 and over the past two decades has established itself as Melbourne’s Hotel For The Arts.

The property is renowned as one of Melbourne most versatile conference and event spaces, offering 13 individual meeting rooms including a pillarless Grand Ballroom, 362 seat auditorium, and Tower Suites that offer sweeping views of the world’s most liveable city.

Standing by its brand pillar of gastronomy and wine the hotel has prided itself on culinary excellence, via its original restaurant Le Restaurant and since 2008, No35, which is currently helmed by Chef de Cuisine Martin Horsley.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has a well-deserved reputation as Melbourne’s home of opening night parties for major musical theatre productions. It has hosted celebrations for The Lion King (2005), Miss Saigon (2007), Wicked (2008), Mao’s Last Dancer (2009), Chicago (2009), Mary Poppins (2010), Hairspray (2010), Love Never Dies (2011), Jersey Boys (2009), Moonshadow (2012), Strictly Ballroom (2015) and Georgy Girl in December last year.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins is proudly part of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, a collection of more than 120 luxury addresses in 40 countries worldwide.

AccorHotels Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said: “Established as a flagship of the brand, the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has set the high standard for Sofitel properties in Australia ever since its opening in 1996. I congratulate the hotel General Manager, Mr Clive Scott and his team on 20 successful years, and look forward to the next 20.”

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins General Manager, Mr Clive Scott, thanked guests and ambassadors for their support of the hotel and said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sofitel in Melbourne. We have been welcoming guests to the hotel for the past two decades and are committed to providing our guests and clients with magnifique experiences combined with a touch of French elegance. We look forward to saying “bonjour” for many years to come.’’

The hotel’s 20th anniversary was marked on July 1 with a French themed cocktail party in Sofi’s Lounge, replete with a two metre high croquembouche in the shape of the Eiffel Tower.

Experience Sofitel Melbourne On Collins this winter with the So Cultural Package.

Discover the cultural heart of Melbourne with this offer that includes overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast for two in No35 restaurant and two tickets to one of Melbourne’s major cultural exhibitions. Prices start from $355 per room per night.

The two metre high croquembouche Eiffel Tower.

Rhonda Burchmore and her daughter Lexi.