Rub shoulders with celebs at Brisbane's restyled Sofitel

BRISBANE's restyled Sofitel offers shameless luxury and the chance to glimpse some famous faces.

stephanie's spa

I STRUGGLED to get my wife back to our suite at the Sofitel in Brisbane.

It was not because there was anything wrong with the room. To the contrary. Room 2819 - the Opera Suite - is close to being the best hotel experience in Brisbane.

It was also not that she was weak from the steam Rasul treatment at the award-winning Stephanies Spa Retreat.

It was because of what happened when we got into the lift.

We stepped in, pushed the button for our floor but, just as the doors were closing, a buffed Aussie in just his football shorts stepped in, followed by another, and another, and another, and another.

You get the picture.

There is my wife - edging as far away from me as possible - and eight of the North Queensland Cowboys who have jumped straight out of the pool and are wearing next to nothing, drips rolling down washboard stomachs. It was six-pack heaven. Except for me, of course. I was carrying around a couple of cartons.

"I love this hotel," she said as they got off on their floor. "Should we head down to the pool and see if anyone else needs a lift?"

The opening of the Opera Suite marks the end of an audacious, and lengthy, renovation program for the Sofitel. The hotel has always been a favourite for celebrities staying in Brisbane. Because of its location, and design, it has always offered a rare degree of privacy to movie stars, singers and, of course, the Cowboys.

The hotel redesign has added yet another element of privacy and some French-inspired home elegance. There are now six room types. Most of the suites are designed to make you feel that you are coming home to a French apartment. And it works.

I have Brisbane 28 floors below me and I'm watching the city transform into night mode from my 14m-wide gallery of windows in the Opera Suite.

As the lights spring to life in each of the city buildings, Brisbane blossoms. Some cities look better in the day. I think Brisbane shines as it dances in and out of the beams of a neon moon (apologies for stealing that line from country singer Ronnie Dunn).

The suite opens into a dining and lounge area and then flows through to a library/study before sweeping into a large bedroom, dressing room and compartmentalised bathroom.

The egg bath dominates that area and Hermes products make a long soak even more luxurious.

The colour scheme highlights greys, mushrooms and dark timbers and the carpet is new and plush. The more expensive the room rate, the plusher the carpet is, apparently.

The Opera Suite feels very Armani. Chanel. It's Up-market, with a capital U. There is so much to like about this design that you would love to borrow it and include it in your own home. Even the glassware in the mini bar is something that I thought about stealing.

The suite is modern, yet classically elegant, and 5-star all the way. But it would want to be at this nightly rate.

The Sofitel staff are exceptional by Brisbane standards, from your welcome at valet parking through to the night turn-down service.

The Club-level breakfast and canapes are worth paying extra for.

Staying here offers a slice of the glamorous life and, to indulge further, sample French cuisine at Prive249, fine dining at its best.

After dinner, my wife was humming a tune as we walked towards the lift.

When I recognised it as Big & Rich's hit song Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy), I pressed the button to close the lift door as quickly as possible. Better safe than sorry.

Brian Crisp is News Limited's national travel editor.

Go2 - STEPHANIE'S SPA RETREAT

Stephanies Spa retreat is offering a spa escape package from $175 a person, valid for bookings until the end of July.

Normally valued at $250 a person, the 1 1/2-hour spa journey includes a classical facial, eye treatment, hand massage, petite pedicure and polish followed by champagne and chocolate in the spa tranquillity lounge. A perfect Mother's Day gift. See stephanies.com.au for bookings and conditions.

Staying there: The Magnifique Opera package, priced from $2500 a night in the Opera Suite, includes full access to Club Sofitel (including all-day refreshments plus evening drinks and canapes); bottle of French champagne on arrival; breakfast for two at the exclusive Club Sofitel or Thyme; valet parking; wireless internet; and late checkout at 2pm.

Luxury rooms start from $305 a night.

For bookings and terms and conditions, see sofitelbrisbane.com.au

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