Where 14-16 Hastings St, Noosa Heads, (07) 5449 4888, sofitelnoosapacificresort.com.au
Cost From $285, with breakfast.
At a glance 176 rooms, suites, residences and penthouses, adjoining rooms; bars, restaurant, pool, day spa, gym, sauna, paid valet and self-parking, self-service laundry.
In room Paid WiFi, bath, balcony or courtyard, some kitchenettes, pillow menu, Lanvin toiletries.
Best rooms The best entry-level room with river views is No. 624. (“Village View” rooms have views of the rooftop of the adjacent shopping centre.)
The scent of change is in the air at this Noosa stalwart. That’s Sofitel’s house fragrance wafting through the lobby, imparting notes of rose and bergamot, just one of many Gallic touches introduced since Sofitel took over from Sheraton two years ago. There are pre-dinner “apero chic” soirées in Noosa Beach House or at the new riverside Riviera Bar; Mumm, Badoit and Evian in the minibar; a “bonjour” from smartly attired staff; and the signature Sofitel candle-lighting ritual at dusk. Spacious guestrooms in a palette of cream, stone and coral are largely unaltered. Blue and white parasols have sprouted poolside, and five new cabanas with butler service border the lagoon and its retro swim-up bar.
We love
Noosa’s best-located lodgings deliver the luxury of space; even entry-level studios have spa baths and 55 square metres of real estate. On the doorstep are Hastings Street’s boutiques, Main Beach and Noosa National Park.
Thoughtful extras
How considerate to have a well-stocked bottleshop on site, allowing guests to charge drinks and deli items to their rooms.
Noosa Beach House Bar
Dining options
A French-accented buffet breakfast served in the light-filled Noosa Beach House includes a mix-your-own juice bar, barista-made coffee, Viennoiserie, and breads with mini Bonne Maman jams. Approach the omelette station for a change from standard hot options.
One of the spacious guest rooms at Sofitel Noosa
Drink up
Choices, choices: Champagne in a poolside cabana, or cocktails at the swim-up Water’s Edge Bar? Perhaps a gin-fuelled Riviera Sunset on the balcony of the riverside Riviera Bar or a round at the busy Noosa Beach House Bar? Or retire to your balcony with a drop from the bottle shop.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Hotel Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
