"First impressions? When this indie favorite on bustling Chapel Street started to lose its luster in the 2000s, Sofitel swept in and undertook a comprehensive revamp. The place now runs more efficiently than it ever did, while retaining the glam that has long attracted A-listers. What’s the crowd like? Celebrities of all descriptions (from Bruce Springsteen to David Beckham); and slightly confused Sofitel acolytes. Tell us about the rooms. At 32 square meters (345 square feet), standard rooms are smaller than many in Melbourne, but the white-on-white palette, large windows, and full-length mirrors open things up considerably. Only some of the marble bathrooms come with tubs, so specify when you book. How about the little things? The Como has retained plenty of personality since becoming part of the Sofitel collection—there's a signature Como rubber ducky in each bathroom, and Evian in the fridge. Wisely, the hotel has recently stopped charging for Wi-Fi. Room service and food: Worth it? Chapel Street is teeming with buzzy bars and acclaimed eateries, which may be why The Como has no restaurant of its own. Instead, there's a breakfast brasserie and a bar, both of which perform well. Room service is 24/7 and very popular with guests. Anything else stand out? The heated pool on the top floor is beautiful and little used. Of the three penthouses, the Pearl is our pick: it mimics the soft white palette of the rooms downstairs, unlike its two siblings. Bottom line. This once-chaotic hangout for hard-partying celebrities has benefited from an injection of French functionality, although it still possesses a certain je ne sais quoi ." - Dan F. Stapleton
