Recap: Sofitel SO (SO Lofty Suite)
Maiden experience with the GLO Hotel Chain, and we were pleasantly surprised by its inviting and cozy interior, delicious breakfast offerings, and excellent location. A great option for anyone intending to explore Helsinki.
Date of Stay: Jan 2022
Initial Thoughts
It is interesting that Sofitel has 2 hotels locally: the earlier hotel was SO Singapore, and when the new Sofitel Singapore City Centre opened, it was a little confusing when trying to book a Grab trip to either area (would instinctively type Sofitel Singapore instead of SO Singapore). After trying out City Centre, we thought it would be great to complete the collection!
Price
As an Accor Plus member, I utilized one of my complimentary night certificates to reserve a SO Studio (third level above base room), topping up 179 SGD. Furthermore, due to my Accor Gold status (which you can obtain as well, more details in an upcoming post), we were fortunate enough to receive a complimentary upgrade to the luxurious SO Lofty Suite!
Arrival and Check-In
We received notification that the room would be ready by 12pm! The lobby perfectly embodied the elegant French chic style envisioned by designer Mazil Abilmona.
During the check-in process, we encountered a few minor hiccups where the room rate for the suite (which was supposed to be complimentary), was initially quoted instead of the actual rate specified in my booking. Fortunately, this issue was promptly resolved once it was clarified. There was also a mix-up with the room number, but the reception staff quickly corrected it.
Room - SO Lofty Suite
The 78sqm SO Lofty Suite Room does exude classiness, evident in its French-inspired couches, meticulous design, and captivating artwork. Following the Sofitel tradition, the room features unconventional elements like a faux dome ceiling, distinctive lamps, and ornamental accents.
Despite its proximity to the elevators and main road, the room demonstrated commendable soundproofing. I found myself frequently gravitating towards the couch, which is unusual for me as I typically prefer lounging on the bed while engaging in activities such as watching TV or reading articles.
The balcony was cosy enough, but maybe a bit too loud (and warm) for extended periods of relaxation or work. Furthermore, the close proximity to neighbouring balconies meant that you could easily observe your neighbours spending time outside, although fortunately, there was no one present during our stay.
The well-stocked mini bar offered a delightful blend of local Singaporean and French influences, with the chalkboard showcasing the enticing selection of in-house cocktails as a standout feature. By the way, the mini bar was also provided as a complimentary amenity for guests, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
My Accor Gold amenities placed on the work desk included a delightful package consisting of festive chocolates and a care kit. Nice touch!
One of the pleasant features of the Suite was the abundance of power outlets, including convenient USB charging ports. More importantly was the presence of charging points on both sides of the beds, which is a lifesaver for smartphone dependent individuals like us.
Moreover, the suite also showcases state-of-the-art appliances! Instead of a traditional remote control, an iPad controls all television functions, as well as the blinds and lighting, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Additionally, guests can conveniently utilize an iPhone to contact the Reception or Concierge services.
Bathroom
The bathroom was huge! And the bathtub was one of the largest that we have experienced in our staycations. The location was also suitable for watching the main TV directly, needless to say that we hanged out for most of the day. The rain shower has also one of the best water pressures. Bathroom amenities were from , which is similar to the one that One Marina15 uses.
The bathroom in the suite was incredibly spacious, and the bathtub surpassed our previous experiences in other staycations as one of the largest we have encountered! The positioning of the main TV made it convenient for us to watch it directly from the bathroom, leading us to spend a significant portion of our bath time there. Furthermore, the rain shower boasted exceptional water pressure, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. The bathroom amenities were from Citron Fresh, a brand similar to the one used by One Marina15, adding a touch of familiarity to our stay.
Dining
Taking advantage of my Accor Plus benefit (50% discount on the total bill for two diners), we decided to indulge in the dinner menu at Xperience Restaurant. Our selections included truffle fries, crab croquette, duck confit, and banana split. All the dishes showcased exceptional quality, but the crab croquette stood out as truly exquisite! Highly recommended among the food options.
Facilities
The hotel offers a range of amenities including a gym, swimming pool, and a pool bar. I had the opportunity to swim in the pool and it provided a truly unique experience of swimming amidst the towering skyscrapers. However, I couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious, thinking about the office workers who might catch a glimpse of the pool area 😳
Furthermore, the gym featured a subtle touch of Chinese decor, with a motivating proverb ("to energize") encouraging you to push yourself harder during your workout sessions?
Conclusion
Regrettably, our initial visit to a Sofitel SO hotel proved to be our final one, as it underwent a conversion to Hotel Telegraph in late September 2022. Would be interested to know how the experience would be like in the near future!
