Sofitel Brisbane Central, in partnership with Muk Muk Fine Art is set to host a major retrospective of the works by the late Adam Cullen, one of Australia’s most controversial and influential artists.  Passing away in 2012 Adam Cullen left a legacy of artworks that are both polarising and irresistible.

The exhibition opens Saturday 18 May at the hotel’s Lobby Gallery and will be on display to the public until Saturday July 13, showcasing a collection of works painted over the past decade. “We’re very excited to celebrate the talent of Adam Cullen and offer our guests and the public the opportunity to admire the works at our Lobby Gallery. Art is an important element of Sofitel’s heritage and we look forward to working with Muk Muk Fine Art to continually bring remarkable exhibitions to our hotel”,  says Sofitel Brisbane Central’s General Manager Marcus Hanna.

Long regarded as the ‘enfant terrible’ of the contemporary Australian art scene Adam first gained notoriety in the art world when he chained a decomposing pig’s head to his ankle for two weeks. He shot to fame and prominence on the broader Australian stage in 2000 when he won the prestigious Archibald Prize with his portrait of actor David Wenham. He entered the Archibald Prize regularly after winning and was hung as a finalist nine times. Adam was instrumental in changing perceptions about the conservative nature of the Archibald Prize.

“Adam’s works hang in many of Australia’s major institutions”, says Mike Mitchell, Managing Director of Muk Muk Fine Art. “He was undoubtedly one of the most fearless artists that Australia has produced. His works polarised his critics like few other artists in our history.  Some find his works inspirational, others find it irritating but he is nothing if not thought provoking”.

Following a multi million-dollar rooms refurbishment Sofitel Brisbane Central offers a new level of luxury accommodation for Brisbane city. A visual landmark on the city horizon, the luxurious yet minimalistic interior of the hotel lobby has been replicated throughout the guest rooms. All 433 rooms including 81 Club rooms, and 21 luxurious Suites have undergone a makeover of impressive proportions.

“We’re the largest luxury hotel in the city and our clients demand a high level of service and surroundings. When I arrived at the property in 2012 the owners and I identified that our rooms provided an opportunity to enhance our offerings and create a unique product for the business and leisure market”, says Marcus Hanna General Manager for Sofitel Brisbane Central.

New finishes, furniture, lighting and technology ensure both the business and leisure traveller are well catered for throughout a variety of room types. All rooms access wifi and are provided with a dedicated data connection. Bedrooms have been appointed with sensor operated LED reading lamps, integrated bed heads and additional LED floor lamps.

Local design group DBI Design worked closely with Sofitel to create the collection of room types using a variety of tone and décor. Superior rooms are embellished with peacock inspired highlights whilst Luxury, and Luxury Club rooms boast a richer regal feel with velvet and plum accents. Junior Suites shimmer in luxury with silver and warm grey colour palettes layered with textured fabrics in duck egg blue.

“ We commenced the process mid last year and I’m pleased to announce that all 433 rooms of the property have now been completed, with the Prestige and Opera Suites undergoing complete remodelling. Our design concept focused on infusing French elegance with elements of our local heritage, and has resulted in a fresh and sophisticated décor, whilst still reflecting traditional French design influences throughout all room types”, adds Hanna.

The Prestige and Opera Suites exude a warm palette of mulberry accents, deep garnet and champagne with furnishings from B+B Italia, Max Aalto and Mooi. The Suites boast a homely feel reminiscent of a chic European apartment. The tasteful colour palette has been incorporated into the floor coverings, upholstery and soft furnishings with even the smallest of touches such as the internal desk draws reflecting the colour theme of the room.

A unique art concept has been adapted throughout celebrating the Sofitel global philosophy of combining old world heritage with modern local culture. DBI Design commissioned a stunning photographic collection, which features throughout each room of the property and showcases Parisian landscapes alongside iconic Brisbane landmarks.

The popular Opera Suite has been completely remodelled during the refurbishment project and now sprawls across one level, on floor 28 of the property. The lounge space of the suite leads off to the discreet powder room, with an en-suited bedroom unveiled behind large sliding panels decorated with spectacular designer wall coverings. A grand ensuite incorporating a stone bath and vanity basins, rain head showers and dressing area offers the finest in imported European finishes by Arper and Fantini, with tapware created by famed Japanese designer Naoto Fukusawa. State of the art surround sound, iPod and iPad connectivity and intelligent lighting, AV interface controls and electronic black out blinds ensure the tech savvy are simply a click away from their IT needs.

Sofitel’s exclusive MyBed continues to feature throughout all guest rooms. Immaculate, high and plumped up with feathers and down, Sofitel’s MyBeds create the perfect cocoon for a nights rest. The secret lies in the unique alliance of gentle softness and airy lightness to bring guests a sleeping experience that continually creates late checkout demand!

Experience Sofitel’s inspiring savoir-faire and enjoy the new era of hotel luxury at Sofitel Brisbane Central. The hotel is celebrating the refurbishment of the property with Magnifique Romance*. Enjoy new luxury accommodation in Parisian inspired surrounds, a bottle of French champagne, a mouthwatering chocolate platter, and breakfast in bed from just $315 per night.

For reservations contact Sofitel Brisbane Central via 07 3835 3535

Check-in for an evening of Magnifique Romance at Sofitel Brisbane Central this Valentine’s Day, Thursday February 14th. The French hotel is offering guests a luxurious overnight stay including a bottle of champagne on arrival, chocolate welcome gift, breakfast daily for two adults and a lazy late checkout of 4.00pm. The Magnifque Romance package is available from February 1st until February 28th 2013, with prices starting from $315.

To compliment the stay treat your Valentine to a five course degustation dinner at Privé249, the hotel’s multi award winning restaurant led by Chef De Cuisine Josh OKorn. The exclusive Valentine menu is accompanied with a bottle of 2002 Moët & Chandon Rosé vintage.  Spanner Crab with Rhubarb, Celeriac and Rose, Vanilla Confit Duck with Petit Legume and Nectarine Nage and Strawberry and Violet Bavarois with Beetroot Meringues are just a few of the delectable delights that will grace your tastebuds during your Privé249 rendezvous. 

Performances from a live harpist throughout the evening will ensure romance is in the air and diners can have a little fun learning the language of love thanks to speciality table menus listing a range of French phrases and serenading words to impress their Valentine. Five course degustation (including a bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé), $179 per person.  Bookings are essential.

Thyme² will also play host to Valentine’s Day celebrations with the interactive restaurant offering Valentine diners a complimentary glass of rose on arrival, along with live entertainment throughout the evening. Thyme² Restaurant, interactive buffet dining starts from $135 per person.
 
For reservations contact Sofitel Brisbane Central via 07 3835 3535 or visit www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

Terms & Conditions: Magnifique Romance package subject to availability. For Bookings contact hotel direct or visit www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au. Full dining details available online at sofitelbrisbane.com.au including Valentine’s Day menu.

Two of the longest standing employees of Sofitel Brisbane Central have been acknowledged at the recent Queensland Hotel Association Awards; with Chief of Engineering Mohammed Sharif and Executive Chef Patrice Falantin winning their nominated categories at the industry awards night held recently in Brisbane.

“Mohammed and Patrice are invaluable long standing assets to our property and it’s inspiring to see them and their teams acknowledged at an industry awards night such as the QHA’s”, says Sofitel Brisbane Central’s General Manager Marcus Hanna.

Recognised for Best Environmental Practice, Mohammed Sharif has been with the property since 1998 and leads a team of 11 staff.  Mohammed has initiated a number of energy reduction and waste minimisation practices for the property and leads the hotel’s Energy Conservation Committee and Environmental Health and Safety Committee.

A finalist in 2011, Patrice Falantin took the winning gong for 2012 for Kitchen Employee of the Year. Executive Chef since 2008, Patrice manages a staff of close to 90. His knowledge is a valuable resource for his hotel colleagues and that of the Sofitel network.  For the past year Patrice has been a member of the Sofitel Food and Beverage Committee, encompassing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Through the support of the Food and Beverage committee Patrice has coordinated a quarterly program of guest Chef appearances at the hotel; including 2 Michelin Star Chef Edouard Loubet, Le Petit Gâteau Head’s Pastry Chef Pierrick Boyer and renowned Le Tour de France presenter Gabriel Gaté.

Press Relations Contact
Teek Sierra Ireland
Public Relations Consultant
Mob 0403 899 648
teek@prposse.com

They’re off and racing – early bird tickets for Melbourne Cup at Sofitel Brisbane Central are on sale now.  Enjoy a day to remember on Tuesday 6th November at Sofitel Ballroom Le Grand as the luxury hotel celebrates race day in style. The Classic Hits 4KQ Breakfast crew will return to the stage with presenters Laurel Edwards, Gray Clare and Mark Hine entertaining guests throughout the day.

The excitement of the Melbourne Cup events will be on show via the Sofitel ballroom cinema screens, whilst guests indulge in Moët & Chandon on arrival, a gourmet three course feast by Executive Chef Patrice Falantin, free flowing sparkling and a selection of wine and beer throughout the day.

Fresh spanner crab and king prawn salad, Moreton bay bug with wasabi leaves and soy jelly, dry aged sirloin steak and seared pink snapper are just a few of the delectable menu choices on offer for the three course luncheon spectacular.

Fashion previews by renowned stylist’s “id couture” will showcase an array of local and international designs and the hotly contested fashions on the field will once again be a highlight of the day for fashionable guests.  

Great prizes are up for grabs throughout the day, and TAB facilities available for betting enthusiasts. One lucky guest will win a fantastic five-night escape for two at Sofitel Los Angeles Beverley Hills, including return airfares for two, courtesy of Virgin Australia. 

Popular Brisbane band ‘Groove Elements’ will keep guests well entertained following the big race; with the party atmosphere continuing at Cuvée Lounge Bar – host of the official hotel after party.

Cuvée Lounge Bar offers guests an inspiring selection of vintage and non-vintage labels from 20 of the world's great champagne houses, complemented by a connoisseur's selection of Australian, European and New World wines and an impressive cocktail menu. Cuvée’s resident DJ for the event, DJ Niko will be performing a soulful repertoire of lounge tunes from 3.00pm – which is sure to keep party goers entertained.

Sofitel Brisbane Central Ballroom Le Grand, Tuesday 6th November 2012
11.30am until 3.30pm.  Tickets limited so book now. Early bird $165pp (until 12th October). 
Regular ticket price $190 per person or $1850 table of 10.

Reservations and full menu details available via www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au, or available by contacting the hotel direct via 07 3835 3535.

Teek Sierra Ireland
Public Relations Consultant
Mob+61 (0) 403 899 648
teek@prposse.com