Sydney (14 September 2010): Sofitel Luxury Hotels has been named ‘Best Hotel Brand’ at the 2010 Hotel Management Magazine (HM) Awards held in Sydney this month.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels was one of the most commended hotel brands at the 2010 HM Awards ceremony, recognised not only for being the region’s most outstanding hotel brand but earning equal praise across a variety of diverse categories including regional hotel awards, department awards and key staff and supplier accolades.

In the ‘Major Awards’ categories, Sofitel Luxury Hotels was not only awarded ’Best hotel Brand’ but earned the prestigious “Best Hotel’ prize for stunning Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa won Best New Zealand Hotel, a timely prize on the heels of the hotel’s recent multimillion dollar renovation and upgrade program.

Launched in 2005 as Queenstown’s original five-star hotel, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has been reborn this month, following an impressive $2 million upgrade and extension. The multi-million dollar injection into the Queenstown hotel sector follows the purchase of the hotel and the complex’s retail space by established property developer, Graham Wilkinson.

The new look hotel now featured an updated ground level which has extended to incorporate a new leisure business centre with a meeting space exclusive for more intimate gatherings and functions suited to VIP clientele. In addition, Sofitel has launched Left Bank Cafe, inviting hotel guests and other patrons to take breakfast and lunch in charming Parisian style, without ever having to leave the heart of Queenstown