First look inside SA’s new luxury hotel, $150m Sofitel Adelaide

Another five-star, luxury hotel opens in Adelaide today – the $150m Sofitel. Be the first to see inside and let us know what you think.

South Australia’s newest luxury hotel, the $150m Sofitel Adelaide, will finally open its doors today after several delays due to the pandemic.

The five-star accommodation on Currie St boasts 251 guest rooms and suites over 24 floors, many with stunning views of the city and the Adelaide Hills.

Known for its French style and hospitality, the Sofitel brand has six hotels around Australia and more than 120 globally but this is its first in Adelaide.

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Ian Horne said he expected the new Sofitel to attract international tourists and boost confidence in SA after months of low hotel occupancy rates because of Covid.

“It’s going to be a very exciting addition and will help us bounce back from Covid, and with international and state borders (opening) in the foreseeable future, the timing is hopefully perfect,” he said.

First look at the new Sofitel Hotel, Prestige suite. Picture: Tom Huntley.

“Being a global brand, Sofitel will bring with it a database of international travellers … and it will reflect very well on Adelaide that we have one here.”

It’s the fourth major hotel to open in the city in the past 18 months, following The Oval Hotel, Eos at SkyCity Adelaide and Crowne Plaza Adelaide.

Rooms range in price from $320 a night for the superior room, to their top-of-the-line Presidential Suite, complete with dining room, open-living room, walk-in wardrobe and private study.

The new Sofitel Hotel’s pool area, complete with chandeliers. Picture: Tom Huntley

Lola Vancoillie checking in at the lobby. Picture: Tom Huntley.

Sindy Basdevant and Hannah Papp-Horvath, club manager at the Sofitel’s Club Millésime. Picture: Tom Huntley

Views over Adelaide from the Prestige suite’s bath tub. Picture: Tom Huntley

There’s also Sofitel’s plush lounge, Club Millésime, on level 10, which offers facilities including a private lounge and complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and drinks for members and guests in luxury rooms.

The custom-designed hotel features French-inspired artwork combined with iconic aspects of South Australia, including the lobby’s red wine-influenced chandelier.

“Each Sofitel draws inspiration from local culture while celebrating innovation and imparting a French sense of hospitality, and Sofitel Adelaide will proudly continue this tradition,” said hotel general manager Rachael Harman.

“We aim to deliver a one-of-a-kind, luxurious hotel experience, but with a distinct Adelaide feel.”