The new luxury hotel with a French touch has made its debut in the capital city of South Australia

Oh là là… Accor’s newest Sofitel hotel, Sofitel Adelaide, has just opened its doors confirming that the luxury segment in the hospitality industry in Australia is stronger than ever. The 5-star hotel aligns with the luxury brand and it is located in the heart of Adelaide at 108 Currie Street. There is no doubt that the five-star hotel embodies French-style hospitality and a passion for art de vivre.

It’s interesting to note that the opening of Sofitel Adelaide has marked the brand’s debut in South Australia and that it’s the first internationally recognized five-star hotel to be built in Adelaide in 30 years.

The remarkable design was led by Adelaide-raised Carl Almeida from P49 DEESIGN, an award-winning global interior design practice specializing in hotels and resorts, including the interior design of Accor’s iconic SO/ Melbourne, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Vietnam), Raffles Udaipur (India), and Fairmont Mumbai (India).

Design concept, elements and decor

According to P49 DEESIGN Partner, Carl Almeida, “the vision for Sofitel Adelaide was to bring to life three quintessential Adelaide themes – city of churches, arts and culture, and wine – and to weave these narratives into the hotel’s contemporary interiors, all of which are also a nod to the hotel’s cultural link to the city of Bordeaux in France”.

From the moment I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted by a sense of light and flow and I could immediately spot an original piece by Australian fine-art photographer, Alexia Sinclair, titled Field of Dreams, which forms the centrepiece of the hotel lobby. Segments of this historic French-inspired artwork will appear on light boxes to illuminate the entire porte-cochere ceiling, acting as a bewitching teaser of what’s inside. A striking flowing red wine-inspired chandelier also draws guests into the lobby, which leads them to an exquisite lounge bar.

Modern manifestations of churches feature prominently throughout the hotel, weaving in influences from cathedrals in both Adelaide and France by merging their floor patterns to create the signature floor design used throughout the hotel.

Rooms, suites and a club lounge

The 251 guestrooms and suites – including a decadent Presidential suite – are characterized by French colonial style adapted to a modern contemporary aesthetic. Fully open concept bathrooms with standing bathtubs maximise a sense of space in many of the guestrooms and all showers feature an iconic mosaic design inspired by the stained glass windows of prominent Adelaide cathedrals. From the window of my beautifully appointed suite, I could enjoy the city lights.

All Luxury Club rooms and suites at Sofitel Adelaide provide guests with access to additional complimentary facilities and services as part of Club Millésime – the first hotel club lounge facility of its kind to be launched in Adelaide. Situated on level 10, Club Millésime features a private lounge serving complimentary à la carte breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés, as well as offering personalised check-in and check-out

The fitness & wellness area

As a guest placing value on this kind of facility, I could appreciate the entire wellness area offering an escape from the city with a heated relaxation pool that reminded me of a fancy glass house with chandeliers. For a complete workout experience, I truly recommend the well-equipped fitness room: sometimes it is rare to find more than dumbbells and standard lat pull down machine, but this is not the case. Last but not least, I can’t help but mention a detoxing sauna.

Restaurant and Bars

Garçon Bleu restaurant serves up a French menu featuring the best of local South Australian produce. For the apéro and international wine tasting, go straight to Garçon Bleu Bar, which is located on level 9. This bar has panoramic city views and is an ideal place to steal away for a sparkling afternoon or evening. The Champagne bar Déjà Vu on the ground floor offers the opportunity to have a business meeting or a rendez-vous with friends.

The building is already a landmark

Sofitel Adelaide is part of a mixed-use tower by Palumbo Group, which in addition to being a hotel, also houses one of the tallest residential developments in South Australia. The glass-walled building has become a glittering addition to the skyline, especially at night. Of the 32 stories, the first 24 are dedicated to the hotel and its leisure and business facilities.