November 8, 2021 | By Joyce DiMascio
Adelaide’s newest luxury hotel is ready to welcome guests.
It’s been 30 years since the city has had a new five-star hotel from an international hotel brand. And now the ribbon has been cut to open the impressive $150 million Sofitel Adelaide.
The completion has come at just the right time with the reopening of South Australia’s borders on November 23.
As foreshadowed in micenet last week, South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall – also the state’s Minister for Tourism – took part in the special ceremony last Thursday to officially open the property. He was joined by Daniel Palumbo, Managing Director of Palumbo, the hotel’s owner and developer.
For the Palumbo family it was a day filled with great pride and gratitude as they brought to completion the first hotel development for their company.
Palumbo said he was excited to introduce Sofitel Adelaide to the local community as South Australia’s reputation for world-class experiences continued to flourish and grow.
“As a local Adelaide business, this has been a true passion project for us, and we’re confident that this hotel heralds the renaissance of a new era of tourism and travel for South Australia.
“Our ambition is that Sofitel Adelaide will play an important role in supporting the state’s tourism recovery efforts in the months and years ahead, underpinned by exceptional culture, cuisine and outstanding design.”
There’s lots of “local” in the new landmark which will be operated by Accor under its Sofitel brand.
Marshall was effusive about the project saying it will play a critical role in the post-COVID recovery of the state’s tourism industry.
“This investment by the South Australian family-owned Palumbo Group and international hotel brand Sofitel is a massive show of support for South Australia’s future and the potential in our tourism sector and [will] mean more jobs for South Australians,” he said.
In a most fitting appointment, Adelaide local Rachael Harmon has been appointed as General Manager. She’s had a stellar international hotel career working in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as well as east coast Australia.
At the opening of Sofitel Adelaide last week, from left to right: Adrian Williams (VP Operations Accor South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and WA), South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, Rachael Harman (Sofitel Adelaide General Manager) and Managing Director Palumbo, Daniel Palumbo
Accor Pacific CEO Simon McGrath was instrumental in the partnership with Palumbo and has been involved in the project from the outset.
“Accor is honoured to work with Palumbo who have created an exquisite world-class hotel in Sofitel Adelaide.
“The hotel and restaurant are a true reflection of all that is great in South Australia and promises to deliver an exceptional experience for guests.
“With Palumbo we have worked with an incredible partner at our side, who have brought great skill, knowledge and detail to this landmark project,” McGrath said.
Sofitel hotels around the world have a connection with a French city or region and Sofitel Adelaide is culturally linked with Bordeaux which has a history of viniculture and gastronomy as well as history and fine art.
Art is a big feature of the interiors of the hotel spaces at Sofitel Adelaide. Works by more than ten local and international artists, including photographers Emmaline Zanelli and Drew Lenman, painter and ceramicist Michael Carney and glassblower Nick Mount are displayed throughout.
Lobby artworks include a French-inspired piece by Newcastle-based fine-art photographer, Alexia Sinclair, titled Field of Dreams, and a striking flowing red wine-inspired chandelier, representing the flow of wine and meandering of the nearby River Torrens.
The hotel’s restaurant Garçon Bleu also opened last week. It has city views and seats 90 people. It features an open kitchen, wine wall, and an oyster and raw seafood bar. Sofitel Adelaide has also opened a street-level champagne bar, Déjà Vu, inspired by the sidewalk cafes of Paris, offering a selection of beverages, lighter meals and casual eats seven days a week.
Accor now has 15 hotels across South Australia, with 12 of these in Adelaide. Sofitel Adelaide joins a growing portfolio of six Sofitel hotels and resorts in Australia and more than 120 globally.
Sofitel Adelaide has a number of event spaces, the largest of which can host up to 90 for a standing event. The whole property can host up to 150 delegates.