One of the city’s upscale accommodation options, the Sofitel Adelaide is set in a towering new building, part of an outbreak of such structures that are changing the CBD’s skyline. Inside, it makes some rather opulent (bordering on bling) decor choices. Its cavernous, glitzy lobby is filled with contemporary art, quirky ornaments and conversation-starting furnishings, although some feel more kitsch than curated.
Upstairs, our Luxury Room offered sprawling panoramic views of the city right out to the wine lands, an urban/nature vista that changed throughout the day, and we gazed mesmerised, tucking into our welcome gift of wine from South Australia’s Clare Valley and a French cheese board. To be honest, the room was a little on the small side and lacked storage space, albeit being functional, well-appointed and designed – like a business hotel room, fine for a short stay before heading out into the country. Otherwise, a larger and more luxuriously equipped Prestige Suite or Opera Suite might well be worth the investment.
The hotel also has a stunning, Instagrammable indoor pool space, decked in white marble and crystal chandeliers. It gets busy late in the day, so for a tranquil morning swim we suggest rising early (which was no problem, thank you, jet lag).
A generous buffet breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s large, arty bar and restaurant space Garçon Bleu. It’s all presented with big smiles and super-friendly service, especially from several queer staff, who gave us the lowdown on places LGBTQ+ travellers might want to hang out in the city.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | ADL | GMT +9:30 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Should you find yourself in need of some nature during your stay at Sofitel Adelaide, the River Torrens waterfront isn’t far from the hotel, and neither are the City Park Lands, a network of several, interconnected green spaces that offer a mini escape from the urban jungle. |
Photography courtesy of Sofitel
