The locally owned Playford MGallery by Sofitel will retain its unique gallery ambience and art collection synonymous with the MGallery brand.
Adelaide’s original luxury boutique hotel is undergoing a multi-million-dollar makeover. All guest rooms, function areas, reception, bar and the restaurant will undergo a total transformation, including several surprises to be revealed across a staggered re-opening throughout 2022.
The Playford says its renowned art nouveau design lines will be given a modern twist with a relaxing and welcoming muted colour palate. “Guests will experience distinctive, energetic aesthetics across the property. From their first step into the hotel lobby to the bar and restaurant and following through to the flatware, glassware, cutlery, guest rooms and even staff uniforms, the makeover will be both inspirational and aspirational.”
The Playford has long played host to private and corporate functions, meetings and events. Its proximity to major institutions and location at 120 North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Convention Centre make it convenient for associations, corporate groups and business event organisers.
The hotel’s ballroom with balcony access and meeting spaces will re-open for business in September. Layout and capacities range from eight to 900 pax.
The hotel is currently open, with restaurant and bar facilities only available to guests during the first half of 2022. The official launch of a new food and beverage offering for both hotel guests and the public (accessible via the property’s North Terrace entrance) is slated for August, with the property’s 182 guestrooms, studio spa suites and New York-style loft suites room upgrades set to be completed by October.
A brief history
The Playford MGallery by Sofitel’s location is significant to Adelaide. It was once the site of News Ltd. Headquarters, where a young Rupert Murdoch spent several years early in his career. For a period, an Adelaide afternoon newspaper The News, The Sunday Mail, The Australian, New Idea and TV Week were all published at the famous North Terrace address.
The News Ltd Building was demolished in 1997. In its place, South Australian hospitality and tourism icon Bill Sparr built a property that would complement the surrounding streetscape of the cultural boulevard on which it stands. The Playford Hotel (named after the former state premier), with its art nouveau architecture’s graceful lines, lithe organic shapes and balconies featuring striking metalwork, provides every room with access to fresh air. These original features will be blended into the modern eclectic feel and décor of the refurbishment.
After some of the most challenging times in the hospitality and tourism industry, the opening of the refurbished Playford MGallery by Sofitel will be a welcome addition to 2022’s return to the business, leisure and social activity calendar.
As a member of the Accor group of hotels, The Playford is a participating property in a first of its kind venture between a hospitality group and Qantas Frequent Flyer. ALL – Accor Live Limitless gives Accor and Qantas members of their respective loyalty programmes the opportunity to accelerate their points earning capacity. At every stage of their travel journey, eligible members who link their accounts will be able to earn both Qantas Points as well as ALL – Accor Live Limitless Reward points on eligible Accor hotel bookings and Qantas-operated flights.
Melanie Leyn, Director of Sales and Marketing at Playford MGallery by Sofitel, said, “We are excited to welcome business and leisure guests back to The Playford Hotel and showcase this multi-million-dollar local investment project. Our new functions and events spaces will be visually first-class and exceptionally functional and agile in their hosting capabilities as is necessary in today’s world.
“As a South Australian-owned family company with a distinguished pedigree in luxury tourism and hospitality, a return to business for these industries in which we have enjoyed hosting local, national and international visitors for many decades is both an honour and a privilege.
“The Playford Adelaide MGallery by Sofitel has long been recognised as a stunning property and Adelaide’s original five-star boutique hotel. 2022 will be one of great activity and excitement at 120 North Terrace, Adelaide, and by Q3 and we look forward to welcoming visitors for both business and leisure and for events and overnight accommodation to one of the most accessible, beautiful and luxurious boutique properties in the state.”
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