ADELAIDE is set to get a custom-built, internationally branded five-star hotel for the first time in 30 years.

Construction will start on the $140 million Sofitel hotel, at 106 Currie St, in 2017 with a scheduled opening in late 2018.

The 32-storey development will be the state’s tallest mixed-use development — the top eight levels will feature 80 apartments, while the remaining floors will contain the hotel’s 250 rooms.

It will be the second-tallest building in Adelaide, just behind the Westpac House.

The hotel will also include a restaurant, four bars, a ballroom, swimming pool, health and fitness centre and meeting rooms.

The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs during the construction phase, and employ about 150 people once operational.

Premier Jay Weatherill said it was another great example of private investment flowing into the state.

“Over the past 12 months we have seen at least three new hotels open and many more apartment complexes begin construction or near completion,” he said.

“Having a luxury branded five-star hotel in Adelaide will be a further boost to our $5.1 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 33,000 people.”

Sofitel hotels around the world Adelaide will soon get its first Sofitel hotel. Here are some of the luxury brand's other hotels from across the world.

Targeting the top end of the tourist and visitor market was integral to developing the state economy, he said.

“We want to provide offerings in every sector of the (visitor) market. What was missing was a five-star hotel,” he said.

“Our market research shows that certain travellers from South-East Asia are looking for a natural experience from the vineyards and Kangaroo Island but they also want the sophistication that comes with a European-style city.

“Adelaide has much of that but there needs to be a matching hotel experience.”

SA executive director of the Property Council Daniel Gannon welcomed the new hotel.

“The property industry welcomes a concerted focus on increasing South Australia’s attractiveness as an economic destination – particularly when it involves tourism, which is one of our state’s great economic drivers,” he said.

“What we need to do right now is bulldoze barriers to investment, not build them – and that means implementing widespread tax reform to ensure South Australia’s job floodgates stay open.”

The Palumbo Group will develop the hotel, and have chosen hotel chain Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, to manage it. The hotel will be the sixth Sofitel in Australia.

Accor Pacific chief operating officer Simon McGrath said the new building would further elevate Adelaide’s international profile.

“It is almost 30 years since a hotel of this status and quality has been built in Adelaide’s CBD and it will help attract significant increases in tourism, business travel and conferences to the city,” he said.

Palumbo managing director Daniel Palumbo said it took over a year to choose a hotel partner for the site.

“(Sofitel) will offer the best of both worlds, it will combine the very best South Australian wine and produce with the finest French pastries, wines, cheeses and breads,” he said.

Palumbo plans to characterise the hotel and surrounding area as an “arts precinct”.

Accor will reveal special design plans for the hotel later this year, said Mr McGrath.

WHAT MAKES A FIVE-STAR HOTEL?

A five star badge comes with certain requirements.

“Room size is important, opulence and the fit out and facilities there are greater than in a four or three star offering,” Mr McGrath said.

“Restaurants and concierge services are important and it’s a coming together of all this and how employees animate that experience.”