Crystalbrook Collection’s first South Australian hotel has reached a major construction milestone, officially topping out on Halifax Street as the 12-storey Crystalbrook Sam moves into its next phase ahead of a late 2026 opening.
Rising in Adelaide city’s southern precinct, Crystalbrook Sam marks the debut South Australian project for Crystalbrook Collection, one of the country’s most recognisable sustainably minded luxury hospitality operators. The milestone was celebrated alongside development partner Samaras Group and key project collaborators, signalling the shift from major structural works to façade installation and interior fit-out.
The build has been led by BESIX Watpac, supported by South Australian steel fabrication expertise from Samaras Group. More than fifty trade subcontractors and suppliers have been involved to date, collectively supporting a local workforce of around 590 people. With the structure now complete, Adelaide-based PACT Architects and the broader build team are progressing the hotel’s external finishes and detailed interior works.
Artist renders of the hotel
Once complete, Crystalbrook Sam will deliver 196 rooms and suites, alongside a rooftop Level 12 restaurant offering panoramic views across the CBD and toward the Adelaide Hills. The 120-seat venue, including private dining spaces, is set to spotlight South Australian produce through a contemporary dining approach, positioning it as a future drawcard for locals and visitors alike.
Wellness will also be a defining feature, with the hotel introducing Eléme Day Spa to Adelaide for the first time, complemented by a gym, sauna and swimming pool. A ground-floor café and bar will activate the street level, while flexible meeting and event spaces across three meeting rooms and two conference areas will cater for gatherings of more than 100 guests.
Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, says the milestone brings the brand’s South Australian vision firmly into view. “Topping out brings us another step closer to opening Crystalbrook’s first hotel in South Australia. Adelaide’s hospitality scene is evolving with enormous energy, and we’re excited to contribute to that momentum with a hotel that brings Crystalbrook’s forward-thinking luxury to the city for the first time. Crystalbrook Sam is taking shape beautifully, and we’re looking forward to revealing more of the experience as we move toward opening in late 2026.”
For Samaras Group, the project carries particular significance as its first hotel development. Managing Director Chris Samaras says, “Seeing Crystalbrook Sam make its mark on the Adelaide skyline is incredibly rewarding for our team. As our first hotel project, this milestone holds real significance as seeing Crystalbrook Sam become a part of the city’s fabric is not just a business milestone – it’s a fulfillment of our commitment to supporting the local economy and shaping a vibrant hospitality landscape.”
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison says the project reflects growing confidence in South Australia’s visitor economy. “Crystalbrook Sam will play an important role in strengthening Adelaide’s premium accommodation offering as our visitor economy continues to grow. South Australia is attracting more interstate and international travellers than ever, and investments like this signal strong confidence in our state. It’s fantastic to see major tourism and construction partners backing Adelaide with a project that will elevate the experience for business and leisure travellers alike.”
BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker adds that the topping out reflects years of collaboration and planning. “Our construction of Crystalbrook Sam builds on our 15-year legacy in Adelaide and complements our portfolio of work delivered across the region. Topping out to ensure the hotel will come to market as planned demonstrates our ability to drive productivity through collaboration, streamlined processes and use of digital construction tools. Furthermore, with our proven track record in the high-end hotel market, BESIX Watpac will deliver the exceptional finish that defines Crystalbrook Hotels.”
Crystalbrook Sam is scheduled to open in late 2026, with further announcements on dining, design and guest experiences to follow.
