While Sydney and Melbourne are often the go-to getaways for a cheeky weekender, Adelaide is one of Australia’s less-visited capital cities but it shouldn’t be—it’s bursting with award-winning restaurants, events and entertainment. World-famous wine regions are only minutes from the city and incredible cultural experiences are at your fingertips. Adelaide punches well above its weight when it comes to dishing up the best, but don’t just take our word for it—it’s time you paid this southern gem a visit.
Of course, whether you’re here for a vacay or just a relaxing staycay you’ll need a place to rest your head. From heritage-listed mansions to luxe modern escapes, we’ve done the hard work for you and slept around to give you this ultimate list of Adelaide’s best hotels.
Mayfair Hotel
Setting a new standard for luxury accommodation in Adelaide, the Mayfair Hotel offers a five-star experience like no other. Breathing new life into an iconic, heritage-listed building, it’s located just 200 metres from the Art Gallery of South Australia and overlooks Rundle Mall. That’s what we call prime location. You know it's luxe when each of the Mayfair’s 170 rooms features hand-crafted South Australian furnishings, custom-made beds and premium hotel facilities. Adelaide is renowned for its thriving foodie culture and the Mayfair lives up to this with its signature Mayflower Restaurant and Bar, which focuses on local, sustainable produce and even uses honey from the hotel’s own beehives. Soak up the stunning views of the CBD at the rooftop bar, Hennessy, then wander downstairs to the secretive The Den, possibly one of the city’s best underground hotel bars.
The Playford
If your idea of luxury is more classic opulence than minimalist modern, prepare to fall in love with The Playford. Situated in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, The Playford brings together a rich tapestry of Australia’s food, wine and art culture with stunning architecture, polished service and a sprinkle of luxury in every facet. Spoil yourself with a stay at Australia’s most awarded boutique hotel (that’s saying something), while you explore the vibrant streets of West End, Rundle Mall and the Adelaide Oval, which are located within a few minutes walk. Despite the attractions just out your front door, The Playford is one of those hotels you barely need to leave: The Playford Restaurant offers innovative, European-inspired fare and boasts an award-winning breakfast, while The Playford Lounge Bar slings impressive cocktails amidst stylish Art Nouveau surrounds.
Hotel Indigo
So now that the plastic is barely off the mattresses, Adelaide’s Hotel Indigo is Australia’s first—and every other capital city should be jealous. The colourful rooms with copper fixtures are seriously stunning, and the hotel is conveniently right in the heart of the city (and right by Adelaide Markets, might we add). On the ground floor, you’ll find the ‘grammable Market & Meander Bar and Eatery, while up on the roof is the vibrant Merrymaker, a raw food and cocktail bar. Oh, there’s also a heated rooftop pool for when you’re not busy exploring the city.
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
There’s something about fancy hotels we love—whether it’s the prime locations, stunning rooms or just those fluffy bathrobes, there’s something special about them. And when a hotel ticks all of those boxes, you know you’re onto one of Adelaide’s best hotels. Stamford Plaza Adelaide is just that—superbly situated in Adelaide’s key cultural boulevard, North Terrace, it boasts luxurious living spaces and marvellous amenities. You’re guaranteed luxe fittings, epic views of the city or the historic parklands and fine dining at any of Stamford’s three restaurants. La Boca Bar and Grill serves authentic Argentinian cuisine, TG’s restaurant spoils you with a full buffet breakfast and you can slurp up beautiful drinks with a view at Cascade Cocktail Lounge.
Eos By Skycity
It’s not often you get to kick back and enjoy the finer things in life. We’re talking room service, rooftop bar and restaurant, on-call cocktail mixologist and personal trainer. No, we’re not dreaming, this is the reality at the brand new five-star Eos by SkyCity. Discover a destination where subtle gestures underpin indulgent experiences and your every need is considered (yes, you can even choose your own pillow from their premium pillow menu). This is one for the pleasure seekers—each of the spacious rooms is tastefully styled and offer sweeping city views and Eos by SkyCity is situated an easy 200 metres from the Adelaide Convention Centre. Picture this: floating in the rooftop swimming pool, drink in hand, before wining and dining at one of the world-class restaurants and finishing up at the in-hotel casino. A top pick for one of the best hotels in Adelaide.
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites
We’re just going to come right out and say it. There's more to Adelaide than the CBD and if you don’t visit Glenelg, you’re missing out. Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is the epitome of beachside accommodation, located literally on the beachfront and boasting picturesque ocean views. The award-winning hotel offers simplistically styled rooms and spoils you with fully-equipped designer kitchens and private balconies with ocean or park views. You can unwind in the swimming pool, but why bother when the ocean is literally at your doorstep? Explore Adelaide’s historic beachside community or fill your belly at the three restaurants and two bars, all with prime views of the rolling ocean. Our top pick for one of Adelaide’s best just-off-the-beaten-track stays.
Mount Lofty House
If you’re after old-world charm, nothing touches Mount Lofty House. Built in 1852, the heritage boutique hotel oozes timeless elegance, with its beautifully restored period rooms and gorgeous cottages. Nestled in the famous Adelaide Hills wine region, the hotel is surrounded by botanic gardens, boutique wineries and is only an easy fifteen minutes away from the Adelaide CBD. Once you’ve lusted over the opulent hotel fit-out, relax on the 18 acres of native gardens and English rose gardens, or check out the swimming pool, croquet lawn and tennis courts. You’ll find us reclining on the stunning verandah, overlooking the gardens—vino in hand, of course. Speaking of vino, indulgent fine dining has been taken to a new level at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, a three-hatted eatery that specialises in valley-to-verandah degustation delicacies. Boasting one of the best wine lists in the country, this is one culinary journey you can’t miss and secures Mount Lofty House’s spot as one of Adelaide’s best hotels.
Pullman Adelaide
Its prime location and great deals grabbed everyone’s attention when Adelaide’s newest large-scale hotel first popped up (and trust us, it’s warranted). Pullman Adelaide is located on Hindmarsh Square, an easy 15-minute walk from Rundle Street’s famous boutiques and lively cafe culture. The 308 light-filled rooms overlook the leafy gardens of Hindmarsh Square and boast modern decor complemented by deluxe amenities. Pullman’s Salt Restaurant and Bar infuses impeccable service with a modern dining experience featuring the best of Adelaide’s seasonal local produce. It’s the perfect place for chance encounters, let’s-make-a-deal dinners or wind-down drinks. And heads up, they’re all about free WiFi and buffet breakfasts. Pullman Adelaide is ticking all the boxes of one of Adelaide’s best hotels.
Oval Hotel
If you think luxury hotels are pretty much all the same, we’re about to shake things up for you. Situated at the historic Adelaide Oval, Oval Hotel is a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience anywhere in the world. Wrapping gently around the eastern façade of Adelaide Oval and interfacing seamlessly with the existing structure, each of the 138 rooms offers stunning views of the surrounding heritage-listed parklands. The opulent boutique hotel is a design-savvy traveller’s wet dream—think natural textures contrasted by contemporary custom touches, all wrapped up with luxurious amenities. If that wasn’t enough, the personalised service is the pièce de résistance. You’re greeted with a complimentary welcome drink on arrival and can expect thoughtful extras throughout your stay (no, we’re not just talking chocolate on your pillow). World-class food and wine isn’t just a part of what Oval Hotel offers, it’s at its very heart, which is exemplified in Oval’s four signature restaurants; Five Regions, Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen, Malt Shovel Taphouse and Koffee Ink Cafe.
Ibis Adelaide
Ibis Adelaide might not be boasting the luxe AF finishings of some of Adelaide’s more boutique stays, but for affordability and convenience, you can’t go past it. The sleek, impressive steel and glass building is tucked behind the bustling Rundle Mall and provides easy access to Adelaide’s city heart. ibis is certainly a little easier on the hip pocket than some other hotels on this list but still ticks all the boxes with a restaurant, bar, free WiFi and a fitness centre. The fully furnished rooms are decked out with the latest and greatest in technology—ibis Adelaide is bringing a fresh, new face to budget accommodation and defs deserves a spot as one of Adelaide’s best hotels.
Crowne Plaza Adelaide
Adelaide’s brand-new CBD hotel is throwing up all the goods and we’re here for it. This place practically breathes corporate luxe. Crowne Plaza Adelaide is centred around creating the perfect space for work and rest and this resonates through their simplistic yet tasteful styling—including floor-to-ceiling windows and an espresso machine in every room—and unrivalled location with East End, North Terrace and Rundle Mall right at their doorstep. Take your stay to the next level and expand your culinary horizons at Koomo, an urban-cool East End rooftop restaurant and Luna10, Crowne’s chic rooftop bar with stunning cityscape views. Effortlessly shift from work to play at one of Adelaide’s best new hotels.
The Franklin Hotel
If you like your hotels full of character, then look no further than The Franklin Hotel. With a black colour palette, funky lighting, vintage touches and salvaged bits and pieces like actual street lamps and stained glass windows, it’s gram-worthy dream stay. Book a Premium or Superior room to score yourself a deep bath, perfect for soaking in after wandering the city all day and thank us later.
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Location, location, location. A commanding presence overlooking Victoria Square, the vibrant heart of the city, Adina Apartment Hotel Treasury occupies the heritage-listed former Treasury Building. Timelessly elegant, the hotel seamlessly blends the building's historic charm with modern comforts, easily making it one of the best hotels in Adelaide. The impressive rooms are lavishly decorated with Italian furniture and the spacious, fully self-contained apartments mean you can cook up a storm in your own kitchen or step out the door and dine in one of Adelaide’s best restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the stalls of the famous Central Market, feasting at a top-notch restaurant or wandering the Adelaide Art Gallery, everything you want is at your fingertips.
Intercontinental Adelaide
Would you really expect a roundup of Adelaide’s best hotels not to include the InterContinental? In classic InterContinental style, each of the hotel’s 367 rooms is beautifully decorated, offers postcard-perfect city views and boasts a luxurious, marble bathroom. The InterContinental Adelaide lives up to the international hotel brand’s world-class reputation and situated on the banks of the River Torrens, it’s an easy walk to the Adelaide Festival Centre, Convention Centre and Adelaide Casino. Perhaps too close to the casino… The hotel’s signature restaurant, Riverside, is a destination in and of itself, as is the awarding-winning Japanese restaurant, Shiki. We recommend grabbing a drink (or a few) at the atmospheric Atrium Lounge, then bar-hopping through the nearby cosy wine bars and hidden joints, all temptingly close.
If a hotel vacay isn’t for you, we’ve got you covered. Kick the adventure up a notch and embrace #vanlife with 10 of the coolest campervans for your next Aussie road trip.
Image Credit: Tourism SA
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