Adelaide’s vivacious charm and lively spirit invite you to experience South Australian hospitality with vivid festivals, cultural events, music, wine, and cricket. The South Australian capital is more than just a colonial city of churches and is a gateway to the state which is known for its verdant wine regions, rugged coasts, captivating islands, and national parks teeming with wildlife.
Adelaide however is a destination by itself with little stories and secrets tucked away amidst quaint neighbourhoods and laid-back beaches. Plan your South Australian adventure with a vacation in the heritage land of the Kaurna People and here is a curated list of the best hotels in Adelaide from luxury and boutique properties to international outposts and stately heritage retreats.
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Where to stay in Adelaide: A guide to the best hotels in the South Australian city
Step into the elegant and luxurious world of the Mayfair housed inside an Art Deco building right in the heart of the city steps away from The Adelaide Oval and with Rundle Mall across the road. The curving black staircase stands out in this white marbled lobby while the 172 aesthetically designed rooms and suites with bespoke furnishings and customised furniture, including beds are stylish and comfortable.
While you can savour international cuisine with Asian flavours and Australian produce at the Mayfair Restaurant and Bar and great coffee at The Den, the pinnacle of your experience at the Mayfair is at the rooftop bar. Head to the 13th floor where the sleek and glass-covered Hennessey Bar awaits you with your favourite cocktail as you lose yourself in the sweeping views. There is a host of meeting rooms and conference halls for your corporate events and vibrant spaces for weddings and other social dos.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.1/10
(Image Credit: mayfairhotel.com.au)
- Address 45 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
- Website Find out more here
Explore Adelaide from the luxurious abode of the 24-storeyed Sofitel Adelaide which towers over the Central Business District and is just a stone’s throw from the bustling shopping precinct. As you walk through the doors, you get a whiff of the French art de vivre blended with Australian hospitality with fine dining restaurants and a champagne bar.
Set in a plush atmospheric elegant decor. with 251 keys that open to stunning views of the hills, city and coastline, you can soak in opulence and savour gourmet dishes at the French restaurant Garcon Bleu, indulge in some wine tasting and celebrate over champagne. The trendy Deja Vu Champagne Bar is all about French flair. Go for a swim or a workout and ask your concierge to plan your customised Adelaide itinerary.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address 108 Currie Street, 5000 Adelaide, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Located in the bustling Victorian Square, the entertainment and cultural precinct, the international outpost of The Hilton offers fantastic views of Adelaide Hill, both from the rooms and the pool deck. Go up the 16th floor where the Executive Lounge opens to uninterrupted scenic views of the city and the ocean.
With 377 guest rooms and suites, 20 meeting rooms, business and fitness centres, and pet-friendly accommodations, the hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. Coal Cellar + Grill is a steakhouse serving the signature tomahawk steak with a cellar that boasts over 500 wine labels, mostly Australian. But if you would like to try some bespoke cocktails, then head to the Collins Bar at the entrance. Soak in the heated pool, play a game of tennis or just relax on the deck. The family-friendly property can also arrange babysitting facilities if needed.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 7.6/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.3/10
(Image Credit: hilton.com)
- Address 233 Victoria Square Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Delve into the luxurious Intercontinental experience on the banks of the River Torrens at the North Terrace, with all the Adelaide icons just steps away and the Festival Centre and Convention Centre virtually next door.
Towering over the CBD, this premium residence in Adelaide with 24 floors and 367 rooms and suites, is known for its bespoke experiences. Savour your breakfast in the Riverside Restaurant, get a taste of Japanese at Shiki, the Teppanyaki Restaurant at the Mezzanine or enjoy a cocktail at the Atrium Bar in the lobby. Upgrade to the exclusive Club Continental lounge for exclusive privileges or rejuvenate yourself in the pool after a long day of exploration.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 7.9/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.8/10
(Image Credit: ihg.com)
- Address North Terrace, Central Business District, Adelaide, Australia, 5000
- Website Find out more here
Synonymous with signature experiences and nestled in sophisticated elegance, the award-winning luxurious retreat with 120 spacious rooms and corner suites, restaurants and bars, a spa and heated pools, is a wellness destination and a premium residence in the city. You can even curate your own stay with the concierge’s expertise or beckon the mixologist to your room to create the cocktail of your choice, Every space is embellished with commissioned local artwork.
All floors lead to the Leisure Deck with its wellness and dining spaces with sweeping views of the city. Pamper yourself at the day spa with special treatments that use natural Australian products. Just steps away from the casino, it is part of the SkyCity Adelaide with a slew of restaurants and cafes and a stone’s throw from the Rundle Mall shopping district.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9.5/10
(Image Credit: skycityadelaide.com.au)
- Address Festival Drive, Adelaide CBD, 5000 Adelaide, Australia
- Website Find out more here
The Playford MGallery is a work of art by itself and a contemporary Art Nouveau hotel with 182 rooms and suites showcasing a personality that resonates with the vibe of Adelaide. Located in the nucleus of the cultural precinct at the CBD, this award-winning boutique residence is an ode to local art and artists with attention to detail and design in every room.
Besides the Junior Spa Suite and the North Terrace Spa Suite, the “ New York “ inspired Loft Suites are a unique experience. The award-winning Luma Bar and Restaurant focuses on local produce with stunning interiors that can seat 180 people. Other facilities include the 24-hour fitness centre with an indoor pool and sauna while there are venues for every occasion – be it for school formals, a wedding or even a Christmas Party.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
Agoda.com: 9/10
(Image Credit: all.accor.com)
- Address 120 North Terrace, 5000 ADELAIDE, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Escape into the romantic and verdant wine region of the Adelaide Hills and curl up into the lap of luxury at this 19th-century historic estate wrapped in old-world charm. Spread over 30 acres of luxuriant woodlands and overlooking the Piccadilly Valley, the iconic retreat which was a former residence of Arthur Hardy, is perched on Mount Lofty, the highest peak in Adelaide Hills.
Choose any of the 30 rooms and you might get to stay in a tower or even in an old coachman’s cottage and feel the vintage vibe. Every moment spent here is one of indulgence, be it at the decadent Gatekeeper’s Day Spa or at the fine dining at the award-winning 3-chef hat Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant while you celebrate over a glass of wine at the fascinating 170-year-old wine cellar at Arthur’s Waterhouse Lounge. Be it your breathtaking beautiful wedding, an intimate occasion, a conference retreat or just a luxury escapade, this is your destination.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.3/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
Agoda.com: 9.3/10
(Image Credit: mtloftyhouse.com.au)
- Address 1 Mawson Drive, Adelaide Hills, Adelaide, Australia, 5152
- Website Find out more here
Nestled in an oasis of nature, totally secluded in lush greenery and surrounded by vineyards, national parks and botanic gardens, you are in the heart of Adelaide Hills in the exclusive adults-only luxurious private lodge. The intimate sanctuary spread over 30 acres with 14 sprawling suites with terraces, lounges and decks offers bespoke personalised services and panoramic views of Piccadilly Valley from atop Mount Lofty also known as Koala Mountain.
Take a dip in the thermal hot pools or in the infinity pool, go wine tasting at the valley, hike across the hills, enjoy a culinary journey and even spot a few koalas in the sanctuary. The Prancing Horse experience is unique as you can go on a supercar driving experience in any of the luxury cars across the hills. You can also pamper yourself in the decadent Gatekeeper’s Day Spa, dine at the award-winning three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant and access the historic Mount Lofty Estate with its vineyards and hiking trails.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 9.5/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
(Image Credit: sequoialodge.com.au)
- Address 1 Mawson Drive, 5152 Crafers, Australia
- Website Find out more here
Standing near the Adelaide Festival Centre along the central boulevard of North Terrace, adjacent to the Casino, Convention Centre and the Parliament in the neighbourhood, Stamford Plaza with its 334 luxury guest rooms and suites, 10 rooms for various events and functions, three restaurants and two bars and an outdoor pool is best suited for leisure and business travellers.
Upgrade to the Emperor’s Suite on the 18th floor to experience a touch of Royal China including a traditional Chinese Opium Lounge. Savour the authentic flavours of Argentina in the atmospheric and eclectic La Boca Bar and Grill, while TG Restaurant serves a sumptuous breakfast and the Cascade Lounge is perfect to relax after a long day with a cocktail.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 7/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.1/10
(Image Credit: stamford.com.au)
- Address 150 North Terrace, Central Business District, Adelaide, Australia, 5000
- Website Find out more here
Located in the Market Precinct, the locally inspired colourful boutique IHG hotel is a hub of stories, with creative touches and a historic past. Nestled in a former textile factory, the unique residence with 145 rooms and suites is a nod to the eclectic culture of the neighbourhood with vibrant murals, brick arches, featured terracotta walls and festivals-inspired poster art.
A strong advocate of locally sourced rich produce and ingredients, the Market and Meander Eatery and Bar is a local favourite as well, while you can head to the highest rooftop bar on the 16th floor where the Merrymaker is all about the delicious “Raw and Refined menu where you can choose from a selection of exclusive gins and wines. Relax in the pool, head to the gym or just gaze upon Adelaide’s skyline and lose yourself in the pink hues of the property.
User Reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
Agoda.com: 8.9/10
(Image Credit: ihg.com)
- Address 23-29 Market Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Website Find out more here
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(Feature image credit: ihg.com)
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Written By
Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi is passionate about everything that is local — from cultural traditions to art and architecture and believes that people make places. A slow and mindful traveller from India, you will often find her listening to stories of people or just sitting in a cafe and watching life pass by. Travelling is a way of life for this former media professional ..Read More