The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Adelaide

Here’s an iconic Adelaide landmark, more than 180 years old and now a pub with rooms: welcoming and comfortable. For decor, think bright and breezy – blue-and-white and bare-walled, depending which room you pick, from a standard room to a two-bedroom apartment. Say hi to the chefs, doing some of the very best South Australian pub food (including a wild red ‘roo fillet). To drink? Choose from craft beers on tap, local and boutique gin as well as South Australian wines. You’re barely minutes from Adelaide CBD. Also nearby is the historic Thebarton Theatre as well as (for cricket fans) Karen Rolton Oval.

This luxurious spot, close to Glenelg Beach, is the go-to for spacious holiday apartments and family-friendly accommodation. Rooms range from one- to three-bedroom apartments, which are warm and cosy with floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views of Glenelg Beach. Facilities don’t disappoint – you’ve got a heated pool, a jacuzzi and a gym among the highlights. Great, too, is the location, close to al fresco cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping centres. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Beach House kids’ amusement park, take a dolphin-watching boat tour and try jet-skiing.

This historic hotel holds the pride of place in Henley Beach, overlooking photogenic Henley Square. Built in 1897, it retains an enchanting old-world exterior. Step inside and it’s all modern decor and tip-top technology. Rooms are compact, with groovy rich colours and vivid wall art. The restaurant serves a whole stack of seasonal delicacies including seafood, salads and steaks – all dietary requirements met. There are also bars where you might like to work your way through local South Australian beer, cider and wine during your stay.

This recently renovated 62-room hotel in Mitchell Park is known as the hub of South Australian hospitality. Pick a classic king room, a classic family room or, for some extra space, the nook room. Now explore: at the Garden, somewhere between a cocktail bar and an eating spot, you may have brunch and coffee, late-night get-togethers and everything in between. Or hit the Dining Room – official name – for burgers, pasta, steaks and seafood in Scandi-funky surrounds.

Right by the beach in the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg, this is a luxury resort with sensational views and fresh ocean air. You’re spoilt for choice on the room-category front, from grand terrace, to grand city view, ocean view to grand ocean view with balcony – all cut a dash, decorated with fresh neutral tones. (Pick your outlook when booking – either sea or city.) Dining and drinking are memorably delicious experiences here: at the Promenade Restaurant, local ingredients become great à la carte dishes; meanwhile, at the Cocktail Lounge Bar as well as the Grand Bar, South Australian wines and well-known beers and ciders will make your afternoon-into-night.

Head to North Parade, and take up residence in this serviced apartment complex: the perfect blend of space and privacy, be it for short breaks or long stays. How much space do you want? With 100-plus units, the choice ranges from studios to three-bedroom apartments, making this place the dream ticket for individuals and families. Apartments have kitchenettes, laundry facilities and spacious living rooms. Explore and you’ll find an in-house gym, while eating and drinking is a cinch thanks to charge-back options on local restaurants. Now for your easy sightseeing list: close by are the South Australian Maritime Museum, National Railway Museum and South Australian Aviation Museum.

Among the key attractions here are the lush, beautiful natural surroundings. At the retreat, there’s a range of deluxe and self-contained clapboard shacks with pale-wood effect furnishings and timber-clad walls. On-site facilities will satisfy every age group, be it the tennis court, the barbecues, the playground or the go-kart hire. Take a dip in the gorgeous pool, careen down the water slides or relax into the poolside cabanas. Note, too, that sporty types will get their kicks, from fishing to boating – and you’ll find some of the best public golf facilities in South Australia.

For Lockleys Hotel, make straight for the heart of the western suburbs of Adelaide, between the city and the sea. Just minutes away from the popular beaches and the Harbour Town Premium Outlets (perfects for shopaholics), this place is the business, renting super-comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned rooms with en-suite facilities. But really, it’s all about the menus – there are so many, catering for all dietary requirements. So, you’ll be happy whether your bag is a veggie burger or a steak sandwich, a seafood pizza or tempura eggplant.