The Best Hotels in Adelaide for Every Traveller

This boutique hotel is an artistic gem in the heart of Adelaide, with wood panelling, stripped-back brickwork and unique artwork from local artists. With only seven rooms, expect each to be individually styled, complete with king-sized beds and Nespresso machines. Downstairs, you’ll find a hip bar with fresh craft beers on tap, plus excellent pub grub (do try the chicken schnitzel and steak sandwiches). Location-wise, it’s just a short walk from the Sunday farmer’s market, where you can shop for local produce.

Majestic Hotels, a family-owned-and-operated hotel company founded 28 years ago, is the name behind two of Adelaide’s best-known hotels. The award-winning Majestic Roof Garden Hotel offers understated rooms and suites with balconies, a high-end regional restaurant and, as the name suggests, an exclusive rooftop garden. Head here for top views of the rolling Adelaide Hills, which serve as a backdrop to the buzzy East End.

The five-star Mayfair Hotel, at the corner of King William and Hindley Street, housed in a beautifully renovated Romanesque-style building, is home to one of the best rooftop spots in town. Here you can sip cocktails on the glass-covered terrace and balcony of the Hennessy Bar. The hotel interior showcases the best of South Australian craftsmanship through bespoke furnishings and custom-built beds. Dining options include the Mayflower Restaurant & Bar, offering a contemporary setting with innovative dishes, and the Den, which is more of a bistro-style affair.

This heritage-listed Venetian gothic building bridges the gap between historic and contemporary living. Think snug leather sofas, an intimate courtyard and large LCD TVs. Check into a deluxe king room, a family room if you’ve little ones in tow, or an executive suite with extra wellness facilities if you’re blowing the budget. You’re not far from any of Adelaide’s top attractions here – the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo and the National Wine Centre are all within easy reach.

This historic building is the handiwork of a Scottish migrant who started his own linen-drapery business on Hindley Street and, over the years, built up one of the best department stores in Adelaide. Now a heritage-listed building, the award-winning apart-hotel is dedicated to classic, elegant interior design through all its one-, two- and three-bedroom self-contained suites. Based in the heart of the city, a stay here puts you within walking distance of Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall and a great selection of cafés and restaurants.

The friendly staff at the Arkaba Hotel will make you feel right at home. Sleek rooms come with spa bath facilities and magnificent views over the Adelaide Hills – especially if you opt for one of the Loft Spa Suites. There are three dining areas to choose from – whether it’s coffee and cocktails in the Lounge, burgers and craft beers in Sportys (where there’s always a game on screen), or modern Australian fare in the Bistro.

Set in the heart of Adelaide, the Soho Hotel has styled itself on Soho in London, England. Whether you check into a studio or one of the higher-end private balcony or lush spa suites, you can bet on a classy experience. The fifth-floor bar serves drinks by the heated pool, or you can eat in at S2 Modern Thai. For a morning pick-me-up, head next door to the Flinders Street Project cafe.

Mansions on Pulteney is an easily accessible, apartment-style hotel offering spacious, modern accommodation near shops, restaurants and top tourist attractions. Choose an exec suite for large groups and family, or a studio if you’re on a budget. Rundle Mall is just a five-minute walk away, giving you ample opportunity for boutique shopping when you’re not exploring the likes of Adelaide Central Market or the Art Gallery of South Australia.

This is one for the art-loving traveller. The Majestic Minima Hotel offers new-age minimalism in a trendy, South Aussie way. Rooms here are small, but this boutique hotel embraces tiny living in all its glory. Each of the 46 compact rooms also doubles up as an ‘Art Room’, designed by local artists on the loose theme of ‘creation’. Located in the North Adelaide district, it’s a pleasant stroll through the park to Adelaide’s famed Art Gallery of South Australia too.

The Watson is a boutique hotel in Adelaide’s Walkerville district, dedicated to the late Tommy Watson, a local indigenous leader who is considered one of Australia’s most renowned artists. The hotel is inspired by his legacy (Tommy passed away in 2017) with the paintings and murals showcasing aboriginal history and culture through indigenous artwork. The Watson offers open-plan suites on both a short or long-term basis, providing guests with a creative space to work on their own projects or simply enjoy a creative atmosphere while visiting Adelaide. There’s a swimming pool, restaurant and the opportunity to join art tours and excursions across the city.

Set in the cool climes of the Adelaide Hills, The Manor Basket Range offers 12 luxury ‘Townhouse’ suites within the historic walls of a 1930s country estate. Rather like Thorngrove Manor, it has a European castle atmosphere. Rooms are simple and pared back, but you won’t be spending much time in here anyway, as the region’s world-famous vineyards are on your doorstep. Sample a glass at the on-site tasting room, alongside a platter of local cheese and other epicurean delights.

Mount Lofty is the highest point in the Adelaide Hills, where you can enjoy mountaintop views from the old fashioned luxury of Mount Lofty House. This boutique hotel is an Adelaide classic, dating back to the 1850s when the estate was built as a summer retreat for Arthur Hardy, one of the city’s best known historical figures. Stay in the original coachman’s cottage, or book a room in the tower for splendid views over the hills, before enjoying fine dining at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, or a few cocktails at Arthur’s Waterhouse Lounge.