Adelaide is a small, easy city, and most visitors choose between three bases: the central streets in and around North Terrace, the stadium and parklands in North Adelaide, and the beachfront suburb of Glenelg. The right choice depends on whether you want to walk to sights, be near the sea or keep costs low. Five hotels cover the range.
North Terrace and the arts precinct
If you want to be in the middle of the cultural spine, stay on North Terrace. The Playford Adelaide MGallery, at 120 North Terrace, is the splurge, an Art Nouveau-style 5-star hotel with 182 rooms, a heated indoor pool open around the clock, a spa, a sauna and a steam room. The Adelaide Casino and Convention Centre are about two minutes away, Rundle Mall and Adelaide Oval about eight minutes and a tram stop two minutes. It suits couples and special occasions.
Around the railway station
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre, at 30 Blyth Street, is the budget base. It is a 4-star property with 245 rooms, free continental breakfast on many rates and a two-minute walk to the railway station and its tram stop. It suits travellers who plan to be out on day tours and want a clean, central bed without paying for extras. Check-out is at 10:00, earlier than most hotels.
The central streets near Victoria Square
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury, at 2 Flinders Street, is the pick for families and longer stays, with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, full kitchens and laundry in the apartments, a heated indoor pool, a spa and a sauna. It occupies the historic Treasury building, and Adelaide Town Hall is about 0.19 kilometres away. There is no parking at the hotel, so ask about the off-site car park about three minutes away.
North Adelaide and the Oval
Oval Hotel at Adelaide Oval has 138 rooms inside the stadium precinct, with parkland views and a welcome drink on arrival. It is the natural base for sports fans and for the Oval stadium tour and RoofClimb, and the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Garden are on the same side of the city. Expect a buzz on match and event days, and ask about the calendar if you prefer quiet.
Glenelg
Stamford Grand Adelaide, on Moseley Square, is the beach choice, with 220 rooms and suites, balcony ocean views, an outdoor heated pool, a spa and a tram stop at its door. The city is about 20 minutes away and the airport about 10 minutes by car. It suits families and couples who want a seaside holiday with city access, and it is the best base for the Glenelg dolphin cruise.
Cars and parking
If you will rent a car, ask each hotel about parking before you book. The Playford directs guests to a nearby car park with a nightly fee, the Adina points to off-site parking with a height limit of 2.03 metres, and the Holiday Inn Express does not list parking as a property amenity. For the Barossa, Kangaroo Island and Glenelg trips, check where each tour collects you before choosing a base.
How to choose
For a splurge, choose The Playford. For the budget base, choose Holiday Inn Express. For space and a kitchen, choose the Adina Treasury. For the stadium and parklands, choose the Oval Hotel. For the beach, choose Stamford Grand in Glenelg.
