Check-in to indulgence at Adelaide’s best hotels

The City of Churches, gateway to the Barossa, a cultural mecca home to some of the top festivals in the country (hello, Fringe)… whatever springs to mind when you think of Adelaide, there’s no denying it’s a stellar place to visit.

And if you have a taste for the finer trimmings, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a suite of luxury hotels with your name on the guest list. Sofitel Adelaide, The Playford and Mayfair Hotel, to name a few.

Naturally, they all have exceptional restaurants and bars too, which is a good thing given the bounty of produce available on the city’s doorstep (not to mention the fine wine and intoxicatingly-good boutique spirits).

In no particular order, and by no means a complete list, these are some of Adelaide’s best hotels.

Sofitel Adelaide

For many travellers, there’s something so inviting about the French way of life, from the food and fashion to the chic aesthetic where everything looks custom made exactly for that spot. That vibe extends to Sofitel Adelaide.

Garcon Bleu is a feast for the senses.

Part of French hospitality group Accor, giving members of the ALL loyalty program plenty to smile about, the hotel is warm, elegant and unapologetically luxurious, and not just across its 251 rooms and suites.

Sofitel Adelaide's Opera Suite has everything needed for the perfect escape.

Signature restaurant Garçon Bleu is equally grand, with the level nine hotspot working hand in hand with local providores, wine producers, farmers and fishermen to create what it describes as ‘gastronomic symphony’ on the plate.

Club level guests can also relax at Club Millésime executive lounge.

There’s also Déjà Vu champagne bar, while guests checked into Club level rooms can also partake in breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening drinks with canapés at Club Millésime.

Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Much like its siblings in Brisbane and Sydney, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is bold, playful and guaranteed to have you pulling out your phone to snap a photo of its beautiful interiors. Yet it’s not reliant on looks alone.

There's nothing subtle about the decor of Market & Meander.

True to the Hotel Indigo brand, the hotel takes cues from its locale. In this case, the red brick of Adelaide Central Market, which is right next door and has been part of the city’s fabric since 1869. Fun fact, it also inspired many buildings in the immediate area.

The hotel's colourful Indigo Balcony Suite with bath.

Of course, given the vast array of fresh produce on its doorstep, this is a hotel designed for feasting too, with two venues catering you different moods: the all-day modern Italian restaurant Market & Meander, and Merrymaker Rooftop Bar.

Relaxation with a side of city views.

Where the former is about revelling in chargrilled dishes and lip smacking sauces, the latter takes a more casual approach with wood-fired pizzas and tapas, backed by great cocktails and a fabulous vista to boot. 

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, guests can also enjoy benefits of the IHG One Rewards program on every stay. 

Mount Lofty House

Just 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD, which is so close we’re going to include it on this list, is Mount Lofty House. It’s a hotel that requires little introduction, with it regularly gracing the pages of every round-up for Australia’s best hotels.

Mount Lofty House sits proud amid the serene Adelaide Hills.

Entered via a long drive with a vineyard on the left, trees ablaze in autumn on the right, the historic Adelaide Hills retreat – established in 1852 – is a throwback to a grander time.

Treat yourself to a fine dining degustation at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant.

That feeling is matched by its character-filled rooms, all of which sport a vintage-modern design, while the formal gardens and extraordinary view combine to create an ambience that can’t be easily replicated.

The Piccadilly Garden Room takes liberal inspiration from its leafy setting.

If it’s a little indulgence you seek, the Gatekeepers Day Spa boasts an extensive menu of pampering treatments, or, alternatively, find yourself a table at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.

Mayfair Hotel

Almost like a Gotham City landmark brought to life, Mayfair Hotel is, in a word, dramatic. The 1930s building is striking in its Art Deco grandeur, and though its 170 rooms are more restrained than the extravagant façade, they still deliver in all the right ways.

The Mayfair building started its days as the HQ of Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Co.

Designed with equal thought for business and leisure, rooms are fitted with comfy king beds, Nespresso coffee, and amenities from Melbourne brand Hunter Lab, along with select complimentary mini bars and free WiFi.

Mayflower Restaurant.

Topping the hotel off is Hennessy Rooftop Bar – a great spot at sunset, leading down to casual bistro The Den and gorgeous fine dining venue The Mayflower Restaurant.

High Tea worth raising a glass to.

For special occasions or simply because, Mayfair’s weekday Afternoon Tea and Grand High Tea on weekends are ready to satisfy any sweet and savoury cravings you have, paired with a glass of MUMM or a freshly brewed pot of tea.

The Playford Adelaide – MGallery

Another Accor family member, The Playford Adelaide has a surprisingly calm ambience from top to bottom, with each of its Art Nouveau-inspired rooms and suites adorned in delicate pastels and subtle metallics.

Luma Restaurant at The Playford.

Among them, the impeccably-designed Classic Guest Room, ideal when you want comfort but aren’t likely to spend too much time at the hotel, leading up to the generous Junior Spa Suite and New York loft-style North Terrace Suite.

Simple elegance in the North Terrace Spa Suite.

When hunger calls make your way to Luma: a hatted restaurant and bar set beneath a truly mesmerising light fixture. Whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner (try the signature Luma Cunard for two), it’s destined to leave an impression.

Luma Restaurant at The Playford.

Positioned opposite the Adelaide Convention Centre, The Playford also makes a fine base to explore – just down the road from the Art Gallery of South Australia, and an easy stroll to the Adelaide Festival Centre alongside River Torrens.

Looking to explore a different side of Australia? Take a look at the best hotels in Hobart, Perth and Sydney.