Adelaide
With a population of just under one and a half million, there is a comfortably intimate feel to Adelaide yet, simultaneously, a lively, vibrant atmosphere and a unique, arty edge. Adelaide knows that it will never be Sydney or Melbourne, and it does not want to be. Rivalry with other cities is confined to football—some call it an arrogant competition, holding little interest. Perhaps this is because there are so many better things to do here: world-class food and wine to sample, long stretches of sandy beaches to enjoy, lush parks in which to relax, arts festivals of international standard to experience. Or perhaps it is just that no one in Adelaide is in any particular rush to let the world in on their well-kept secret.This is not to say that those who do have the good fortune of coming to Adelaide will not be welcomed. Adelaide has been called the "20 minute city", because all of its major regions, including the beach and the hills, can be reached within a 20 minute drive of the city centre. This gives a myriad of options when it comes to deciding where you want to stay. Whether you prefer the lullaby of a murmuring river, chirping cicadas or sweet silence; and whether you envisage drifting to sleep in king-size luxury, or a youth hostel bunk, Adelaide has your bed covered.
The City Centre
Wrapped up in the leafy embrace of lushparklands and sliced through by the River Torrens, the city centre is as much a place in which to relax as it is to work. It is also brimming with good things to buy, eat, see and do: Rundle Mall for gift shopping; the Central Market for food shopping; Gouger Street and the East End for dining; North Terrace for museums and art galleries; the zoo, the Festival Centre, nightclubs, theatres and much more. Those who value the finer things of life will appreciate the wide selection of five-star hotels in the heart of Adelaide. Amongst numerous other charms, the luxurious Hilton International in Victoria Square boasts the renowned Grange Restaurant. The Hyatt Regency on North Terrace lays claim to an ideal location tucked in next to the Casino, Convention Centre and Festival Centre and ideal views of the River Torrens and parklands. The Hindley Parkroyal offers elegant accommodation in alternative and arty, awake-at-all-hours Hindley Street.
For less expensive, but still high quality accommodation in the city centre, try the Grosvenor Vista Hotel, or Adelaide Riviera Motel on North Terrace, or enjoy the view of Adelaide's parklands from The Chifley or Adelaide South Park. Those who prefer to butter their own bread will find numerous self catering options. Enjoy complimentary breakfast provisions in Treacles Row Cottages, all the facilities of home in the majestic Franklin Central Apartments, or the superb location and historic charm of The Mansions. For backpacker accommodation, choose Cumberland Arms on Waymouth Street, Brecon Inn on Gilbert Street, or The Austral in the midst of buzzing Rundle Street.
North Adelaide
Elegant and cosmopolitan, this suburb is only minutes from the city, yet stands apart with its graceful style and serene beauty. With its exquisite colonial architecture, trendy apartments and charming cottages, North Adelaide offers a number of places almost too gorgeous to waste being asleep. The Adelaide Meridien, Hotel Adelaide International and Old Adelaide Inn offer excellent, moderately priced accommodation and conference facilities, and are all located within smelling distance of North Adelaide's many restaurants. Those seeking a little romance in their stay can choose from a number of superb heritage listed buildings, many furnished with antiques. The Friendly Meeting Chapel is set in an old bluestone church, while the Melbourne Street Mews is furnished with antique armchairs that once belonged to Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman. Couples expecting to generate unsafe levels of heat on their romantic getaway may appreciate an antique fire engine by their bed at the Fire Station Inn!
Close to the City
If you would prefer to stay outside the city centre, but close proximity is still important, there are plenty of options. The Royal Coach Motor Inn in Kent Town, the other side of Adelaide's eastern parklands, offers inexpensive accommodation. So too does the Adelaide Caravan Park, one suburb north at Hackney. Just south of the city, at Parkside, enjoy the serene view from Tiffins on the Park or the heritage accommodation and charming gardens of the Plum and Sparrow Cottages at Eastwood.
Glenelg
Half an hour tram ride southwest of the city is Adelaide's most popular beach. The Stamford Grand offers lavish beach-front accommodation, with balconies in all rooms and a tram stop literally on the doorstep. A good 40 winks in Glenelg does not have to cost a fortune, however. The Patawalonga Motor Inn, overlooking the Boat Haven, is one of many moderately priced hotels available, while the Glenelg Beach Resort offers comfortable budget accommodation for backpackers.
Adelaide Hills
Give your senses a work-out with a trip to the scenic Adelaide Hills, home to some of Adelaide's most innovative and romantic accommodation. The medieval-style castle of Thorngrove Manor, in the town of Stirling, will give you the sense of drifting through the "happily ever after" part of a fairytale. Warrawong Sanctuary Tent Cabins at Mylor provide a unique alternative if you don't mind kangaroos and bilbies as neighbors.
Barossa Valley
There is nothing like sumptuous food and world class wine to put you in a good mood and help you fall in love all over again! With over 80 establishments to choose from, staying in the Barossa is a must for all visitors to South Australia. Sample the country hospitality and stunning views at Lindsay House, or savor the English style gardens and antique furnishings of historic Collingrove Homestead.
Adelaide's streets exhibit a well organized, grid-style layout, and with a little investigation into the different districts check our district guide it is easy to find your way around. Enjoy Adelaide ... it is hard not to!
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