The best cheap hotels in Adelaide

The leafy, village-like suburb of Walkerville isn't exactly a hotspot for Adelaide holidaymakers – it's too far to comfortably walk into the city, and it's not really near anything one would call a tourist attraction. But what this quirky boutique motel may lack in location it makes up for in style and handy features, especially for longer stays. Part of the Art Series Hotel chain, its design is inspired by Pitjantjatjara artist Tommy Watson, whose colourful dreaming artworks brighten the hallways and rooms with vibrant pinks, blues and oranges. The 140 light and airy open-plan suites range from studio to two bedroom, and all feature a kitchenette, Foxtel and free wifi. There's also free parking, but if you don't have a ride don't worry – the hotel has a fleet of Smart Cars, scooters and Lekker bicycles for hire, the latter perfect for riding along the stunning River Torrens Linear Park that's just metres from the doorstep.

Time Out tip: Ask for a room on the southern side of the building for sweeping views of the Adelaide Hills, city and North Adelaide. The other side has views of the 25m lap pool which, although designed by Olympian Michael Klim, isn't quite as impressive.

This boutique hotel in the village-like suburb of North Adelaide doesn't just have rooms, it has “art rooms” – each one has been transformed by one of more than 20 South Australian artists, including acclaimed street artists Peter Drew and Vans the Omega. Each of the 46 studio rooms has its own title – witness Dan Withey's ‘Wake Up’ room featuring a giant Mexican-inspired crowing rooster mural, or Donovan Christie's ‘Hills Hoist’ room, a visual tribute to one of South Australia's finest exports. All rooms have king beds, mini bar and free unlimited Wi-Fi and most have mini balconies.

Time Out tip: With rooms measuring just 14m2 things can get pretty cosy (hey, it's not called the “minima” for nothing), so it pays to choose which artwork you want to live with during your stay. Check the selection online, then email or call with your preferred options. Bookings made online are randomly assigned a room from what's available.

Don't be fooled by the somewhat plain exterior of this historic building on the Glenelg beachfront – the 22 self-contained apartments inside range from charming vintage chic to drop-dead luxurious modernity. Couples and solo travellers can start in a one bedroom studio, or make a party of it and book a large four bedroom apartment.  No two are designed the same, but all feature a kitchen or kitchenette, and most have spa baths, plus there's free parking and wifi and communal laundry and BBQ facilities. Best of all it's just 20 minutes on the tram from Adelaide CBD.

Time Out tip: For the full experience make sure you get one of the apartments facing the beach – our pick is “1 Olive Court”, which features a totally deluxe circular spa bath with ocean views.

A relative newcomer to Adelaide having opened in 2014, the Ibis has a central location and funky, modern vibe. Step inside the lobby and you immediately get the feel of the place: colourful armchairs pop against the blue neon-lit staircase, while warm wooden accents add a cosy touch. The hotel's 311 rooms carry a more soothing neutral colour palette, but keep the fashionable atmosphere with original artworks by local artists such as street muralist Ghostpatrol, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide great views all the way to the Adelaide Hills. Free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs and plush beds make the Ibis seem much more expensive than it actually is.

Time Out tip: Book direct through the hotel's website and get breakfast included for just $1 until February 28, 2018.

If the giant Space Invaders mural and the chandelier made of recycled Coca-Cola crates weren't enough of a giveaway, the Franklin is a little bit different. On the ground floor, this funky city pub serves up tasty bar food like hot dogs, schnitties and wings alongside craft brews and cocktails in its quirky front bar, while upstairs seven uniquely designed rooms offer a cosmopolitan pad to sleep it all off in. Painted a chic charcoal with bright glossy yellow doors and rustic wood panelling, rooms range from deluxe to premium, and each comes with its own Nespresso machine, fridge and iPod dock, decorated with original artworks by local artists.

Time Out tip: Hungry? The Frank's Hot Dogs are the star of the bar, made with Barossa Valley snags and a range of toppings. Grab any dog and a can for $21, and enjoy it in the beer garden before disappearing upstairs for a nap in your comfy queen bed.

It's not quite London or New York, but the Clarion Soho in Adelaide's east end offers some seriously stylish digs at seriously affordable prices. This five-storey, 29-room boutique hotel is located on a relatively quiet street in the eastern CBD, but is only a few short blocks from the bars, restaurants and shops of Rundle Street, and the cultural attractions of North Terrace. All rooms feature king-sized beds, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs with DVD players (there's complimentary DVD hire at reception), with cool décor touches like hip artworks, gilt-velvet cushions and plush throw rugs. And forget the naff instant coffee and dusty teabags of your typical budget hotel: the Soho's rooms are stocked with Robert Timms coffee and gourmet T2 teas, along with mini bars chock full of local South Australian wines and craft beers. A heated rooftop pool and on-site Thai restaurant seal the deal for a chic city stay. Time Out tip: Book your room direct via the hotel's website and you'll score a $30 per day mini bar credit. Nice!

Time Out tip: Book your room direct via the hotel's website and you'll score a $30 per day mini bar credit. Nice!

You can't get more central to the action than the Richmond, situated smack bang in the centre of Rundle Mall between Adelaide's two main nightlife strips of Rundle and Hindley Streets. Just a stone's throw from the famous ‘Mall's Balls’ Bert Flugelman sculpture, and steps from the museums and art galleries of North Terrace, this 30-room hotel is perfectly positioned for experiencing everything the city has to offer. The rooms aren't fancy, but they're neatly decorated, and all feature king-sized beds, marble ensuites and free Wi-Fi, while some even have private courtyards or balconies.

Time Out tip: The large balcony overlooking the Mall at the hotel's First bar, on level one, is a great place to spend cocktail hour while people watching.

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century, heritage-listed stone building in Adelaide's eastern CBD, this 70-room hotel offers a blend of olde-worlde charm and modern amenities at affordable prices. You'll either love or loathe the eclectic mix of new and old décor in the rooms – sleek, minimalist furniture in neutral tones sits alongside kitschy, gilt-framed op shop oil paintings – but there's no denying the value for money, with queen or king beds, Wi-Fi, mini fridges and Foxtel including complimentary movie channels. There's also a communal kitchen and dining area so guests can prepare their own meals at their leisure, as well as a courtyard, business centre and laundry.

Time Out tip: Sure you can cook your own meal in the guest kitchen, but you're on holiday, right? Order room service – it's catered by nearby Bocelli Café Ristorante, one of the many eateries on nearby dining strip Hutt Street.

Located in the heart of the CBD on busy Hindley Street in Adelaide's west end, this five-storey apartment hotel was once home to Miller Anderson, one of the city's finest department stores. The 1920s heritage-listed building was converted in 2006 and now features 61 one, two and three bedroom apartments perfect for longer city stays – all have fully equipped kitchens featuring Blanco stainless steel appliances and full sized fridges, as well as free unlimited Wi-Fi and Foxtel, while some of the top-tier apartments also featuring in-room laundry facilities and second bathrooms. Hindley Street is where Adelaide comes to party: for wining, dining and small bar hopping, these apartments are your perfect base. The décor – a modern take on 1970s retro – might play havoc with your hangover though: think bright orange and jade green accents and funky patterned carpet and throw cushions.

Time Out tip: Get a taste of France with the ‘Bienvenue’ package, which for $159 includes two nights accommodation, plus parking, and a $40 food and drink voucher for hip west end cocktail bar La Buvette, just steps from the front door. C'est bien!

These spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments tucked away on a quiet side street in the centre of Adelaide's CBD make a great base for families, or those seeking a longer city stay. The apartments are comfortable and unfussy, with modern styling and unique touches that make the place feel more like a hotel – like the complimentary toiletries by Australian designer Peter Morrissey. All feature queen beds, full kitchens and in-room laundry facilities, as well as free Wi-Fi and on-site parking. The best part is the location – a short walk from the Adelaide Central Market and Gouger Street dining precinct and the small bars and eateries of Peel and Leigh Street, and just a block from the tram which runs through the city and southwestern suburbs to Glenelg beach.

Time Out tip: Yes, you have a kitchen in your apartment, but trust us, you'll want to have brunch at least once at Crack Kitchen, just a few steps around the corner on Franklin Street. The gingerbread pikelets are the stuff of dreams.