The 17 best hotels in Adelaide

This swish, five-star boutique hotel has become the preferred choice of visiting rock stars and celebrities since opening in 2015, and it's not hard to see why: the place just oozes bespoke luxury. The 170 stylish rooms feature custom-made mattresses and Hunter Lab Range toiletries, while the much-lauded Mayflower restaurant and two bars serve up Wedgwood crockery and Riedel and Waterford marque crystal glassware. The hotel even smells luxurious - it has a specially-curated 'signature scent' inspired by Chanel perfume. Located in the centre of the CBD where shopping strip Rundle Mall meets bar and dining strip Hindley Street, and just a short walk from Adelaide's cultural boulevard North Terrace, it's perfectly situated for exploring the city on foot. That's if you ever want to leave.

Time Out tip: Head to the Hennessy Rooftop Bar (named for the original architect of the 1930s heritage-listed building, not the cognac beloved by hip-hop stars) and try a Honey Trap cocktail – it's made with honey collected from the hotel's own rooftop hives of Ligurian bees.

Play and stay to your heart’s content at this boutique, Art Nouveau-inspired hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct. The Playford facade is a North Terrace icon, recognisable for its curving balconies, vine-etched facades and a row of burgundy umbrellas that line the street. All rooms and suites were designed to ‘be timeless, featuring plush bathrobes and slippers, luxury Appelles amenities, heated towel rails and a customisable pillow menu at your fingertips. Guest parking and 24-hour access to the health club, including a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, earn The Playford bonus points, as does its award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar.

Time Out tip: Start your morning with a creamy latte and a pastry from Luma Restaurant and Bar. The pastries are baked fresh daily using local South Australian ingredients and can be delivered straight to your door for the ultimate breakfast in bed.

The perfect balance of playful and luxe, this boutique hotel near Adelaide Central Market is a love letter to the city’s many legendary festivals. Edgy wall art and colourful furniture brighten up the space and tessellated tile patterns nod to South Australia’s copper mining past. The 145 rooms are equally striking and full of personality, decorated with hand-selected posters from past Adelaide festivals and fitted with premium king beds, two-head rainfall showers and Smart TVs. 

Time Out tip: Off to see a show? Don’t stress about squeezing in dinner and make a dedicated pre-theatre reservation at the hotel’s lobby floor, Italian restaurant, Market and Meander. The attentive waitstaff will ensure you're out the door with plenty of time to spare.

When Sofitel Adelaide swung open its doors in 2021, it marked the first five-star hotel debut in South Australia in 30 years. The 32-storey French-inspired building blends Parisian luxury with local charm, featuring Fleur de lis carpets, bespoke vintage-inspired wallpaper and exquisite chandeliers (even above the heated pool). There are 251 luxurious guest rooms and suites to rest your feet up – from superior, deluxe, luxury and luxury club to prestige and opera – with a choice of city, coast or Adelaide Hills views. You’re only a short stroll to the CBD and Peel Street restaurants, but we suggest leaning into the French flair with a glass of sparkly at the ground floor Déjà Vu Champagne Bar or a foie gras and French caviar feast at Garçon Bleu on level nine.

Time Out tip: Planning a night on the town? Or just in need of a little pampering? Sofitel Adelaide has you covered with in-room hair styling and make-up appointments available every day of the week from 5am to 7pm.

The grand-daddy of Adelaide luxury hotels for more than 30 years, the Hilton was starting to show its age in recent years until some seriously stylish upgrades brought it back to the attention of trendy travellers. Foodies flock to the hotel's signature Coal Cellar and Grill restaurant, which focuses on South Australian produce and features a glass-encased cellar with 500 wine labels, while the ground floor Collins Bar has become a local favourite for after-work cocktails. One of the largest hotels in South Australia, it incorporates an outdoor heated swimming pool, full-size tennis court, fitness centre and grand ballroom.

Time Out tip: Opt for a room on the eastern side of the building for great views over Victoria Square and the city, and across the pretty Adelaide Hills.

Eos or Ios? Located in the historic Railway Station building on the banks of the River Torrens, this impressive hotel will have you feeling like you’re on a Greek island holiday. Take in sweeping views of the river and beyond from the award-winning heated outdoor pool and spa on the leisure deck, or unwind in the cedarwood dry heat sauna or eucalyptus wet steam room. Afterwards, indulge in time-honoured cocktails at Sôl Rooftop, one of the city’s most spectacular rooftop bars. A bespoke mixologist is also on-call for those who’d prefer a cocktail in the comfort of their room or suite, which you can request via the in-room tablet. 

Time Out tip: Ditch the gallery and instead explore SkyCity’s 900 curated artworks, which were commissioned by more than 40 South Australian photographers, painters, glass blowers, and sculptors.

Just an hour's drive north of Adelaide is one of the world's top culinary destinations – the Barossa Valley, bursting with internationally renowned wineries and restaurants and boasting stunning vineyard-studded landscapes in every direction. Surrounded by lavender and vines, The Louise is the accommodation to match. Step inside your private suite and it's not hard to see why: the 15 villas at this newly renovated stone lodge feature king beds with luxury linens, walk-in robes, marbled ensuite bathrooms with two-person spa baths, gas log fireplaces and private terraces with their own outdoor rain showers.

Time Out tip: Definitely book a table at one of Australia's finest regional dining destinations, Appellation. Dishes sway with the seasons and are paired with the Barossa's finest wines.

Sitting in the pretty Adelaide Hills village of Stirling, just 20 minutes out of the city and surrounded by lush forests and vineyards is a little slice of East Asia that is as luxurious as it is unexpected. Choose from three individually designed villas – Yoko (modern Japanese), Zen (minimalist Thai) or Bali Villa (take a guess) – each is roomy and moody, complete with deluxe touches like designer Jag kitchens, solar underfloor heating and private outdoor courtyards and gardens.

Time Out tip: Forget going out to eat – book a class in the lauded on-site cooking school and whip up your own gourmet fare. For a bit extra, a chef can otherwise come to your villa and show you how to use that top-of-the-range kitchen in a private cooking lesson.

Check-in, then fully check out at Hotel Alba. This sophisticated resort-style hotel overlooks Adelaide's rolling South Parklands, with 99 light and airy guest rooms. Breathe in the fresh garden air from your very own private balcony, or step into Alba’s sun-soaked paradise for a bottomless lunch at Ela restaurant.

Time Out tip: End your day with tapas and a tipple poolside at the Mediterranean-inspired Ela restaurant and bar.