Where to stay in Adelaide: Best Areas & Accommodation (2025)

The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide, has long been a favourite location for anyone visiting the Land Down Under. Harboring the perfect balance between beachfront bliss and citywide modernity, Adelaide is the ideal getaway.

It's also a great starting or finishing point when driving the Great Ocean Road to or from Melbourne. While there’s plenty to see and do in the city, the one decision that may need a little thought is where to stay in Adelaide.

The city is home to tonnes of different types of accommodation; in fact, there are endless places to stay in Adelaide. Whether you want to lounge close to the beach or stay in the beating heart business district, finding your perfect Adelaide accommodation is a really personal decision to make.

So, let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay in Adelaide, and what each one offers in terms of price, location and facilities.

Where to Stay in Adelaide – The Best Neighborhoods

In such a spread-out metropolitan area, knowing where to stay in Adelaide can be tricky. Each district or area offers its own unique way to experience the city.

Whether it’s Adelaide beach accommodation, staying along the stunning coastline, or right amongst the thick of the action in the city’s business district, Adelaide has numerous neighborhoods to explore and stay. Deciding where’s best for you may be a struggle, but it’s definitely fun!

Here are the top areas I recommend booking in:

Adelaide Central Business District (CDB) – Like many of the country’s major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide’s main center is its CBD or Central Business District. The inner city of Adelaide is known as the Square Mile and is home to much of the city’s entertainment districts, restaurants and bars. A hive of modern life, hotels in the Adelaide CBD are perfect places to stay for those who want to be in amongst the action.

North Adelaide – Staying in North Adelaide offers a good alternative to being located right in the CBD. The neighborhood is just minutes away from Adelaide's city center. With leafy streets, historic architecture, and a range of boutique accommodations, staying here is a bit more peaceful while still being close to major attractions like the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Zoo, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Glenelg – Located on the shore of Holdfast Bay in the Gulf St Vincent, Glenelg is one of the most popular places to stay in Adelaide, and it is easy to see why. Glenelg accommodation consists of some of the best hotels in Adelaide. Surrounded by the stunning views of the coast and dozens of restaurants, Glenelg provides the perfect setting for any beach-lovers Adelaide visit.

West Beach – West of the city center is the coastal suburb of West Beach. With its laidback feel and quiet shoreline, West Beach is one of the best places to stay in Adelaide for families. The stretch of sand that makes up the coast of West Beach is a hotspot for swimming, kitesurfing and paddleboarding, turning it into a playground for those who love summer sports.

Kent Town – To the east of the city is the suburb of Kent Town. Considered to be the more hip side of Adelaide, Kent Town is home to its craft beer pubs, fashionable downtown restaurants and the center of the city’s festival season. Seen as Adelaide's creative industries hub, Kent Town also has a great choice of shops, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale – The areas surrounding greater Adelaide are also popular places to stay. Outside of the hustle and bustle of South Australia’s capital, areas such as the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale all offer idyllic places to stay, all within a short distance of the city. Complete with stunning countryside, plenty of wineries and laidback vibes, when choosing where to stay in Adelaide, its outer reaches are always good options.

1. Where to Stay in Adelaide for the First Time & Most Central Location: Adelaide CBD & North Adelaide

For first-time visitors to Adelaide looking for a central location, both Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide are excellent areas.

Staying in the CBD here puts you within walking distance of iconic attractions like the pedestrian street of Rundle Mall, the Adelaide Oval, and the Adelaide Central Market, as well as plenty of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues.

North Adelaide provides a more relaxed atmosphere with tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, and charming guesthouses. You'll still be close to the action, with easy access to everything but in a slightly quieter area.

Best Hotels in Adelaide CBD

Mayfair Hotel

If you’re looking for accommodation in Adelaide CBD, there’s nowhere more central than the Mayfair Hotel. Overlooking the Rundle Mall, the Mayfair Hotel is a picture-perfect example of class within the city.

Housed within a heritage-listed, renovated building, the boutique Adelaide Mayfair Hotel is 200 yards from the Art Gallery of South Australia and many other of the city’s best attractions. The hotel is also one of the best if you are looking for luxury accommodation in Adelaide.

• Location: CBD
• Price from: $$$
• Sleeps: 2-5
• What makes it unique: Its undeniable central location makes the Mayfair Hotel one of the best-placed accommodations for exploring the CBD.

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Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide

The Adabco Boutique Hotel is another of the city's most beautiful buildings. Constructed in the late 19th century, Adabco Boutique Hotel offers a little taste of class and elegance during their stay in Adelaide. I stayed here with my other half, mum and partner after traveling the Great Ocean Road.

Close to the bustling Central Markets and the peaceful Botanic Gardens, Adabco Boutique Hotel has comfortable rooms with lounge sofas, a mini bar and work desks in the room, great for a city stay.

• Location: CBD
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: The hotel has that late 19th-century feel, allowing you to relax amongst one of the most charming buildings in Adelaide.

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Ibis Adelaide

One of the most recognizable hotel chains across the globe. Ibis Adelaide provides you with comfort in the center of the city’s CBD. Offering a restaurant, fitness center and popular bar, you will have all of the comforts you could want while staying here.

With modern decorated rooms and all within a short walk of the city’s popular festivals, Ibis is one of the best Adelaide hotels for value.

• Location: CBD
• Price from: $
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: Ibis’ fitness center is a very modern setup, allowing you to enjoy your exercise routine before exploring the South Australian capital.

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Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

The award-winning, 4.5-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel offers up style and grace for your stay in Adelaide. The hotel’s name shows itself when you step out onto the rooftop garden with stunning panoramic views of the city below.

All the rooms feature modern decor, including king-size beds, a full minibar and free Wi-Fi access. With 24-hour room service, you can sit back and relax as you soak up the best of inner Adelaide City.

• Location: CBD
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

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The Soho Hotel

Located in the trendy East End of the CBD, the Soho Hotel offers guests a stay in luxurious rooms, all decorated with their own unique pieces of art.

This plush setting is only increased by the fact the Soho Hotel boasts a rooftop heated pool, perfect for taking a dip and enjoying the sights across the city’s skyline. The hotel’s Soho Spa offers in-room spa treatments with 100% Australian-made organic products, adding to your luxurious stay.

• Location: CBD
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2
• What makes it unique: The onsite spa offers a range of treatments while you stay here, all with 100% Australian-made organic products.

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Majestic M Suites

Another popular hotel in the city’s central business district, Majestic M Suites, offers comfortable and stylish suits for those wishing to stay in Adelaide.

Majestic M Suites provides a fitness center, a garden and a tour desk that is open all day – perfect for organising your tours across the city. Like a home away from home, the Majestic M Suites come equipped with furnished living rooms, private bathrooms and dining areas with seating.

• Location: North Adelaide
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-10
• What makes it unique: With an onsite tour desk operating all day, Majestic M Suites organize tours across the city and beyond.

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Buxton Manor

Buxton Manor is a luxury hotel housed in a former mansion, a fantastic option when you’re trying to choose where to stay in North Adelaide. The historic mansion features an Arts and Craft inspired décor of an English country house and has a rose garden to match.

Staying here, you can experience all of the relaxation you would expect from a country house, right in the heart of the city. Buxton Mansion provides four spacious apartments and one spa cottage, all with complementary services to make your stay the most comfortable it can be.

• Location: North Adelaide
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-6
• What makes it unique: Buxton Manor is set in an English manor-style setting – providing you with a unique stay amongst some of the more modern city hotels.

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Adelaide Dress Circle Apartments

Set in Adelaide’s trendy North Adelaide, the Dress Circle Apartments offers a quaint apartment to call home while they’re here. Like a small home away from home, you can enjoy all of the privacy you would expect in your own apartment at home.

With free parking and free Wi-Fi, you will have everything you need to settle into the city. With many attractions within walking distance, the Dress Circle Apartments are one of the best locations for sightseeing too.

• Location: North Adelaide
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: Dress Circle Apartments allows you to have your own home in the trendy district of North Adelaide

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Art Series – The Watson

The Watson mixes modern art decor with the relaxation and elegance of a modern hotel. Set in one of the most affluent suburbs of Adelaide, the surroundings only add to the luxuriousness of The Watson. There are regular art tours around the property, which hold a number of stunning pieces to admire.

When you’re not soaking up the city or the art, The Watson offers a kitchenette, a sofa, a desk and a flat-screen TV in all its private rooms. If you wish to explore the city on two wheels, the hotel also provides a bicycle rental service for its guests.

• Location: Walkerville, just north of the CBD
• Price from: $$$
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: The hotel’s stunning modern artworks that surround every wall mean you can lap up art as well as be settled in the city.

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2. Where to Stay in Adelaide by the Beach: Glenelg

The suburb of Glenelg is the go-to destination for anyone seeking a beachside stay in Adelaide.

You'll find a range of accommodation options, from upscale hotels with panoramic ocean views to cozy beachfront apartments and boutique guesthouses.

Staying here, you have easy access to Glenelg Beach, which is perfect to soak up the sun and take a dip in the ocean. I love the long esplanade and there's also a main street (Jetty Road) with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Don't miss to visit the Glenelg Jetty! In summer, The Moseley Beach Club is the best place to hang out, have a drink and a snack right on the beach.

Best Hotels in Glenelg

Nightcap at Watermark Glenelg

Overlooking the boat haven along the Glenelg shore, Nightcap is home to perfect rooms overlooking one of the city's most beautiful regions. With rooms that come equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and air conditioning, there is everything you could need for a stay by the beach.

For relaxing evenings, The Watermark Glenelg Sportstrak Bar provides a great place to unwind and sample a few drinks.

• Location: Glenelg
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-6
• What makes it unique: The onsight bar draws in partiers and provides a great atmosphere, especially on Friday nights.

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Ensenada Motor Inn and Suites

Only a stone's throw away from Glenelg Beach, Ensenada Motor Inn and Suites is the ideal stop if you’re looking for where to stay in Adelaide near the beach.

Offering great value for money, the suites are kitted out with all the features you could need to enjoy a break away along Adelaide’s seafront. With a tour desk and same-day laundry and dry cleaning services available, you’ll feel settled in no time at the Ensenada Motor Inn and Suites.

• Location: Glenelg
• Price from: $
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: The Ensenada Motor Inn and Suites offer a great same-day laundry and dry cleaning service that will always have you looking your best.

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Glenelg Oasis Studios

The Glenelg Oasis Studios boast some of the best accommodations along the Glenelg Beach front. Relax in your own beach apartment with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave and settle into your little piece of Adelaide beachfront for a few days or more.

Only a few short steps away from the beachfront and close to some of the best attractions in the local area, you’ll be more than comfortable here at Glenelg Oasis Studios.

• Location: Glenelg
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-5
• What makes it unique: The immaculate and modern kitchens of Glenelg Oasis Studios mean you feel like you’re cooking in your own home.

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Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites

Another terrific option if you’re looking for beachfront apartment suites, Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites, provide a bit more class and style than your normal waterfront apartments.

As well as in your apartment, you can socialize and relax around Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites’ indoor swimming pool and fitness center. Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites also features two bars and three café restaurants, all with fantastic ocean views.

• Location: Glenelg
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-5
• What makes it unique: The two main bars of Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites offer great views of the bay and ocean, ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

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Stamford Grand Adelaide

If you’re looking for 4-star luxury when you’re off to the South Australia capital, then look no further than the Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel. Boasting an impressive range of fully equipped fitness centers, an outdoor swimming pool and a gaming room, there’s so much to see and do here.

All rooms are air-conditioned and have a mini bar and hot drink-making facilities. The onsite Promenade Restaurant serves up the best in local Australian produce, while Horizons Cocktail Lounge on the ground floor is the place to go for top-quality cocktails.

• Location: Glenelg
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-4
• What makes it unique: Complete with its own onsite restaurant and bar, Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel has all you can need and more.

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3. Where to Stay in Adelaide for Festivals: Kent Town

Kent Town is a fantastic choice for those looking to stay close to Adelaide's vibrant festival scene.

Situated just east of the city center, this neighborhood offers a range of accommodation options. Its proximity to the CBD means you're just a stone's throw away from major festival venues like the Adelaide Festival Centre, where events like the Adelaide Festival, Fringe Festival, and other cultural celebrations take place.

After enjoying a day of festivities, you can retreat to Kent Town's quieter streets for a peaceful night's rest, making it a perfect base for festival-goers in Adelaide.

Best Hotels in Kent Town

The Palms Apartments

Apartments-style accommodation in Adelaide's Kent Town with a fully equipped kitchen, private parking and within walking distance of major attractions like the Bicentennial Conservatory and Fringe Festival, Adelaide's biggest art festival.

• Location: Kent Town
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 4+
• What makes it unique: Fully equipped condo hotel and some apartments are pet friendly so you can bring your pooch.

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KT Apartments

Two bedroom apartments that are modern and comfortable with all amenities you could possibly need, such as air conditioning, free private parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, balcony, and a seating area with a flat-screen TV.

• Location: Kent Town
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 4+
• What makes it unique: Modern wonderfully furnished apartment within walking distance to the CBD.

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4. Where to Stay in Adelaide for a Family Vacation: West Beach

West Beach is an excellent choice for families planning a vacation in Adelaide. Located near the coast, this Adelaide neighborhood offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, from beachfront resorts to self-contained apartments.

Families can enjoy easy access to West Beach's sandy shores, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and beachside picnics. Here you'll also find West Beach Parks Golf and West Beach Adventure Climbing Park providing plenty of entertainment options for children and adults alike.

Best Hotels in West Beach

The Retreat West Beach Parks

Stretching right across the north of the city’s West Beach, The Retreat West Beach Parks is a family park resort just moments from the white sand. With direct access to the beach, you will have the best of West Beach to yourself while staying at The Retreat West Beach Parks.

Aside from the natural attraction of the beach, the retreat also offers a range of facilities, including a tennis court, barbecues, jumping pillow, playground, go-kart hire and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a mini waterpark complete with two water slides, five poolside cabanas and plenty of sun loungers to go around.

• Location: West Beach
• Price from: $$
• Sleeps: 2-6
• What makes it unique: With a range of facilities to enjoy and a mini waterpark too, you and your kids may never want to venture outside of the Retreat West Beach Parks.

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BIG4 West Beach Parks

Also found on West Beach, the BIG4 West Beach Park is the ideal family stay when in Adelaide. Complete with manicured gardens and BBQ facilities, there is everything you’d need for a summer by the beach.

Enjoy the lagoon swimming pool, family-friendly facilities and beach access all day and night. Only minutes away from the centre of the city, you can choose from a range of accommodations, including self-contained apartments, cabins, and permanent tents.

• Location: West Beach
• Price from: $
• Sleeps: 2-6
• What makes it unique: Choose from a range of accommodations, from self-contained apartments, cabins, and permanent tents – whatever your family getaway needs.

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Where to Stay in Adelaide – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is it worth staying in Adelaide?

The South Australian capital is a real melting pot of attractions, from its rich culture and history to its impressive culinary scene. With so many reasons to visit the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you’re walking along the streets of Adelaide.

Here are just a handful of reasons why it’s worth booking a stay in Adelaide:

• Enjoy the seaside resort of Glenelg. Located in the suburbs of Adelaide, Glenelg is one of the most idyllic seaside resorts in South Australia. Popular with both locals and tourists, Glenelg offers the perfect chance for recreational boating or simply a peaceful walk along the seafront.
• Bask in the cultured heritage of Adelaide. The city’s colorful culture and history are enough to make staying in Adelaide worth it. One of the best examples of this is Adelaide’s gorgeous heritage architecture. By joining a guided tour through the city, you can truly soak up this fantastic heritage.
• Get in touch with nature at Cleland Conservation Park. Although one of the most modern cities in Australia, 20 minutes out of the city will bring you to Cleland Conservation Park. The park is home to emus, koalas and other Australian native animals, all set against the backdrop of Mount Lofty.

📅 How many days do I need to explore Adelaide?

While it may be important to find the best hotel in Adelaide, it’s also key to know how long you will need to spend in the city. You’ll want enough time to truly soak up the city itself as well as the surrounding countryside, but knowing exactly how much time you’ll need all depends on what you want to see and do.

Most people agree that a long weekend or three days is ideal for seeing all the city’s sights while also taking in the wider attractions. This being said, it’s also perfectly easy to spend a week or longer. It all depends on what kind of pace you’re looking for; a relaxed getaway or a quick city break. Adelaide also has an amazing surrounding with the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Vineyards. And you can easily add some additional days for a trip from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island to experience its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches as well.

☀️ What's the best time to go to Adelaide?

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Adelaide is from March to May and September through to November, during the city's autumn and spring. At this time, Adelaide’s weather is all lovely warm sunshine, and rainfall is very rare. Visiting Adelaide during this time of year will also mean you will avoid the huge crowds and high prices associated with the summer holidays and Adelaide's festival season.

If you’re really on a budget, it’s worth planning your visit during Adelaide’s winter season which falls between June and August. Although prices and crowds will be low, you will also have to deal with the cold temperatures and high chance of rain.

Where to Stay in Adelaide – Final Words

When visiting Adelaide, you'll have a range of accommodation options to pick from. While the city isn't big or as popular as Sydney or Melbourne, you can still find some great luxury yet affordable hotels in the heart of the city or cozy bed and breakfasts in Adelaide's charming beachside neighborhoods.

And if you're on a budget, there are a handful or great hostels or serviced apartments for a more affordable stay, especially when traveling as a family.