Best accommodations for every budget 2026

Adelaide loves a good party, and visitors flocking to experience the carnival atmosphere of events such as the Fringe, Gather Round’s football extravaganza and the oh-so decadent Cabaret Festival have led to a boom in hotel openings in recent years.

Whether you’re looking for a stylish weekend break in the heart of the action, a family-friendly beach holiday or an indulgent escape heavy on luxury, the Festival City has got your back.

Hotel Alba Adelaide

Perfect for: pool babes, cocktail experts

Life is sweet as you bring cocktails to the poolside lounger at the airy Hotel Alba, which is more like a city resort than a hotel. Airy rooms with large balconies overlook the asymmetrical pool, and ground-floor restaurant Ela serves Mediterranean cuisine just meters from the water. Add in the location next to Parklands’ greenbelt on the city’s southern edge; You’ll experience surprisingly affordable accommodation, away from the noise of the city but still close to the action.

Prices start from $170 per night. 226 South Terrace, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8223 2800. See. hotelalba.com.au

EOS from SkyCity

Perfect for: luxury lovers, bar hoppers

Adelaide’s answer to the Guggenheim Bilbao dramatically looming over the SkyCity casino precinct is pure luxury business. The day spa and pool terrace encourage guests to start the day with wellness, while the rooftop bar (one of 10 bars and restaurants on site) encourages a more hedonistic approach. The 120 light-filled rooms combine the best of both worlds with plenty of local artwork and delightfully soft Hungarian white goose down pillows.

It starts at $359 per night. 1/1Festival Dr, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 7077 3588. See. skycityadelaide.com.au

Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks

Perfect for: fun-loving families, beach bums

South Australia’s largest holiday park can accommodate up to 3,000 guests and ensures everyone has fun with a ropes course, go-kart hire, skate park, outdoor cinema and two mini golf courses. Add in the splash zone, which includes a jumping pillow, water slides, poolside cabanas and a brand new kiddie pool; It’s no surprise that many guests never make it past the beach.

Prices start from $109 per night. 1 Military Road, West Beach. Phone: (08) 8355 7320. See. discoverholidayparks.com.au

Adelaide Marriott Hotel

Perfect for: heritage hunters, those staying in the center

Located right in the middle of Adelaide’s square kilometer CBD, it’s hard to find a more central location than Adelaide’s newest five-star hotel. The former GPO’s grand entrance hall is filled with monumental stone and copper artworks, while a stylish tower housing 285 generously sized rooms rises from the center of the heritage sandstone building. Ground floor restaurant Penny Blue offers a similar combination of old and new, with contemporary interpretations of retro classics such as prawn cocktails and beef Wellington.

It starts from $270 per night. 141 King William St, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8451 3300. See marriott.com

Oval Hotel

Perfect for: football fans, gym junkies

Starting the day with breakfast under the iconic 115-year-old scoreboard is just one of the perks of staying at the Oval Hotel, which is discreetly located inside Adelaide Oval. The 138 guest rooms feature a sporty and tasteful minimalist décor that reinforces a much more modern and quiet sense of luxury. If proximity to sporting perfection gets you in the workout mood, guests also have access to swimming pools, tennis courts and fitness classes alongside Adelaide A-listers at the neighboring Next Gen gym.

It starts at $315 per night. King William Rd, North Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8368 9900. See ovalhotel.com.au

Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Perfect for: trendy travelers, food fanatics

Pink banquettes matching the shade of former prime minister Don Dunstan’s short shorts hint at the level of detail in this personality-packed hotel. The 145 rooms, adorned with posters from past Adelaide festivals, offer a glimpse into the city’s cultural life, and foodies will love the proximity of Adelaide’s beloved Central Market, with 70 stalls selling everything from bok choy to biltong. Indigo’s Market to Table package includes a guided tour with a chef who stocks produce before cooking lunch in front of guests.

From $200 a night. 23-29 Market St, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8472 2400. See. adelaide.hotelindigo.com

Sequoia Lodge

Perfect for: flamboyant romantics, anniversary celebrators

Even though it’s only half an hour from Adelaide airport, this adults-only lodge in the Adelaide Hills feels like it exists in another world. Filled with local stone and wood, the 14 ultra-luxurious suites overlook the vineyard-filled Piccadilly Valley, and the views are even more beautiful than the warm spring-fed pools. Guests can fill their days with activities like yoga, wine tasting and nature walks, or go out and add a supercar driving experience and tasting at the on-site three hats restaurant.

It starts at $1999 per night. 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers. Phone: (08) 8130 9230. See. sequoialodge.com.au

Crown Plaza Adelaide

Perfect for: culture vultures, shopaholics

Located in South Australia’s tallest building, Crowne Plaza Adelaide looms over the boutiques and wine bars of Adelaide’s artsy East End. Check-in is on the 10th floor, where floor-to-ceiling windows maximize views of the Adelaide Hills and a variety of public spaces form the beating heart of the hotel. A free co-working space is handy during the day, but when sunset hits it’s worth grabbing a good vantage point at the modern Japanese restaurant Koomo or the all-season rooftop pool that juts out from the building.

Prices start from $250 per night. 27 Frome St, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 7077 2222. See. adelaide.crowneplaza.com

YHA Adelaide Central

Perfect for: lonely explorers, money hungry

Even if your backpacking days are behind you, the communal atmosphere of Adelaide’s best hostel has an undeniable appeal. Even though there’s room for 250 guests, manager Marjon somehow manages to greet almost everyone by name, taking advantage of weekly activities like yoga, trivia nights and barbecues. Enormous common areas and a kitchen mean there’s plenty of space at mealtimes, and first-time planners can choose from eight private rooms with a balcony overlooking the Square of Light.

Prices start from $90 per night. 135 Waymouth St, Adelaide, (08) 8414 3010. See yha.com.au

Sofitel Adelaide

Perfect for: Gallic gourmets, brunch enthusiasts

Buttery breakfast croissants, a friendly “bonjour” from the concierge and free-flowing champagne in the Club Millesime lounge (available to anyone staying in a suite) set the pro-French tone at the Adelaide CBD’s most sophisticated hotel. But it’s the unexpected touches, like the blue chandeliers above the indoor pool, that truly wow. The 251 bright rooms are more restrained (except for the marble-filled bathrooms), and the unique breakfast buffet at the ninth-floor Garcon Bleu restaurant leaves nothing to the imagination.

From $350 per night.108 Currie St, Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8432 1900. See. sofiteladelaide.com.au

The magnificent Old Lion Apartments

Perfect for: Those who prepare their own meals, those who stay for long periods of time

Located in leafy North Adelaide, arranged around a leafy courtyard, these self-catering apartments provide a comfortable setting for an extended stay in the city. If you are coming with your family, the 58 square meter three-bedroom apartments have a sofa bed and can comfortably accommodate seven people. Each of the 66 rooms has a laundry and kitchen, but the proximity of cafe-lined Melbourne Street makes it tempting to let someone else do the cooking.

It starts at $147 per night. 9 Jerningham St, North Adelaide. Phone: (08) 8334 7799. See. majesticoldlionapartments.com.au

Atura Adelaide Airport

Perfect for: plane spotters, red-eyed flyers

Plane spotters will love the south-facing rooms overlooking the runway, where 250 flights a day take place. But everyone can enjoy the smug feeling of walking two minutes to airport security gates and checking out. Its 193 rooms are comfortable and unpretentious. Atura showcases its personality in the lobby, which features a complimentary pool table, pops of color, and a restaurant serving perfectly cooked steaks that are a serious upgrade from most airport fare.

It starts at $239 per night. 1 Atura Runway, Adelaide Airport. Phone: (08) 7099 3300. See aturahotels.com