Along the south coast of Australia is Adelaide, best known for culture, sports, food and wine. It is the capital of South Australia, it’s also known as festival city, for the plethora of festivals, starting with the Tour Down Under in January through the Ebenezer Night Markets in December.

Although it’s a city over over 1 million residents, it’s very easy to get around. In fact, most places in Adelaide are reachable within 20 minutes, and most most Adelaide hotels are within 20 minutes walk of the major attractions. So, no matter which Adelaide accommodation you choose, you’ll have no trouble seeing all the things to do in Adelaide.

We will cover off all types of Adelaide accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Adelaide hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Adelaide, the best Adelaide hotels, cheap hotels Adelaide, best places in Adelaide to visit, the best places to stay in Adelaide, hotels near Adelaide attractions, Adelaide neighborhood guide and many more. 

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Adelaide City Centre – Where to stay in Adelaide for tourists

For first-time visitors, or those who only have a few days to see Adelaide, the city centre, or CBD, is the best option, as you’ll be close to everything you want to see. If you are looking for cheap hotels in Adelaide, or cheap accommodation in Adelaide, the majority of hostels are in the CBD.

At the other end of the budget spectrum, there are many luxury and mid-range options as well. The city centre is not just for business travel, so you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and shopping nearby, as well as the Adelaide Zoo. For the best place to stay in Adelaide, CBD has something for everyone.

Where to stay in Adelaide CBD

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Adelaide City Centre:
The Guest House
Adelaide Backpackers Inn
Backpack OZ
Hostel 109 Flashpackers

Budget Hotels in Adelaide City Centre:
Ambassadors Hotel
South Terrace Motel
Adelaide Paringa
The Hotel Metropolitan

Mid range Hotels in Adelaide City Centre:
The Franklin Boutique Hotel
Quest on King William
Franklin Apartments
South Terrace Motel

Family Friendly Hotels in Adelaide City Centre:
Majestic Old Lion Apartments
Mantra Hindmarsh Square
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre
Oaks Horizons
Adina apartment hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Adelaide City Centre:
Hilton Adelaide
Peppers Waymouth Hotel
InterContinental Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel Adelaide
The Playford – MGallery by Sofitel

Glenelg – Where to stay in Adelaide to be close to the beach

For a great place to stay outside of the city centre, Glenelg Adelaide is an excellent choice. If you are traveling with children, and plan to spend some time at the beach, looking out into the South Pacific ocean or at playgrounds, then the best accommodation in Adelaide will be Glenelg for you.

The long, sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation, while the Beachouse amusement centre will entertain the kids for hours, with waterslides, rides and arcade games. When you are ready to explore more of downtown Adelaide, just hop on the tram (public transport) and you’ll be there in 25 minutes. Glenelg is one of best places to stay in Adelaide for families, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors, this is also the best suburb to stay in Adelaide! Below are our recommendations for Glenelg accommodation.

Best places to stay in Glenelg

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Glenelg:
Glenelg Beach Hostel

Budget Hotels in Glenelg:
Adelaide International Motel
Glenelg Motel
Glenelg Gateway Apartments
Buffalo Motor Inn

Mid range Hotels in Glenelg:
Comfort Inn Anzac Highway
Adelaide International Motel
Watermark Glenelg
Atlantic Tower Motor Inn

Family Friendly Hotels in Glenelg:
Oaks Liberty Towers
Oaks Plaza Pier Apartment Hotel
Seawall Apartments

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Glenelg:
Stamford Grand Adelaide

North Adelaide – Where to stay in Adelaide with family

For the perfect mix of city and greenery, North Adelaide is the greater Adelaide area to call home during your holiday. Only minutes from the city centre, you have the city at your doorstep, but plenty of green space to enjoy as well. This district has historic buildings and cathedrals, delicious food along O’Connell Street, and the River Torrens running through.

Climb up Montefiore Hill for a great view over Adelaide, a beautiful sight during the day or at night. With so many attractions nearby, there are many Adelaide hotels to choose from in the North district.

Best places to stay in North Adelaide

Budget Hotels in North Adelaide:
Princes Lodge Motel

Mid range Hotels in North Adelaide:
O’Connell Inn
Adelaide Dresscircle Apartments – Ward Street
Comfort Inn Regal Park

Family Friendly Hotels in North Adelaide:
Greenways Apartments
Adelaide DressCircle Apartments – Archer Street
Majestic Tynte Street Apartments
Adelaide Inn

Affordable Luxury Hotels in North Adelaide:
Buxton Manor
Fire Station Inn

McLaren Vale – Where to stay in Adelaide to enjoy the countryside

If you are coming to South Australia for the wine, then you might consider staying on the outskirts of Adelaide in McLaren Vale. This small town of less than 4,000 residents is less than 40 kilometres south of Adelaide city centre, but a very different vacation experience should you choose to stay here.

Some of the world’s oldest grape vines still produce world class red wines in and around McLaren Vale. For a bit of outdoor adventure, have a stroll along the Shiraz Trail. The Saturday morning farmer’s market is a big hit as well. Being so close to Adelaide, it will be easy to plan a day trip to Adelaide should you choose to stay in the countryside; or vice versa.

Best places to stay in McLaren Vale

Mid range Hotels in McLaren Vale:
McLaren Vale Studio Apartments
3 Divas B & B
Southern Vales Bed & Breakfast

Family Friendly Hotels in McLaren Vale:
Rosebank Bed and Breakfast
Amande Bed & Breakfast
Bella Cosa Bed and Breakfast
McLaren Vale Motel & Apartments

Affordable Luxury Hotels in McLaren Vale:
Karawatha Cottages
Serafino McLaren Vale

Barossa Valley – Where to stay in Adelaide to enjoy some wine

Another option for wine lovers is to stay a bit further afield from Adelaide, in the renowned Barossa Valley. This region, about 75 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, is also famous for Shiraz grapes. Several towns in the region include Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Angaston, all of which have many vineyards and tasting rooms.

If you are seeking a luxury getaway, then Barossa Valley may be just what you are looking for, as there are several luxury accommodation options. Barossa Valley also has many mid-range and budget accommodations as well, including caravans and tourist parks.

Best places to stay in Barossa Valley

Budget Hotels in Barossa Valley:
Angaston Vineyards Motel
Barossa Gateway Motel
Basedow Budget Units
Valley Hotel Motel

Mid range Hotels in Barossa Valley:
Vine Inn Barossa
Barossa Tourist Park
Blickinstal Barossa Valley Retreat
Country Pleasures B & B

Family Friendly Hotels in Barossa Valley:
Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley
Barossa Weintal Hotel
Seppelts View Cabins
Eagle Foundry Bed & Breakfast

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Barossa Valley:
Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
Lanzerac Country Estate

Adelaide Hills – Where to stay in Adelaide for a city break

Just east of the city is the area known as Adelaide Hills. You’ll never know you’re just an hour from the big city once you reach the tranquility of the hills. Several quaint hilly towns make an excellent home base for exploring the nearby forests, teeming with wildlife and culture.

There are many accommodation options spread across the towns of Hahndorf, Balhannah, Aldgate, Oakbank and Stirling. Foodies will love the farm-to-table approach found in many of the region’s restaurants. Even if you don’t stay here, make sure you plan a day trip to the Adelaide Hills, check out our below recommendations for where to stay in Adelaide Hills.

Best places to stay in Adelaide Hills

Budget Hotels in Adelaide Hills:
Hahndorf Motel
Aldgate Valley Bed and Breakfast
Birdwood Motel

Mid range Hotels in Adelaide Hills:
Hahndorf Oak Tree Cottages
Hahndorf House Bed & Breakfast
The Haus Studio Apartments
The Stables Boutique Motel

Family Friendly Hotels in Adelaide Hills:
Hahndorf Old Mill
Amble at Hahndorf
The Crafers Hotel
Sherwoode Bed and Breakfast

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Adelaide Hills:
The Manna of Hahndorf
The Retreat at Stirling
Mount Lofty House
Sticky Rice Villas

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