Adelaide: Where to Stay for Every Budget

The Green Adventurers contains affiliate links. Some products and services linked to from this blog post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read the disclaimer for more information
Acknowledgement Of Country

Adelaide Where to Stay: Unveiling the Best Lodgings for Thrifty and Splurge-Worthy Escapes

Welcome to the vibrant and charming city of Adelaide! As a long-time resident of this beautiful metropolis, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing its incredible evolution over the years. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about where to stay in Adelaide, you’ve come to the right place! Adelaide boasts a diverse array of accommodation options, each with its unique charm and proximity to fantastic sightseeing opportunities. With so much to explore, from the bustling Central Market to the serene Adelaide Botanic Garden, there’s truly something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll share my insider knowledge and personal experiences, helping you find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of adventure. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveller or seeking the ultimate luxury experience, I’ve got you covered. Join me as we delve into the best of Adelaide’s accommodation options, so you can make the most of your stay and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and uncover the hidden gems of where to stay in Adelaide!

Adelaide Twilight

My Top 3 Picks: Adelaide – Where To Stay

#1 Top Pick

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Luxury – Eos By Skycity
✅ 5-star accommodation with a hot tub
✅ Outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and terrace
✅  Room service and a 24-hour front desk

#2 Pick

Vibe Hotel Adelaide

✅ Outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace
✅ Continental, full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast 
✅ Super clean, modern rooms with extra comfortable beds

#3 Pick

Budget Friendly – YHA Adelaide

✅ Dorm Room & Privates
✅ Fun & Social Vibe
✅ Convenient CBD Location

Best Hotels in Adelaide

1. Eos By Skycity

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 📍 LOCATION: Torrens Riverfront Adelaide CBD | ✅ Book it!

Eos by SkyCity offers unparalleled luxury for discerning travellers seeking personalised experiences and indulgent escapes. Nestled in the heart of Adelaide, this lavish hotel boasts meticulously crafted suites, signature dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. With a prime location, guests can easily explore Adelaide’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and world-famous cuisine. The Leisure Deck provides a serene oasis with a heated outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, and stunning views, ensuring that every moment at Eos by SkyCity is tailored for pure escapism and respite.

“This was the most luxurious stay my partner and I have had, it exceeded our expectations, I have zero complaints. The staff were nothing but accommodating and caring, the hotel itself is outstanding and our room was amazing. Very clean, great aircon, all facilities in the room were amazing! The room service was outstanding and was probably the best meals we had out of all the places we ate on our trip! This will be a regular stay for us! Nothing I can say will do it justice, our stay at Eos was outstanding!”

Angelica Read more reviews

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Vibe Hotel Adelaide

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 📍 LOCATION: Flinders Street, Adelaide CBD | ✅ Book it!

Vibe Hotel Adelaide – Value Without Compromise

For travellers keen on experiencing Adelaide’s charm without stretching their wallets too thin, Vibe Hotel Adelaide offers the ideal blend of affordability and luxury. Nestled in a prime location, guests are perfectly positioned to explore the city’s treasures. But the allure doesn’t end with its locale. The hotel boasts a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, perfect for those warm Adelaide afternoons.

Those arriving by car will appreciate the convenience of private parking. Fitness enthusiasts aren’t left out either, with a fitness centre to keep their routines intact. And after a day of city exploration, the terrace offers a tranquil space for relaxation and reflection. With such comprehensive amenities paired with its strategic location, Vibe Hotel Adelaide ensures guests don’t have to compromise on quality while being budget-conscious.

“Exceptional – Great hotel, have stayed a few times, and they upgraded me to a lovely room with a free-standing bath. After work, I relaxed in the bath with a book, I felt like I was in a spa. Great breakfast, too!”

Jackie (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

3. YHA Adelaide

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 📍 LOCATION: locationhere | ✅ Book it!

When it comes to budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Adelaide, look no further than the award-winning Adelaide Central YHA. Perfectly situated overlooking picturesque Light Square, this hostel offers an unbeatable combination of location, amenities, and cost-effectiveness. Guests can choose from air-conditioned dormitory and private rooms, all of which include large lockers and personal bed lights for added comfort. With free WiFi accessible throughout the premises, staying connected is a breeze.

Beyond the rooms, the hostel features an array of facilities that go far beyond what you might expect for the price. A 24-hour internet lounge, secure luggage storage, and a well-equipped communal kitchen are just a few of the conveniences on offer. The common lounge area is outfitted with cozy sofas and a flat-screen TV, providing a homey atmosphere. What’s more, Adelaide Central YHA offers a tour booking service, making it easier for you to explore the city’s attractions. Within walking distance, you’ll find markets, restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs, making it an ideal hub for your Adelaide adventures. Solo travellers especially appreciated the location, rating it an impressive 9.2 for a one-person stay. With all these features, it’s clear why Adelaide Central YHA is considered the top option for budget-conscious travellers.

One of the best hostels I’ve stayed in in terms of facilities/set up. Has all the little things you wish for in a hostel – excellent large kitchen divided into little bays. Huge social area with pool, table football and table tennis. 2 separate tv rooms for quieter relaxing. We stayed in a family room, had a double bed and 2 bunks, really spacious room. The bathrooms were great – very clean, each shower cubicle had a dry changing area with a shower door through to the shower (much nicer than a grotty curtain / cramped room where everything gets wet that most places seem to have!)

-Spackman (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

4. Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️| 📍 LOCATION: Market Street, Adelaide CBD | ✅ Book it!

For travellers who crave both luxury and location, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, an IHG Hotel, emerges as an ideal choice. Situated just 500 meters from Victoria Square and a short 1.3 km stroll from Rundle Mall, the hotel boasts an optimal city-centre location. Offering more than just an address, this 4-star property provides a slew of high-end amenities including a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop bar.

Guests are welcomed into air-conditioned rooms that offer a wealth of conveniences: a desk for your work or planning, a coffee machine to kickstart your day, and a minibar to unwind after exploring the city. Adding to the comfort are a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Some rooms even feature terraces and city views for that extra touch of luxury. If you’re an early riser, you can start your day with a continental, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast, offered right at the property. The hotel also offers room service and a 24-hour front desk, making your stay as effortless as possible.

“It’s a nice neat quiet place to stay. Good rooms, good rooftop bar, good breakfast, very accommodating staff, great location near the markets and a nice 15-20 min stroll to city shopping mall”

Mark (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

5. Majestic Minima Hotel

RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  hours OR 📍 LOCATION: locationhere | ✅ Book it!

If hostels aren’t really your cup of tea but you’re still conscious of your budget, consider the Majestic Minima Hotel as your perfect alternative. Located in the vibrant area of North Adelaide, this hotel offers a unique experience that combines affordability with art and style. It’s designed to be a creative space for both guests and artists, featuring 46 art rooms, each uniquely decorated by local South Australian artists around the theme of creation.

A stay here is more than just a budget-friendly option; it’s a full-on cultural experience right in the heart of one of Adelaide’s most cosmopolitan districts. The property offers a boutique lobby, guest terrace and balcony, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

“I love the location and how each room has a different mural. We get excited to see which room we will get each time.”

Courtney (Read more reviews)

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

FAQs About Where To Stay In Adelaide

What is the best part of Adelaide to stay?

The best area to stay in Adelaide really depends on your interests and what you’re looking to get out of your visit. If it’s your first time in the city and you want to take in as many sights and experiences as possible, the Central Business District (CBD) is a fantastic choice. The CBD puts you in the heart of the action, with easy access to shopping, dining, cultural landmarks, and public transport.

On the other hand, if you prefer a mix of urban sophistication and local charm, North Adelaide is another excellent area to consider. It’s less frenetic than the CBD but still offers an impressive array of cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Glenelg is the go-to destination for beach lovers, and it’s also a hub of activity with shops and restaurants on Jetty Road. For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Adelaide Hills offer a serene environment close to wineries and nature walks. Each area has its own distinct personality, making Adelaide a versatile destination no matter what you’re looking to experience.

Glenelg Beach Adelaide
Glenelg Beach at sunset

Is it better to stay in Adelaide or Glenelg?

Choosing between staying in Adelaide or Glenelg depends on your personal preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking.

Adelaide’s Central Business District (CBD) offers a more urban experience, with a wide variety of restaurants, shops, museums, and other cultural sites. You’ll be close to iconic spots like Rundle Mall for shopping, the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden. Public transportation is also more abundant in the city, making it easier to explore further afield. The CBD offers a broader range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Glenelg, on the other hand, offers a beachside experience with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to relax by the beach, enjoy water sports, or take leisurely strolls along the jetty. Jetty Road in Glenelg is a bustling area with lots of cafes, boutiques, and pubs. While Glenelg is a bit further from the city centre, it’s well-connected by the tram system, so you can still easily get to Adelaide if you wish to. Read more about Adelaide’s best beaches.

What is the trendy part of Adelaide?

The East End around Rundle Street remains a staple for Adelaide’s trendsetters, boasting an eclectic array of boutiques, cafes, and cultural attractions. Not too far away, North Adelaide continues to make its mark with historic architecture, boutique shops, and unique accommodations.

However, emerging on the scene are some fresh contenders. Bowden, once an industrial area, has transformed into a hip neighborhood that appeals to a younger, environmentally-conscious crowd. It’s home to Plant 4, a market complex that is a hub for all things organic, local, and artisanal. From unique eateries to crafty shops, Plant 4 has it all, encapsulating the trendy, community vibe that Bowden represents.

Port Adelaide is also rising in the ranks as a trendy locale. Traditionally known for its maritime history, this area is going through a renaissance, attracting a new wave of cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. With its mix of historical buildings and modern enterprises, Port Adelaide offers a unique blend of old and new that’s drawing in the hip crowd.

So whether you’re interested in art and history, food and drink, or simply soaking in a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, Adelaide offers a range of trendy neighborhoods to explore.

How many days do you need for Adelaide?

To truly experience the diversity and beauty of Adelaide, you’ll need at least 5 days. This allows you enough time to explore the city’s museums, gardens, and the renowned Central Market, as well as the trendier locales where you’ll find boutiques and cafes. The real charm of Adelaide, however, lies beyond the city centre. Many of the region’s highlights, like the world-famous wine regions of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley, require a day trip to fully enjoy. These areas offer more than just wine; think gourmet food, stunning landscapes, and local art.

For a detailed guide on how to make the most of your Adelaide visit, check out this post: Best Places to Visit in Adelaide. It provides a comprehensive look at what the city and its surroundings have to offer.

🤩 Don’t Think Twice Book The Eos Hotel

Final Thoughts: Adelaide Where To Stay


So there you have it, adventurous souls! Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, Adelaide offers a range of accommodations to suit every travel style. From the artistic flair of Majestic Minima Hotel in North Adelaide to the award-winning YHA in the heart of the city, you’re set for an unforgettable journey. And let’s not forget, the real adventure often lies just a short drive away in places like McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley.

But why stop here? There’s so much more to explore, taste, and experience in Adelaide! For a comprehensive guide to all things Adelaide, make sure to visit our directory of all of our Adelaide posts. Dive in and start planning the Aussie adventure of your dreams. Trust us, the city of churches is full of surprising thrills and hidden gems waiting just for you. See you in Adelaide!

Read More: