Adelaide Inn

Towering columns and white stone steps have a grand air at the property's entrance, although parking lots dividing the hotel's new and old buildings have a motel feel. The latter houses the lobby and restaurant, where the reception area's ritzy flourishes like a chandelier and old-fashioned rugs help detract from the dated carpeting on the stairs and chipped wood accents. Furnishings are also showing their age in the restaurant. Climbing plants adorn brick walls in the quiet courtyard, where the outdoor pool and hot tub are well-placed, and lined by dining sets. As it lacks loungers, it's better for a quick dip, though it isn't used much, as guests are mostly out and about or visiting nearby family. Overall, this is a good pick for unfussy guests seeking a cheap stay that's mostly quiet. 

The hotel occupies a great spot just north of Adelaide CBD, and positioning on the main O'Connell Street affords a downtown feel. Restaurants, pubs, shops, and supermarkets here stretch for multiple blocks, and immediate surrounds include a movie theater, and 24-hour bakery. Cricket and soccer venue, Adelaide Oval, is a 16-minute walk, but like most attractions, guests tend to drive there or use busses. Multiple routes from a bus stop across the street run to Victoria Square, Adelaide Town Hall and Zoo, Rundle Mall, and Adelaide CBD. All are within a 12-minute drive. Several hospitals are also a short drive. Adelaide Airport is 15 minutes away by car, or 43 minutes via public transport.

Starting at 388 square feet (36 square meters), large rooms have dated decor in need of a refurbishment. Expect colored carpeting -- some older-looking than others -- old-fashioned wood furniture and sconce lighting, and comfy beds topped with white linens. Some have unattractive red patterned sofa beds, while others add black leather or grayish-blue couches, which are more attractive but still showing wear. While some rooms receive little natural daylight, upgraded Balcony/Courtyard categories have furnished outdoor spaces and are brighter. Note that rooms are subject to occasional traffic, airplane, or hallway noise. 

Offering a double bed and either a single bed or pullout sofa, Studios sleep a total of three, while Family units can house four. Suites measure 797 square feet (74 square meters) and have living and dining areas and/or kitchen sinks are homey. Straightforward bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, toiletries, and towels. Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with soda, tea- and coffee-making facilities, AC, and ironing facilities come standard, as does free Wi-Fi. No safes are provided. Connecting and pet-friendly rooms are available. Note, upper level rooms are reached by stairs, and crib fittings incur fees. 

Features here aren't extensive, and some are disappointing, but overall they're sufficient. The Fox Restaurant serves a la carte breakfasts and modern Australian cuisine in an atmospheric, although dated space. Glossy red ceilings mirror red carpeted floors, and are accented by wood paneling and tufted black leather booths. It's a dim space, but off to one side is an enclosed terrace space with brick walls, and frosted ceiling panes that let in lots of light. Note, the restaurant is closed for dinner on Sundays. Despite it rarely getting used and lacking loungers, the small outdoor pool is attractive, and has a hot tub at one end. Its brick terrace and climbing greenery on a wall give it a pleasant, sequestered fee. A couple wrought-iron tables and chairs are set here. An adjacent, sheltered area has an exercise bike and weight-training machine, alongside a cabana lounger and sauna. Three meeting rooms are available. Washer/dryers are at a fee, while on-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free. Note that free parking fills up fast, and guests have to pay to reserve a spot.