Ibis Adelaide

This fresh and modern hotel is situated in a 17-story high-rise, with a checkerboard facade of glass and textured concrete. The Ibis chain is known for its budget accommodations, and while the property may have budget-bones, it impresses a little more than usual, with colorful decor and a range of amenities. The lobby isn't huge, but a seating area near reception features playful and bright upholstered armchairs set under massive drum pendants. The style is echoed in the restaurant and bar, which is where guests tend to hang out most. It's certainly not a luxury property, but it's competitively priced and exceptionally located, attracting business guests and leisure-traveling couples.

Ibis Adelaide is situated on a busy multi-lane road in the heart of Adelaide, within the Adelaide Park Lands green belt and an easy walk from a wealth of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Hindmarsh Square is at the end of the block, a one-minute walk, and Rundle Mall, a popular pedestrian shopping street, is a two-minute walk north. Bus stops are situated right outside the hotel, though most sights are within 20 minutes on foot. 

• Five-minute walk to South Australian Museum
• 10-minute walk to Royal Adelaide Hospital
• 11-minute walk to Victoria Square
• 15-minute walk to the Adelaide Convention Center
• 16-minute walk to Adelaide Zoo
• 18-minute walk to Adelaide Oval
• 20-minute walk to Adelaide Botanic Gardens
• 30 minutes to Adelaide Airport via public transit

Guest rooms at Ibis Adelaide have a standard, mid-range chain-hotel vibe. They're contemporary, tidy, and comfortable, but simple and on the small side, with decor that's a touch bland. Gray wall-to-wall carpeting is pared with white walls and bedding, and there's wood-laminate furniture and inset bench seating next to the beds. The rooms don't have much color, but art above the beds is by Australian graffiti artist Ghostpatro, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light.

Long shelves that serve as desks have office chairs, and electric kettles with free coffee and tea are set on corners. Mini-fridges underneath are stocked with individual packets of creamer. Open wardrobes next to bathrooms feature amenities like electronic safes, irons, and hairdryers. Rooms also have individually controlled AC, smart TVs, and LED desk lamps with USB ports, but Wi-Fi costs extra. White-tiled bathrooms have a bit of counter space, modern walk-in showers, and free individual toiletries.

Both Standard and Superior rooms have either a queen or two single bed. Categories are virtually identical, except that Superior Rooms are situated on the sixth floor and above for city views, which can be quite spectacular, particularly from higher floors.

The hotel offers a wide range of amenities geared toward business and leisure travelers alike. There's a casual restaurant and bar with spacious dining and lounge areas, plus outdoor seating on a balcony that overlooks Grenfell Street. A decent and extensive breakfast has hot and cold items that are typical of chain hotel buffets, but it isn't included in all rates. The advertised "24-hour room service" is actually takeaway service, which some guests find pricey. 

The hotel has a small but modern gym with a wood floor, weight lifting equipment, and modern cardio equipment. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a small deck, where a handful of lounge chairs offer a nice spot for catching rays. Bikes and helmets are available to rent, but there's no pool or spa services. 

A business nook has a few computers and a printer for guest use, and the hotel has some meeting and event space. There's also a coin-operated laundry room and a 24-hour front desk and can arrange tickets or tours. But there's no on-site parking (parking is available nearby at a discounted rate), and Wi-Fi throughout costs extra.