Doma Group unveils plans for 23-storey Little National Hotel on North Tce

Boasting a rooftop bar 23 storeys above North Tce, a new $62m hotel planned for the CBD would rise far above its neighbours.

A rooftop bar 23 storeys above North Tce forms the centrepiece of a new high-rise hotel planned between the Oaks Embassy and Horizons towers in the CBD.

Canberra-based developer Doma Group plans to bring its Little National Hotel brand to Adelaide, describing it as an “affordable luxury boutique” chain.

The 1920s art-deco building currently occupying the site would be demolished to make way for the new hotel, which would feature 18 levels of hotel accommodation with 140 standard rooms, 26 “big” rooms and 48 one and two-bedroom suites. It will cost $62m to build.

Guests will have exclusive access to a gym and lounge featuring workspaces, private booths and a bar.

Meanwhile, above the lounge, an expansive 400sq m rooftop bar and outdoor terrace will be open to the public with a focus on local produce.

Artist's impression of Little National Hotel Adelaide on North Tce. Designed by Bates Smart. Picture: Doma Group

Doma director of hotels Patrick Lonergan said the rooftop bar would have a dedicated lift and lobby on the ground floor, and would “set a new benchmark to the emerging Adelaide rooftop scene”.

“We are thrilled to be bringing our hotel offering to Adelaide,” he said.

“The Little National Hotel product is on the mark for today’s savvy and sophisticated traveller, delivered at a reasonable price point.

“The hotel is conveniently placed within walking distance of the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval, and all the food and beverage facilities of the Leigh and Peel laneways, as well as the emerging Hindley St entertainment facilities.”

Bates Smart architects have designed the hotel, while Sydney-based interior architects Luchetti Krelle have designed the rooftop bar.

Doma will soon begin construction of a Little National Hotel in Newcastle, and an Adelaide venue would become the fourth in the network after openings in Sydney and Canberra.

Plans for the Adelaide hotel have been lodged with the state’s planning authority, and construction is expected to begin in October, with an expected completion in mid-2024.

The hotel tower would replace the old oven and stove manufacturer building.

Artist's impression of Little National Hotel Adelaide. Designed by Bates Smart. Picture: Doma Group

An $18m Quest hotel had previously been mooted for the North Tce site in 2018, but those plans were scrapped and Doma acquired the site late last year.

The existing three-storey building was built for Metters and Company – an oven and stove manufacturer – in 1927 but it is not heritage-listed.