Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

I’d always harboured a desire to walk the red carpet but dragging a suitcase behind me was not in my vision. The red-carpeted side entrance to Adabco Boutique Hotel avoids the front steps.

I’d always harboured a desire to walk the red carpet but dragging a suitcase behind me was not in my vision. The red-carpeted side entrance to Adabco Boutique Hotel was preferable to the front entrance, though, which featured a few stairs.

Located opposite Christian Brothers College and the Calvary Wakefield Private Hospital in the East End of the city, the heritage-listed building is partially hidden by a plane tree.

Built in 1897, the three-storey sandstone building, which features a Venetian Gothic facade, was originally home to an organisation supporting the moral care and wellbeing of boys. Later it became a sports centre and contained a gym, basketball courts, roller skating rink – even a running track. In the 1960s it became the premises of many government and private educational bodies before being sold to its current owners in 2008 and converted into a hotel.

Walking through the side door I am greeted by a “Welcome back” from one of the two friendly staff members at the front counter. Not having stepped foot inside the hotel before I correct him but he replies he is confident I will return after my short stay.

Adabco Boutique Hotel in Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

After organising for a takeaway breakfast for my husband, who is starting work before the dining room opens at 7am, I dawdle along the long hallway to the lifts admiring the dozens of brightly-coloured oil paintings that line the walls in their ornate gilt frames. It’s like being in an art gallery. I am told later by the desk staff that the owner bought the paintings en masse in Europe.

There are two paintings in my premium king room, one reminding me of Monet’s water lilies and the other of an Italian courtyard garden. They suit the room, which features dark timber furniture including a large desk that overlooks Wakefield Street.

A cream coloured lounge chair and lamp shades contrast beautifully. Light coloured wooden shutters cover the windows helping to block out light and street noise, as do the thick curtains.

A kingsize bed with padded headboard, wardrobe, mini bar, flat screen television and shelving complete the room. An ensuite features a corner shower with excellent water pressure.

I head out for dinner but there are fully equipped kitchens located on the second and third floors where you can prepare your own meals.

It’s an easy walk to restaurants on Hutt Street, East Terrace and Rundle Street. I am enticed by a specials board outside EST Pizzeria spruiking gnocchi with red wine veal ragu and panna cotta. Unfortunately, they have sold out of panna cotta so I skip dessert and pick up cannoli on the way back to the hotel from Bocelli Caffe Ristorante on Hutt Street.

Following a fitful night’s sleep, hubby leaves with his brown bag breakfast, which includes yoghurt, an apple, muesli bar and juice, and I enjoy a relaxing continental breakfast in the dining room, across from reception. I concede that the desk staff was right. I will be back.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in October 2017 and details updated in March 2021.

• 223 Wakefield St, Adelaide
• [phone]
• [e-mail]
• adabcohotel.com.au
• LOCATION An easy 1.7km walk from the GPO.
• ACCOMMODATION Premium queen, premium twin, premium king, family room and executive suite. Pet friendly accommodation now offered.
• FACILITIES The premium king room has a flat screen TV, bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, radio alarm clock, safe, desk and chair, iron and ironing board, reverse-cycle airconditioning. Guest laundry. (Communal guest kitchen temporarily closed for hygiene).
• PRICE From $109 a night depending on room. Breakfast an additional $20 per person, offsite at Bocelli Caffe Ristorante.