BreakFree Directors Studios Adelaide review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Stay in the city instead of trying to battle the crowds and traffic chaos after a concert or football at Adelaide Oval.

“Hello, it’s me …” As Adele took to the stage at Adelaide Oval I was glad I’d decided to stay in the city instead of trying to battle the crowds and traffic chaos after the show.

I’d checked in to a studio room at BreakFree Directors Studios at the West Terrace end of Gouger Street earlier in the night after finishing work.

I’d walked the short distance from Waymouth Street and was thankful I didn’t have a car as the on-site parking was at capacity and street parking around the hotel was also full. Don’t get confused either by the hotel’s location. It’s the nondescript building a bit further on from the Director’s Hotel. A sliding-glass door opens into a small lobby with studio rooms accessible via a lift. The concierge said the hotel was at capacity with at least 90 per cent of the guests attending the Adele concert.

I wanted to change and freshen up before heading to Adelaide Oval. Located on the first floor in a room overlooking Gouger Street, the door at the end of the hall opened on an angle to reveal a queen size bed against the back wall. A flat-screen TV sits on a low cupboard facing the bed with two lounge chairs pushed against the wall to the right. In an alcove opposite is a wardrobe, desk and two chairs. Tucked around the corner of the door is a small kitchenette with microwave, bar fridge, kettle, sink, crockery and cutlery.

BreakFree Directors Studio, Gouger Street, city.

The ensuite is basic and dated. It has a shower over a bath with a split glass screen shielding the laminex floor from splashing. It’s not really necessary as the water pressure leaves a lot to be desired. But the water’s hot and towels are fluffy.

Lighting in the bathroom is good when applying make-up. There are downlights near the mirror and natural lighting coming in from high above the toilet. There are also glass shelves to store toiletries but no vanity cupboard as the handbasin is stand-alone with exposed pipes.

You also don’t have to pack a hairdryer as one is located on the wall.

After getting changed I head out on foot to Adelaide Oval. There are plenty of options to grab a bite to eat along the way. I settle for Asian before joining the growing crowds heading to the Oval along North Terrace. Following the concert I head along War Memorial Drive to Morphett Street. Then it’s along Gouger Street to the hotel. If I had a voice left I could have continued the night at La Sing Karaoke Bar next door. The queen size bed is on the soft side but comfy enough. Street noise isn’t too loud and I get a good night’s sleep.

A breakfast pack containing cereal, a juice box and other packaged goodies is available to buy but I check out and grab something to eat at Central Market, which is just down the road and on the way to work. It’s also much more interesting to people-watch as the city comes to life.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

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

• 259 Gouger Street, Adelaide
• 1300 987 602
• breakfree.com.au/directors-studios/
• LOCATION 1km from the GPO.
• ACCOMMODATION Hotel or studio rooms. Hotel rooms are accessible via stairs only.
• FACILITIES Queen size bed, desk, LCD TV, microwave, bar fridge, crockery and cutlery, sink, kettle, ensuite with shower over bath, on-site parking an extra $12 a night (if spaces available), iPod dock.
• PRICE from $79-$94 a night.