Clare Valley Motel Clare review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Driving up that long, steep, grass-lined driveway feels like something akin to the gateway of a fancy American country club.

The entrance is very grand. In fact, driving up that long, steep, grass-lined driveway feels like something akin to the gateway of a fancy American country club.

Right at the top of the hill, we find a large, colonial-style, white building topped with red roof tiles that houses the reception and restaurant – along with the friendly staff – of the Clare Valley Motel.

The motel has a large choice of accommodation, with 33 different rooms to suit all different needs and budgets.

Fancy a spa bath and kingsize bed? After something neat and simple? Or need a spot to fit the whole family? You’ll find it here.

There are even rooms dedicated as pet-friendly in case you want your pooch to travel with you.

Owners Errol Eastman and Janece Peters have progressively renovated the interiors of the different suites.

We choose a little Cottage Queen room, where prices start at just $135 a night. It’s cosy, comfy, and – with parking right out the front – perfect for the two of us for a weekend trip to Clare.

Inside, you’ll find fresh bed linen and furniture, and a functional bathroom – perhaps not so new, but scrubbed spotlessly clean.

Poolside at the Clare Valley Motel. Picture: Katelin Nelligan

There’s everything you could expect from an Australian motel – airconditioning, fridge, tea and coffee, flat-screen TV.

And there are also some new mod cons.

Take the Tesla parking, for instance. There are four bays ready and waiting to recharge your car batteries, if you’ve made the progressive leap to an electric vehicle.

And the surprises don’t stop there – not only will you find Australian fare at the motel for breakfast and candlelit dinners, but every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night the main restaurant transforms into ‘Fuji’, serving Japanese cuisine.

We didn’t get a chance to try it, but we were told you’d better book. And if you’d prefer to cook for yourself, there’s an outdoor barbecue, free for anyone to use.

A stylish bedroom at the Clare Valley Motel. Picture: Katelin Nelligan

Inside the Clare Valley Motel. Picture: Katelin Nelligan

As the weather heats up, the outdoor saltwater pool will become increasingly popular. Where else do you get to swim while staring out at the rolling hills that surround the Clare township?

Speaking of that township, luckily it’s just a short walk or drive away. There are monthly markets buzzing when we visit, drawing crowds from near and far.

We stop off at Seed Winehouse + Kitchen for some brunch. The popular restaurant, located in an old chaff mill on the main street heading north out of Clare, has breakfast and lunch, in addition to its usual popular dinner fare.

It’s got a cosy, convivial atmosphere with a focus on local produce – and if you time your visit right, don’t forget to try a glass or two from the comprehensive gin selection.

It’s also difficult to stop in the Clare Valley without trying a drop of wine or two. The famous
Riesling Trail is not far from the motel, which has suggestions for bike hire – along with top wineries to visit.

Kilikanoon is a favourite for us (you can always drive there if your cycling legs can’t take you that far!) and Tim Adams is a handy 1.8km away. Make sure you try the pinot gris and award-winning riesling.

Back at the motel and we’re ready to check out. We’re greeted brightly and asked if we’ve enjoyed our stay and if there’s anything else that would have made us more comfortable.

It’s this helpful attitude and will to improve that makes this comfy top-of-the-hill locale a real winner for a weekend away in wine country.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend

This review was first published in January 2019 and had details updated in March 2021

• 74a Main North Rd, Clare
• [phone]
• [e-mail]

• LOCATION 141km from Adelaide on the southern edge of the Clare, about a 10-minute walk to the centre of town
• ACCOMMODATION 33 rooms, ranging from Valley View King Spa rooms, Valley View Kings, Valley View Queens, Hillside Queen, Twin (Queen+Single rooms) Family room, Cottage Queen (budget). All rooms have ensuite with walk-in shower, Reverse cycle airconditioning, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making, coffee pod machine, toaster, fridge, microwave, iron, ironing board, hairdryer. Spa rooms available. (Cottage Queen rooms do not have microwave or pod machine).
• FACILITIES A sparkling saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by sandy beach with firepit, barbecue area, restaurant, Conference facilities/function room available. Guest laundry. Parking directly in front of room – ample parking for trailers or buses. Pet alpaca enclosure. Pet-friendly rooms by prior arrangement. Telsa Superchargers.
• PRICE From $148 a night for two adults in a Cottage Queen room, from $172 for a Valley View King room with spa.