NewsBite

Lakes Hotel West Lakes review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

There’s something about a water view. So I was very pleased to see, once I’d pulled back the curtains in my room at The Lakes Resort Hotel, that I had not one water view but two.

SA's Great promo

There’s something about a water view. It doesn’t matter if it’s calm or choppy, or sunny or stormy. For those of us who love looking at water, it’s just never dull.

And I do mean looking. I am happy just to sit back and watch. I don’t dive in, hire a boat, or learn to surf. Let others provide the entertainment. The water always seems to be up to something.

That’s why I wish Adelaide had more waterfront hotels. There are some notable exceptions, especially around Glenelg, but the city tends to dominate the hotel market, and the hills and country the B&Bs.

So I was very pleased to see, once I’d pulled back the curtains in my room at The Lakes Resort Hotel, that I had the advantage of not one water view but two.

Up on the fifth floor, standing out on my private balcony, the calm waters of West Lakes stretched below while on the western horizon I could see the Gulf St Vincent and the sun sinking into the sea.

Normally there would be rowers about, guided by the long lines of buoys stretching out the length of the lake. But since it was getting dark, the only vessel still floating about was the dinner and drinks cruiser, the West Lakes Princess.

Inside the room, the decorators had been put to work since I was last at the hotel a few years ago. The new look was clean and distinctively modern with plenty of neutral greys and blacks. Apart from the large and super comfortable bed, the room boasted a long desk, topped with a large flat-screen TV, a couple of leather arm chairs and a coffee table.

Spin the chairs around and we had a perfect view of the sunset with a few nibbles bought across the road at the West Lakes shopping centre, and a few drinks from the well-stocked bottle shop attached to the resort.

Lakes Resort Hotel at West Lakes. Picture supplied
Lakes Resort Hotel at West Lakes. Picture supplied

This was the standard room – they call it the deluxe suite. The bathroom came with a shower (the big rainwater showerhead felt terrific) but no bath or spa. If you want to lash out, you can upgrade to a larger suite with spa and your own sitting room if you like.

The hotel is clearly a popular spot for big groups and functions, with half a dozen different function rooms, and a restaurant, bistro and a sport bar all fronting the lake.

Should you feel the need for exercise during your stay there’s the gym (a bit basic), an indoor pool, or three nearby golf courses. The beach, of course, is within walking distance.

Or choose the more relaxing option and take the paved walk in front of the hotel that follows the shore of the lake, providing the opportunity for improving your health and a bit of a sticky beak at some of the big homes that overlook the water.

If you don’t fancy eating at the resort, take a stroll along the waterfront to Sportivo, an Italian cafe which does great pasta and standout pizzas. And if you’re there for more than a night and stuck for entertainment, the Reading cinemas are a short walk away through the shopping centre.

Lakes Resort’s Studio Spa Suite.
Lakes Resort’s Studio Spa Suite.

One of the best bits about the hotel, though, is the breakfast, which is included in the price. It is enough to feed an army.

Held in the bistro right on the lake front, it’s a great opportunity to start healthy with the yoghurt and fruit and steadily move to the I-may-regret-this-later stage with the crumpets, cereal, and then a full hot buffet breakfast.

Even better, as you scoff all of this, deciding on perhaps yet another coffee, outside the enormous wall of glass there’s a constant parade of people working hard for your pleasure. I am talking about the rowers and the scullers bending their backs as they sweep up and down the lake.

It is a fine sight. Especially for those among us who do love looking at the water – but never feel inclined to join in.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in September 2016 and details updated in March 2021

  • 141 Brebner Drive, West Lakes
  • (08) 8356 4444
  • Email: reception@lakesresorthotel.com.au
  • lakesresorthotel.com.au
  • LOCATION 11km west of Adelaide CBD.
  • ACCOMMODATION Hotel rooms and suites for up to four people.
  • FACILITIES Lake view with balcony; 24-hour reception; room service 6.30am to 9pm; complimentary a la carte breakfast served in Knots Kitchen 6.30am to 10am; free Wi-Fi; mini fridge, coffee and tea making facilities; complimentary Foxtel sport and movie channels; indoor heated swimming pool and spa and gym.
  • PRICE Range from $185 per night for standard deluxe room to $400 per night for the Studio Spa suite. Longer stays may attract discount.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/travel/lakes-hotel-west-lakes-review-sas-great-travel-planner/news-story/d7579e73b17cd227a93b440fae30adf8