North Adelaide Boutique Stays review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

A night in Adelaide is always fun – but a night in North Adelaide is even better. At least that’s how we felt after our stay in a spa suite at North Adelaide Boutique  Stays.

A night in Adelaide is always fun – but a night in North Adelaide is even better.

At least that’s how we felt after our stay in a spa suite at North Adelaide Boutique  Stays, a collection of hotel rooms and apartments, just off of O’Connell Street.

Just a few minutes drive (or $11 Uber ride) from Adelaide makes it close enough to attractions such as Adelaide Oval and the Festival Centre, but far enough from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Motel-type parking is an added convenience, and included in the price.

My husband and I chose to stay in the spa suite, following a long lunch at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens Restaurant.

North Adelaide Boutique Stays accommodation.

Pictures on the website don’t do it justice. Having only been built in 2014, the accommodation looks and feels new. The fit-out is clean and contemporary, with warm neutral colours and a simple statement artwork above the queen-sized bed.

There is also a plush leather armchair and desk, including an iPad and map of the area, and tiny kitchenette comprising a sink, coffee pod machine, microwave and mini bar. The owners have been space-savvy in fitting everything in, without making the room feel crowded. A large wardrobe offers plenty of space to hang our clothes for the evening, however we have little plans post-lunch – particularly once we find a second, flat screen television above the spa bath in the ensuite.

Service is genuine, friendly and helpful. A request to check in prior to midday was met without hesitation, a text message notifying us when the room was ready. It’s a nice change from the usual 2pm check-in time at many larger hotels – and meant we could settle in straight after my morning hair appointment, down the road.

There are also plenty of resources available for tourists, including brochures, complimentary bike hire and a comprehensive website full of ideas for dining and other activities.

Walking into a warm room was another welcome surprise, the heating left on a pleasant temperature to ward off the winter chill. We throw in our stuff, get changed and request an Uber to lunch, returning just before dinner time for that relaxing spa bath. A white and grey colour scheme makes for a modern looking ensuite, with a charcoal grey feature wall anchoring the large, above-ground spa bath, which is comfortable for two people. The shower at the opposite end of the bathroom is also designed for couples, with two, large, square-shaped shower heads. There is also a wide sink and mirror, plus plenty of toiletries including bath salts.

North Adelaide Boutique Stays’ Spa suite spa bath.

In a few minutes our bath is full and bubbling away. A side table nearby enables us to bring in our cheese, crackers and wine. Just be careful of the overflow – and be sure to use the floor mat.

Extra towels also means there’s a dry set for the morning shower.

The pillow-top bed is comfortable and a pillow menu allows fussy sleepers to make their ideal choice (except for me ... I’m so fussy I tend to BYO).

The only noise heard in the evening is the occasional plane flying overhead, but it’s barely noticeable and ceases before we hit the sack. For those wanting to grab a bite for dinner, there are plenty of choices along O’Connell Street, plus a few pubs. Still full from lunch, we settle on snacks and save our appetites for a big, not-so-boozy brunch, back in the city on Sunday.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

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

• 190 Gover St, North Adelaide
• [phone]
• nabsa.com.au
• LOCATION Just 2km from Adelaide CBD and a minute’s walk to O’Connell Street.
• ACCOMMODATION Hotel rooms, 1-3 bedroom studio apartments and assisted living apartment.
• FACILITIES Wall-mounted flat-screen TV (extra one in spa suite), Foxtel, Nespresso coffee pod machine, mini bar, in-room safe, reverse-cycle heating and cooling, pullout ironing board and iron, free Wi-Fi.
• PRICE Hotel rooms from $140 per night, Spa Studios $175 per night when booking direct.