Strath Motel Strathalbyn review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

I wasn’t expecting the contemporary, spacious suite we were welcomed by, with a comfortable kingsize bed, large study desk and sitting area, plus a rear private courtyard.

Sometimes, it takes an event to encourage us to take a break in our own backyards. Strathalbyn is less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD and it’s an easy one, via the freeway.

It’s a day trip – not necessarily somewhere to pull up stumps, unpack and call home for a couple of days. For my husband and I, booking into the Strathalbyn Motel was our final hope. We had a wedding at a private property in Macclesfield on a Saturday night, and failed to find any available accommodation closer by.

Eight other guests were in the same boat, so it made booking a bus back to the motel at the end of the evening an easy solution. Plus, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Macclesfield – nothing worth fretting about.

Once we walked into our room, we realised there was no reason not to consider staying in Strath in the first place.

Say the word “motel” and I can’t help but think of old, run-down roadsides – depressing old rooms the size of a shoebox, with stale floral quilt covers and chunky little televisions.

The Strath Motel at Strathalbyn.

I wasn’t expecting the contemporary, spacious suite we were welcomed by, with a comfortable kingsize bed, large study desk and sitting area, plus a rear private courtyard complete with a table for two.

Sure, there’s no funky artwork (just a bit of Australiana), nor tempting treats in the minibar. But the warm neutral colour scheme, ample natural light filtering through the large rear sliding door and perks such as a flat-screen TV, large wardrobe and good heating made it feel just as good as some of the more expensive hotels in Adelaide.

The bathroom, too, is filled with natural light, perfect for applying make-up before a Saturday night event. There’s even a make-up removal cloth to use. But bring your own hairdryer – the one on the wall looks like it’s from another decade.

Breakfast room service is simple and cheap, but you’d be crazy not to make the most of the Hills and find somewhere delicious for a lazy brunch the next day. After a decent sleep and nice hot shower, we ventured to Hahndorf for pancakes and eggs out on the deck at The Seasonal Garden Café.

From there, you can peruse the main street or perhaps do a little wine tasting – if you didn’t drink too much the night before, of course.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in November 2016 and had details updated in March 2021.

• 4 North Parade, Strathalbyn
• 8536 3311
• strathmotel.com.au

• LOCATION 46km southeast of Adelaide
• ACCOMMODATION 4.5 star motel, all ground-floor rooms
• FACILITIES Kingsize beds, desk, free High Speed Wi-Fi, LED 32” TV, bar fridge, microwave/toaster, tea and coffee facilities, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, reverse-cycle air conditioning, an ensuite and private courtyard with seating.
• PRICE Standard room $149, twin room (two kingsize beds) $174, family room $189.