New Adelaide Oval Hotel is officially open and welcome dog Charli is already a hit with guests
The first guests are settling into the plush new Adelaide Oval Hotel – officially open today – and they’ve been given an extra warm welcome from Charli, the hotel’s resident welcome dog. SEE THE EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS
City
Don't miss out on the headlines from City. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Being in the doghouse isn’t always a bad thing, especially when you are Charli the resident Adelaide Oval Hotel welcome dog.
The 15-week old Cavalier King Charles spaniel is already a hit with staff and a delight for the first guests who today are celebrating the official opening of the city’s latest tourism gem.
Oval Hotel manager Mieke Sellers said the inspiration for Charli – who has not yet revealed if she is a Crows or Power AFL supporter – came from South Australian wineries where the ubiquitous house dog has become a popular addition.
“At Oval Hotel, we are committed to creating unexpected and unforgettable moments for our guests,” Ms Sellers said.
“Charli is a part of that – she’s a friendly face on arrival, a cheeky addition to an event experience, a warm welcome back to your room after a long day. She completes the ‘home away from home’ experience that Oval Hotel offers to every guest.
“We’ve been working closely with the RSPCA to develop a care plan that will ensure Charli is safe, happy and well trained.”
One of the first guests, Lucy McDonough, enjoyed Charli’s company while she settled in today.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions, booking for the 138-room boutique hotel have been regular, with a big upswing this week after NSW border restrictions were lifted.
The hotel is already close to being booked out for several weeks in November for the State of Origin rugby league game at the Oval between NSW and Queensland.
Oval Hotel CEO Andrew Daniels said: “As borders continue to reopen, we are excited to welcome visitors to this destination hotel, which we believe showcases the very best of our state. We have also been overwhelmed by the support we have received from South Australians and look forward to welcoming hundreds of guests over our fully booked opening weekend.”
Other than the house dog, other South Australian touches are in the menus and artwork.
“The Oval Hotel guest experience is quintessentially South Australian,” Ms Sellers said.
“We have used South Australian producers, artists and suppliers wherever possible, establishing Oval Hotel as a true gateway for guests to our great state.
“Oval Hotel is both a destination in itself, and a perfectly positioned starting point for further exploration of South Australia.”
When Charli visits guests rooms, she will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding parklands, including St Peter’s Cathedral, the River Torrens and Adelaide city skyline.
