By Ellen Morgan
Published: Thursday, July 23, 2020
One of the many joys of travel is the chance to experience things we otherwise might not in our everyday lives. But we don’t have to go very far, with a whole South Aussie backyard to explore. In the city, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to staycations.
No matter whether you’re up for a little indulgence, need a fun escape for the whole family, or you’re yearning to rediscover our beloved city, we’ve got your next CBD stay sorted.
With a stack of hotels and accommodation options reopening and ready for business, there’s never been a better time to support our city, book out some rooms, and get exploring.
Here are 3 city stays that cater for a wide range of travel tastes.
The indulgent escape
Where to rest your head
Housed in the iconic gothic-style Colonial Mutual Life building that stands at the Rundle Mall intersection between Hindley St and King William St, the Mayfair Hotel is a beauty to behold. Built in 1934, the building now houses 170 luxury rooms, the Hennessy Rooftop Bar, the Mayflower Restaurant and The Den bistro. With beautifully appointed rooms, the Mayfair offers all the bells and whistles. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend away or a special stay with a friend (trust us, you’ll get all the brownie points). Book with RAA and save.
What to do
If you can peel yourself away from the pillow menu for a little while, a trip to the National Wine Centre of Australia is a great way to extend your luxe weekend in the city. Whether you head over for a wine tasting, a guided tour or a masterclass, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll get a taste of SA’s wine regions without having to leave the city. RAA members receive a special members price on Australian Wine Discovery guided tours and sommelier-hosted master classes. Ooh la la!
If you’re feeling peckish, Adelaide Central Market is a great spot to indulge your tastebuds. Settle in for some brekky or lunch, or even take home some goodies for a gourmet in-room platter. If you can spare the time, there’s also a range of tours on offer at the market to give you a glimpse into the life of a stallholder. You’ll even get to taste your way through the aisles.
The family-friendly break
Where to rest your head
With views across the Southern parklands and out towards the Adelaide Hills, the Sage Hotel is the perfect city retreat without being in the hustle and bustle of the CBD. If you’ve got the little ones in tow, Sage is a great pick. If the weather is warm enough, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, and with a collection of restaurants nearby, you don’t have to go far if the gang is hangry. Family rooms can fit 4, with kids’ beds in a separate part of the room, so everyone gets a little space (important on any getaway).
What to do
Looking for something to occupy little minds and hands? At VR Adelaide, they’ve got you sorted with hours of entertainment on offer in their virtual reality booths. This isn’t just for littlies – the big kids will love this one too. Tucked away in the Northeast corner of the CBD, the VR hub is a wonderland of adventure, where you can go almost anywhere your heart desires with the help of some very special glasses. Whether you want to try your hand at archery or experience a zombie invasion, your wish is VR Adelaide’s command. If you book through RAA, you can get a discount on ticket prices.
After you’ve experienced the fruits of technology, you might need to stretch your legs. PureSA offers group cycling tours of the city so you can get active, enjoy some fresh air and see the city at the same time. A great family-friendly activity (kids need to be at least 12 years of age), the Adelaide City and Parks Bike Tour takes you through some of the city’s more well-known streets like North Tce, as well as hidden laneways, lush parklands and even stops for morning tea.
The quirky staycation
Where to rest your head
If you’re after a city staycation with a twist, the Fire Station Inn is the perfect place to stay. The former fire station, originally built in 1866, is one of Adelaide’s more unique accommodation options, with a number of different suites featuring memorabilia and historic equipment. One suite even has you sleeping beside a fire truck and fireman’s pole. The North Adelaide location is idyllic and quiet, and being just outside the city centre, it’s conveniently situated near all your Adelaide activities.
What to do
During your quirky weekend in the CBD, why not explore some of the city’s other out-of-the-ordinary activities? On the slightly spooky side, Haunted Horizons offers ghost tours through a variety of historic South Australian venues. In the city, you can get spooked at the Old Adelaide Gaol or Adelaide Arcade, and if you’re up for venturing a little further out of town, they also run tours at the National Railway Museum and Glenside’s Z Ward (cue Ghostbusters music). These guys are experts on the history of Adelaide, and some otherworldly stuff too – keep an open mind while learning about Adelaide’s spooky past and its invisible inhabitants.
If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the Adelaide cityscape, there are a couple of quirky options on offer. EcoCaddy operates tours of the city and parklands in their unique little pedicabs. Guides have plenty of stories about the sites you’ll pass along the way, giving you an insight into Adelaide’s history. Without your feet on the pedals or the pavement, you’re free to soak up the surroundings as you go.
BBQ Buoys offers another way to take in the sights of the city, but this time from the water. Their self-drive donut-shaped boats are available for hire in small groups, so you can invite some pals along for the ride. The best bit? You can cook your own lunch on board, with each vessel equipped with its very own barbecue. With a variety of drinks and lunch packages on offer, it’s well worth a try, especially for a special occasion.