Oval Hotel

Overview

It might seem strange to stay at a hotel that's physically attached to a sports stadium, but Adelaide's Oval Hotel has somehow made it work.

The luxury stay is cantilevered off Adelaide Oval (right by the East Gate) and manages to have its own identity while still staying connected to its unique location.

Walking around most of the space, you can easily forget you're in a stadium. It's only on some game days that the curtains are drawn back in the lobby, and you can somewhat see through to the pitch.

Plus, there is the added feature of visiting the hotel's Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen that looks out over the turf. Have some brekkie while watching the groundskeepers attend to the pitch and watch the sun set over the stadium while trying a wine and food pairing flight. It's oddly romantic. And a welcome change of scenery, even if you don't care for sports.

But these are the only times you'll notice the stadium. From the rooms and the rest of the hotel, you're simply looking out onto the surrounding parklands, city skyline and St Peter's Cathedral. The views are unmatched in Adelaide, as no other hotel is surrounded by so much open space, so close to the city centre.

There is a selection of varying-sized suites and rooms hugging the stadium, with the most impressive looking out over the cathedral. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame this stunning piece of architecture brilliantly, especially when it's lit up at night.

Within the rooms, you've got all the luxury amenities, plus heaps of tech. Open and close your curtains with the touch of a button next to your bed, order food to your door from the room's tablet and treat yourself to a heap of local food and beverages in the mini bar.

And even though there is no gym or pool in the hotel itself, the team has partnered with the nearby Next Gen Health & Lifestyle Club, so guests can get complimentary access to the facilities‚ which include a great indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts and a spa.

Whether you're treating yourself to a staycation or flying to Adelaide to hit up the nearby wineries, the Oval Hotel is a pretty great spot to rest your head — sports fan or not.

Morgan Sette