WHERE TO STAY ADELAIDE

A clutch of new design-led hotels pays tribute to the South Australian capital's landmarks

- JAMES LITSTON 

Vibe Hotel Adelaide

Adelaide has discovered a fresh sense of energy and drive in recent years, shaking off its reputation as a sedate country capital. As well as expanding its laneway scene of bars and restaurants, it’s welcomed a raft of cool, design-friendly digs — all of which are helping to narrow the gap between Adelaide and the big-hitting cities of Sydney and Melbourne. A standout hotel is Vibe, the fourth address by the homegrown hotel group known for its affordable yet stylish properties. Opened last year in the East End of the CBD (Central Business District), it occupies an 18-storey glass-fronted structure by the Adelaide Parklands, a green belt encircling the inner city.

This urban-meets-nature setting is reflected in the 123 guest rooms, which blend wall-to-wall windows and raw concrete ceilings with wooden bathroom screens and luxurious details like high-thread-cotton bedding. The ones on upper floors also come with views across the treetops and winery-rich Adelaide Hills beyond.