(photograph courtesy of Mayfair Hotel)
We recently stayed at the Mayfair Hotel for a little pre-baby staycation. Being heavily pregnant and with the ever-changing Covid situation we didn’t want to be too far from home but were aching for a little rest and rejuvenation. After spending countless hours researching various getaway options in South Australia, I settled on the Mayfair for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I loved the idea of playing tourist in my own city and secondly I wanted to rest my head somewhere really nice with easy access to delicious meals. With the Mayfair Hotel recently being named the best 5-star hotel by Trivago, it was an easy choice all-round. As we were pregnant with our second child we opted to stay for Friday and Saturday night so that we could spend quality time as a family and then have one child free evening whilst our daughter stayed with her Nonna.
The Hotel
Positioned on the corner of King William Road and Hindley street, the Mayfair hotel is housed in a heritage listed old building and boasts an ideal location for anyone wanting to explore the city of Adelaide. We arrived in the late Friday afternoon and were able to drop our bags off quickly and walk to a nearby Indonesian Restaurant before the sun went down (Pondok Daun-cheap, delicious, halal food in a no fuss setting, great for dining with a toddler!). After dinner we made our way to Love Stephy, a pink floral themed dessert bar on hindley and shared a crème brulee cake before walking back to the hotel.
Walking through the hotel lobby we found the staff to be warm and welcoming and we appreciated that they made a special effort to engage with our 2-year-old daughter. Going through the hotel the vibe and styling is elegant, understated & luxurious which is reflected throughout the entire building.
We pop our heads in to see the gym, which is compact but does the job. We also took the elevator down to the bottom level which houses their two restaurants, The Mayflower (high end classic hotel fare) & the Den (a more contemporary bistro style dining option). We finally made out way up to our room (a superior queen), curl up altogether in bed and watch The Great Marigold hotel which is being aired on free-tv. Hubby and my daughter fall asleep in seconds so I take the opportunity to raid the complimentary mini bar and make myself a chamomile tea before drifting off.
Nearby Attractions
Waking up the next morning (nice and early due to toddler life!) we make our way to the Central Market for a wander and some breakfast. We settle on our tried & tested favourite haunt, le Souk and tuck in to an Algerian breakfast of Chakchouka beef & cheese and spinach omelette with merguez sausages. We get a fresh juice from Plantation Juice Co and walk around the markets for an hour or so checking out the various stalls. Feeling full and satisfied we opt to walk to North Terrace to spend the rest of the morning exploring the Museum and Art Gallery. Then before the lunch time toddler tantrums start my mama
comes to pick up our daughter and we wonder back to the hotel slowly.
So what is the first thing two childfree parents do with a few hours space? We plonk ourselves into the cosy bed and have a much needed mid afternoon siesta. Awaking an hour or so later we make ourselves a coffee with the nespresso machine in our room. Then head to the smoker’s terrace to sit and enjoy the views (I don’t smoke and there was never anyone else there so we got an amazing view all to ourselves!). Feeling caffeinated and excited for our night we walk back to Rundle Mall for a spot of shopping and a foot massage (as I am so pregnant I can’t reach my feet anymore!). Before returning to the hotel to get dressed up for a nice night out.
First things first we head up to the Hennessy bar for a mocktail then we walk to nearby Osteria Oggi for dinner (beautiful setting, amazing entrees and mocktail’s but the pasta wasn’t on point that night). Feeling not entirely satisfied we walk to the hip and happening Leigh Street and share a nutella and strawberry waffle whilst watching the street come alive with people enjoying drinks and live music at nearby Casa Bla Bla. Feeling old and mega pregnant we roll back to our room to watch a movie and crash. Whilst we hoped for a sleep in we both wake early ready to check out and pick up our daughter. We both agree it was a lovely break and combining family time and an adult’s only night was a perfect combination.
The Good
I loved the styling of the property, the service, the apothecary skincare amenities and the complimentary mini bar was a nice touch! I also love the fact that they have a beehive on the roof and that the chef uses this honey throughout its restaurant offerings. I have heard great things about the buffet breakfast however with Covid the only option was for in room dining and we preferred to eat out.
The Bad
The location was good and bad as it sits on Hindley Street which can be filled with some dodgy characters. If you are wanting somewhere close to stay whilst you hit up the clubs, bars or even watch a show at Festival Theatre this location would be ideal!
I also didn’t love the fact that there wasn’t an on site parking option as being on such busy streets makes drop offs a bit annoying. The addition of an onsite pool would also make it more appealing and if you didn’t have to upgrade to a suit to get a bath tub.
The Verdict
If given the chance I would absolutely stay again but next time I would do so for a girl’s night out. My husband didn’t like staying on Hindley Street, especially with children so would look at pairing a stay with a cabaret show with a girlfriend. I would also love to give the High Tea a try.
All photographs unless stated are my own.
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