Rooms 4 all Reasons - Mayfair Hotel

By Carolyne Jasinski

Usually I have to go “away” on a travel writing assignment to be treated to a night at a hotel. Not this time.

Living among home renovations for weeks and weeks has prompted a night away from it all … without having to go too far.

The escape pod is the Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide’s CBD. Just 15km from home but a world away from the mess and chaos.

The Mayfair is a grand old lady who has seen some sad times.

“Born” in the 1930s on Adelaide’s famous meeting spot on the corner of King William and Hindley streets – Beehive Corner – she was a hive of activity, full of offices and ground-floor shop fronts.

Until she was abandoned and left lonely for 25 years. 

A local couple brought the Mayfair back to life, creating a 5-star boutique hotel and turning those offices into 170 different sized and shaped suites.

Tonight, one of those is all mine.

The room

I have scored a queen superior room with diamond-shaped windows looking straight out on to Adelaide’s main thoroughfare, King William Street.

Straight across the road is Rundle Mall. Guess who is going shopping.

There are touches of luxury everywhere – a marble-top desk and side tables, crystal lampshades and doorknobs, puffy pillows and “that” bed.

There is a story behind the bed.

Apparently 8 prototypes were tested before the owners chose the winning “medium plush” level of firmness. In layman (or hotel guest) terms, it’s divine. I feel like Goldilocks when she found the bed that was “just right”.

Add that to your choice from the pillow menu and your night is pretty cushy.

The colour scheme is muted pastels – soft greens and greys – with panelling behind the huge, padded bedhead.

I think, (because of an addiction to home renovation shows), that it’s reminiscent of “Hamptons” style.

It’s all very welcoming and calming.

Only the carpet is a bit jarring – but then I never like hotel carpet patterns – even if they do hide a multitude of sins.

Drinks

Up on the roof-top is Hennessy bar. Chandeliers offer a touch of class and keep the lighting moody. Outside is the Terrace Bar – protected from the elements but open to the seasons. That means you’ll catch a cool breeze in summer and heaters keep you warm in winter … sort of.

And if you’re up for a drink with the gargoyles, Champagne Terrace, makes great use of an impossibly narrow space with perfect views straight down Rundle Mall.

Food for Thought

A sweeping staircase off the foyer leads down to the Mayflower Restaurant and the new, casual dining option, The Den.

The menu starts with “Something Light” then offers “Something More” like (delicious) Lamb Ragout Fettucine and (enormous) Holstein-style Veal Schnitzel with egg and anchovy topping.

If you’ve had a busy day or just want to keep things informal without compromising on quality, this is a great option.

Extras

Dressing gowns are in the wardrobe (to borrow) and slippers in the bathroom – along with quality L’Occitane toiletries.

There’s a coffee pod machine which doesn’t take too much to work out and a good selection of tea bags – plus decent size cups.

Wifi is complimentary – as it should be.

Movies will set you back $35 for 24 hours or $17 per movie. Ouch.

For fitness fanatics, the gym is on the 2ndfloor. I have more important things, like resting, to work on.

Why would you stay?

Business or pleasure

While you’re here

King William Street is right out the front with trams that will take you one way, to the Entertainment Centre for a show or, the other way, directly to Glenelg for a day or night at the beach.

Turn left out the side door and you are in Hindley Street, Adelaide’s entertainment strip with access to nightclubs and some of the best restaurants and bars down laneways like Leigh Street and Peel Street.

One block away is North Terrace – the cultural boulevard. A short walk will have you at the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery, Government House, Parliament House, the Adelaide Casino, Festival Theatre, Convention Centre and Adelaide Oval.

Fast facts

The Mayfair Hotel

45 King William Street,

Adelaide, South Australia 

Ph: 08 8210 8888

W: www.mayfairhotel.com.au