It stands sentinel over the River Torrens in the heart of the city and the InterContinental Adelaide is a luxury hotel which is a sophisticated destination in its own right. This is a classic InterConti with grand public areas, high quality restaurants, elegant bars and impeccable service which confirms this is a refined sanctuary in an easy-going holiday destination. The InterContinental Adelaide is located on the newly developed Riverbank Precinct along the River Torrens which is a vibrant destination known for cultural events, performing arts, concerts and sporting fixtures. From here you can walk to the Adelaide Casino, Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Festival Centre, and further along North Terrace there’s other attractions including South Australia’s Parliament House, the Botanical Gardens, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. The newly refurbished Adelaide Oval is also just a few minutes walk after the completion of the new footbridge across the River Torrens.

The Rooms

The 367 guest rooms all have in-room air conditioning, luxurious marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, a spacious vanity area, elegant bedding and a flat screen television with full cable access. There are eight basic categories: King Superior Room, King Riverview Room, Club InterContinental Room, King Riverview Club, King InterContinental Suite, King Executive Suite, King Diplomatic Suite and King Presidential Suite. Most rooms have great views of the river and/or the city and suburbs and if you can stretch to the King Presidential Suite, you’ll enjoy the hotel’s largest guest room which includes a massive master bedroom, a spa bath overlooking Adelaide Oval, a sauna, large wooden dining table, big lounge and a sitting room with views over the CBD and Adelaide Hills.

Dining

There are two main restaurants with distinctive personalities: Shiki which is a popular authentic Japanese teppanyaki joint, and the Riverside Restaurant which is inspired by local produce to offer contemporary Australian and international cuisine with a seasonally-inspired menu. Shiki has been one of Adelaide’s most acclaimed Japanese restaurants since it opened in 1988 and all of its chefs are trained by Chef de Cuisine, Kenny Trinh, on the preparation and visual showmanship that makes teppanyaki such a favourite. (Check out our restaurant review on Shiki). The Riverside is a relaxed and serene restaurant which prides itself on the use of local ingredients and produce, and this is where you can enjoy the highest quality seafood and meat dishes produced by highly skilled chefs. The Atrium Lounge is the casual venue with all-day dining and it’s also a cocktail bar that’s popular with the Adelaide locals, especially on Friday nights. The Atrium also hosts Adelaide’s only High Coffee, along with its traditional afternoon High Tea, which involves sampling four different types of great coffee which are matched with delicate sandwiches and divine sweets. It runs from 12PM to 4PM, costs $59 per person and includes an espresso martini on arrival.

Other Facilities

There’s a nice outdoor pool with views of the river, a good gym, a 24-hour business centre, and complimentary internet access in all lower lobby meeting spaces. The Club InterContinental on the 21st floor is for guests staying in Club guest rooms and serves breakfast, afternoon tea between 2PM and 4PM and does a complimentary happy hour between 5.30PM and 7.30PM with drinks and canapés. Snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, newspapers, magazines and complimentary internet are available throughout the day.

The Verdict

This luxury hotel epitomises the InterConti brand with large rooms fitted with great beds and tasteful furnishings, attentive but understated service, and it’s all within easy walking distance of most of Adelaide’s major attractions.