The Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide

Where Is It: 45 King William Street, Adelaide.

Why Go: It’s a luxury, newly built luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

Best For: Business travellers, or stylish couples looking for a romantic getaway. 

Three Things I Loved: The convenient location, the decor, the rooftop bar.

The Ultimate Factor: 4.5 star style and modern luxury close to Adelaide’s main attractions.

Overview:

Adelaide’s boutique Mayfair Hotel is centrally located at the intersection of King William and Hindley Streets. Housed within the refurbished 1930’s Colonial Mutual building, which is heritage listed, the hotel’s façade has been kept intact thanks to clever design by architects JPE Design. With contemporary and stylish theme interiors by Bates Smart, the decor presents guests with a luxe and romance welcome. In March 2016, the Mayfair Hotel was named as one of Trip Advisor’s 2016 Traveller’s choice winners - and for good reason. It has one of the coolest rooftop bars and lounges in Adelaide – the Hennessy - named after the building’s original architect, Jack Hennessy. Located on the 13th floor, guests and visitors can enjoy a cocktail inside or al fresco, the open air terrace offering views across Rundle Mall and through to the Adelaide Hills.

The Accommodation:

Opening in January 2015, this lovely boutique Hotel has 170 rooms including 25 Superior King Rooms, 16 Deluxe Twin Queen Rooms, 62 Deluxe King Rooms, and 28 Mayfair King Suites. Guests staying in executive rooms enjoy additional benefits including complimentary ironing service, evening turn down and a complimentary daily drink in the Hennessy.

Where I Stayed:

My room for the night was a Deluxe King Room. The door lead into a corridor with wardrobe on the right containing plush bathrobes, a hotel safe and an iron with an ironing board, and in the corner was a small writing desk. There was a large bathroom to the left of the entrance with vanity unit, fully enclosed shower with rain shower and items from the luxury Appelles Apothecary skincare range. The king size bed was parallel to the window with a view overlooking Rundle Mall, and was one of the most comfortable I have slept on. According to the reception staff, 30 Australian designed mattresses were tested before they agreed on and patented the Mayfair Luxury Mattress, and in a clever marketing coup, if you love your bed that much, a mattress can be purchased!  The room included unlimited free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, a bar fridge, and a flatscreen Smart TV with free to air TV channels and a selection of movies. The complementary espresso cocktail complete with cocktail maker was a quirky but personal touch. Breakfast was not included in my room rate, but for an additional $22 per day I enjoyed a full hot breakfast served in the Hotel’s Mayflower Restaurant at basement level.

What else is there:

The hotel has a gymnasium, valet parking, room service and a 24-hour reception. Dining options include the Mayflower Restaurant and Bar, which is set in elegant surrounds, with dining highlights including a dessert trolley presented to your table, which adds an old fashioned sense of service. High Tea is available on the weekends, and I noticed a number of guests indulging in this special service. It is worthwhile visiting the public bathrooms in the area if only to check out the quirky doorknobs, featuring animals made from reclaimed brass by Melbourne artist, Suzie Stanford. Café 55is adjacent to the hotel lobby serving baguettes, salads and soups. Leave time to try Hennessy Lounge’s signature cocktail, the Honey Trap, which is described as a buzzing honey-gingered caiprioska with honey infused vodka, lime, ginger and mint. What makes this drink so unique? The honey is sourced from the hotel’s beehives located on the hotel roof, adjacent to the bar. The Hotel is applying sustainable techniques using the honey in the breakfast bar and in some dessert creations. Shame I had to leave early on the Monday and missed a personal beehive tour!

The Verdict:

With its unique design and amenities, the Mayfair Hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Adelaide. Its proximity to the CBD makes it an ideal venue if you’re in town for business or pleasure, and the quiet rooms and hallways are an indication this luxury boutique hotel has been designed with guest’s comfort in mind. After two nights I wanted more time to enjoy the hotel and its public spaces, but as often is the case, it was time to depart.