Adelaide’s architecture has long been a selling point of the city. Of course, with South Australia being the only Australian capital to be established as a free colony (ie. No convicts), there’s a certain type of gravitas that the historical buildings throughout the CBD maintain. It may be a small city, but the way in which Adelaide carries itself speaks much louder.
As part of the Adina Apartment Hotels group, the old State Treasury has been transformed into a gorgeous inner-city getaway for all types of travellers. Situated on Flinders Street, looking out on to Victoria Square, the 79 room building offers its guests a luxurious and surprisingly relaxing stay. Given its proximity to main roads and Adelaide nightlife, if you’re looking for a quiet and chilled out stay, the Adelaide Treasury has got you covered.
Walking into the lobby, the history of the building immediately presents itself; from the displays adorning the walls (the country’s first gold coin was minted here) to the exposed stone walls. While exploring the premises, you are able to enter the historic tunnels – widely speculated to have been part of an underground rail system connecting other buildings through the city.
Left largely bare, the expansive nature of the tunnels put into perspective their use during the 1960s – cartographers and surveyors would use the tunnel network to make and print some extensive and detail maps of the city.
Once you have explored the tunnels, you’ll find the hotel’s impressive indoor pool and gym area are situated immediately above, as the intricate maze of stairwells and rooms continue to wrap around each corner. Most rooms have plaques next to them to acknowledge their significance during the building’s heyday; the room I find myself in happens to have been the former office of Sir Thomas Playford, who ran South Australia from the office from 1938 through until 1965, making him one of the longest serving in the role anywhere in the country.
The one bedroom king suite is spacious, complete with a large living area and kitchenette. The heavy front door and high ceilings give a feeling of great privacy and loftiness, while the windows open fully out onto Flinders Street and the square. Heavy curtains are great to block the sunlight in the morning and while the clocktower across the road does make itself very known each hour, it doesn’t take long for the guest to become desensitised to the heavy bell tolls.
The bathroom, again, is spacious though bears the hallmarks of the hotel’s age. The shower-in-bath looks slightly dated compared to the ultra modern approach to the rest of the apartment, though the room and the amenities themselves were more than adequate.
The kitchenette was stocked with cutlery and crockery, not to mention a good amount of cookware – perfect if you were hoping to bring back your fresh produce from the Central Market across the road and cook in the comfort of the apartment. A dining table occupied a corner of the large living area, while a comfy couch is positioned opposite the TV, boasting your usual channels.
The bed itself is incredibly comfortable, as you’d expect from the Adina group, and with complimentary WiFi available along with other special services (we’re talking grocery delivery, prompt room service, 24 hour reception…), you wouldn’t need to leave the room if you really didn’t want to.
If you are seeking to explore the rest of the grounds, the Adina Adelaide Treasury offers bar and restaurant options, with Treasury on King William offering guests a great menu of modern Australian cuisine, as well as a wine selection you’d expect a South Australian bar to boast proudly. Dine in the famous courtyard (known as being a quick thoroughfare for The Beatles during their Adelaide stopover in 1964) and take in the gorgeous fountains and leafy design – again, you wouldn’t need to leave the actual premises if you wanted a little sojourn from the bustle of the CBD.
Overall, the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury is a shining gem in the otherwise concrete grid of the city’s business centre. Perfectly nestled in a position that makes nightlife, shopping and market wandering all easily accessible, the site is a great option for a quick getaway or a longer stay. Particularly during February and March, when Adelaide is in the throes of its festival season, a place like this is a great retreat from the madness.
For a room at the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury, rates start at approximately $155 AUD per night.
ADINA APARTMENT HOTEL ADELAIDE TREASURY
Address: 2 Flinders Street, Adelaide 5000
Contact: 08 8112 0000
Website: https://www.tfehotels.com/brands/adina-apartment-hotels/adina-apartment-hotel-adelaide-treasury
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