The 10 Best Hotels in the Adelaide Hills

In the southern Mount Lofty Ranges, just 20 minutes drive east of Adelaide, is a lush region known as the Adelaide Hills. Long occupied by the Peramangk people, the area was later settled by Europeans, including a large number of Germans (venture to pretty Hahndorf for a sense of this German connection). South Australia is amongst the world's top wine regions, and the Adelaide Hills are no exception. Home to some of the oldest vines in Australia, the area produces terrific wines, and you'll find an impressive array of tours and tastings at top wineries, many of which also boast excellent farm-to-table restaurants. Some even provide accommodation options for those who want to stay on site. Outdoorsy types will adore the Cleland National Park, the 100-hectare Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, and the abundance of walking and cycling trails which crisscross the region. Our pick of the best hotels in the Adelaide Hills reflect the diversity of activities on offer. We've discovered everything from chic little B&Bs to converted manor houses and heritage hotels — ideal whether you're travelling as a couple or with kids in tow!

For a Romantic Retreat

• Cladich Pavilions B&B offers three expansive contemporary suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking verdant surroundings. Romantics will adore kicking back on private terraces or hiding away in big bedrooms after days of sightseeing in the Adelaide Hills. Beautiful.
• Pirralilla Estate, a heritage manor house-turned-family home, is an ideal retreat for those in search of tranquility. Three cottages and two swish apartments offer well-equipped kitchens and lots of privacy. An adults-only retreat with lots of charm.
• Thorngrove Manor Hotel is a whimsical faux-Gothic masterpiece of turrets and pointed roofs, with five opulent, antique-filled suites. One for romantics looking to escape the wider world, this hugely private country house hotel promises gourmet afternoon teas on vintage china and dinners in the atmospheric dining room on request.

For Families or Groups

• Longview Vineyard offers a collection of luxurious suites overlooking the property's vineyards. Groups of friends or families can book out the homestead or the lodge, each of which have multiple bedrooms as well as kitchens and communal spaces to kick back after wine tastings, cycle rides and vineyard walks.
• The Studios by Haus have crisp, white-on-white interiors, earthy tones and garden views. Set on Hahndorf's Main Street, they're perfectly placed for guests of all ages to explore the town on foot. Two-bedroom options are great for families, and the Haus Restaurant's seasonal dishes are excellent.
• The Crafers Hotel, in the heart of town, is a restored heritage landmark. Groups will love the atmosphere in the friendly gastro-pub, whilst cots can be added to spacious double bedrooms for those travelling with little ones. Expect leather headboards, stylish black and white photography and swish bathrooms — as well as access to a shared guests' kitchen. Great fun.

For Food-Focused Luxury

• Mount Lofty House was originally built as a private summer residence in 1852, and is still surrounded by 18 acres of glorious landscaped gardens. The interiors are superb, offering a real sense of old-school glamour through polished wood, brass accents and crisp white linens on big cosy beds. The garden-to-table ethos will delight foodies, with ingredients grown and foraged onsite. Expect top South Australian wines, too.
• The Stirling Hotel's bistro specialises in sensational regional fare, drawing a weekend crowd from Adelaide and further afield. Five elegant white-on-white guest rooms await, perfect for kicking back after an evening at the buzzy wine bar. Shared spaces are cool and contemporary, making this a hip base.
• Sticky Rice Villas offers three airy one-bedroom villas, each inspired by minimalist Asian style. Interiors are sleek and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, huge free-standing tubs and carved wooden details. Part of an acclaimed culinary school, this is the perfect pad for would-be chefs to take workshops and savour superb dishes.
• Sequoia Lodge is made up of 14 exceptional open-plan suites, each with an original piece of art by Stephen Trebilcock. Expect generous spaces, with private balconies, indulgent bathrooms and expansive valley views. The spa is fabulous, as are the gastronomic offerings. Next-level luxury.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in South Australia.
• Alternatively, check out our list of the best wine hotels in the Barossa Valley.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Cladich Pavilions B&B Aldgate, South Australia 3 rooms from AU$278

    
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    Local exploring  -  Brilliantly placed for exploring the best of the Adelaide Hills, particularly if you have a car for short trips

    Local markets  -  Visit fabulous local markets, including the Adelaide Hills Farmers Market and the Adelaide Hills Country Market

    Museums  -  Discover artist Hans Heysen’s historic home and studio — The Cedars — which is now open to visitors

    Romantic Break  -  This gorgeous little hideaway is perfect for romance with its beautiful interiors and intimate feel

    

    A chic owner-run B&B with three contemporary designer pavilions set on a leafy slope in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Interiors are modern and fresh with floor-to-ceiling windows for full immersion with nature, garden-facing decks & lovely bathrooms. A luxurious, relaxing and romantic retreat. See More

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  • Pirralilla Estate Aldgate, South Australia 5 rooms from AU$355

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Couples can hide away in absolute tranquility in a cosy cottage or chic apartment, complete with sitting room and kitchen

    Country Escape  -  A collection of cottages & apartments in the grounds of a 1902-built summer residence, offering an idyllic country escape

    Great walks  -  The Aldgate Valley Nature Walk is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the landscape surrounding the town

    Full of character  -  The cottages are particularly charming, with lots of heritage decor and a very cosy feel

    

    A heritage manor house-turned-family home, with three charming cottages and two swish apartments in restored buildings set amidst leafy grounds, this tranquil hideaway promises warm Australian hospitality aplenty. Expect thoughtful touches, individually designed interiors & top local tips. Lovely. See More

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  • Thorngrove Manor Hotel Adelaide, South Australia 5 rooms from AU$1467

    
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    Country Escape  -  A gorgeous country house with beautiful views from turret windows and lush gardens, this is an idyllic retreat

    Golf  -  Play a round at Sitrling Golf Club, or one of the many other top-notch courses in the Adelaide Hills

    Great walks  -  Stroll through the manor's own manicured grounds, or admire the nearby Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens

    Romantic Break  -  An opulent manor house for romantic escapes with a real sense of timeless charm

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Set away from the city in the Adelaide Hills, this inimate and luxurious small hotel has just five sumptuous suites. Privacy is of paramount importance, with the promise that you may not even see another guest. Perfect for a romantic getaway with gourmet fare and exceptional heritage interiors. See More

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  • Longview Vineyard Macclesfield, South Australia 17 rooms from AU$214

    
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    Foodies  -  A working vineyard, this is a top spot for keen wine aficionados looking to savour the region's best produce

    Wine tasting  -  Taste the winery's own single-vineyard estate-grown wines in the tasting room for the ultimate SA experience

    Groups  -  Great fun for groups of food-focused friends, who can book the lodge or homestead, with multiple rooms

    Cycling  -  Hire bicycles to explore the Macclesfield area on two wheels, cycling between stunning vineyards

    

    Luxury vineyard accommodation in the Adelaide Hills. Homestead rooms are classic & cosy, whilst the new luxury suites have clean lines & a more minimalist feel; all are finished to the same high standards and most have private deck and vine views. For groups the stunning new lodge sleeps up to 8. See More

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  • The Studios by Haus Hahndorf, South Australia 3 rooms from AU$190

    
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    Great walks  -  Delve into the history of the town on a guided walking tour of Sharon Pippos, learning about key figures & heritage architecture

    Local exploring  -  Brilliantly located in the heart of Hahndorf, this is a top spot for exploring on foot or bicycle

    Families  -  Two-bedroom studio apartments set in landscaped gardens on Main Street are ideal for family trips

    Museums  -  Hahndorf Academy, a regional arts hub, showcases pieces by local artists with lively exhibitions

    

    Three cool, contemporary studios set in leafy gardens on Main Street. Expect crisp, clean lines, soothing earthy tones and modern bathrooms as well as lots of light. Soak up the sun on your private terrace, feast on local produce at Haus Restaurant & immerse yourself in the charm of Hahndorf life. See More

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  • The Crafers Hotel Crafers, South Australia 7 rooms from AU$276

    
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    Wine tasting  -  With 10,000 bottles in the cellar & a team of superb sommeliers, the hotel — and its surroundings — are a top spot for tastings

    Groups  -  Centred around a buzzy gastro-pub, this is a great base for friends eager to explore the wineries of the Adelaide Hills

    Families  -  Cots can be added to spacious rooms for little ones, who will adore the hotel's convivial atmosphere

    Restaurant  -  The Crafers Hotel Bistro fuses top local produce with French inspiration to create a fantastic gastropub experience

    

    A restored heritage hotel in the heart of Crafers, fusing old-school charm with a very cool modern buzz. Centred around a lively gastro pub & bar with superb wine list, spaces have stacks of character. Grown-up rooms feature leather headboards, black-and-white photos & swish bathrooms. Excellent. See More

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  • Mount Lofty House South Australia 35 rooms from AU$284

    
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    Wine tasting  -  Discover award-winning micro breweries, wineries & boutique distilleries, enjoying tours & tastings across the Piccadilly Valley

    Great walks  -  Mount Lofty Botanic Garden awaits at the bottom of the estate, and the celebrated Mount Lofty hiking track is just up the hill

    Foodies  -  Food is grown and foraged onsite, with a menu showcasing fresh, seasonal produce paired with South Australian wines

    Romantic Break  -  A romantic escape in a gorgeous country house surrounded by flower-filled landscaped gardens

    

    Set in the rolling Adelaide hills, this impeccable country house hotel promises a luxury escape to remember. A 19th-century summer residence, the house offers indulgent rooms & suites within 18 acres of leafy gardens. The emphasis on home-grown produce & top local wines is very impressive. A gem. See More

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  • Sticky Rice Villas South Australia 3 rooms from AU$365

    
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    Learning  -  Visit the celebrated Australian painter Hans Heysen’s historic home among the gum trees which feature in many of his paintings

    Great walks  -  The Warrawong Earth Sanctuary offers guided walks where you can see endangered animals in their natural habitat

    Foodies  -  The adjoining Sticky Rice Cooking Skills will delight keen foodies, who can hone their skills with the experts

    Romantic Break  -  Chic, Asian-inspired one-bedroom villas are perfect for couples looking to hide away in the Adelaide Hills

    

    A cookery school with three elegant Asian-style villas. A foodie haven: private chefs or dinner trays can be organised and classes taken at the school. Interiors are contemporary with plenty of glass and indulgent bathrooms. A fabulous base from which to explore the Adelaide hills. See More

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  • The Stirling Hotel Stirling, South Australia 5 rooms from AU$451

    
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    Foodies  -  Foodies will adore the bistro's sensational regional fare, paired with award-winning wines from South Australia and beyond

    Romantic Break  -  A wonderful base for romantic couples in Stirling, with five elegant guestrooms and a trendy bistro

    Restaurant  -  Savour superb regional cuisine at the bistro and mouth-watering cakes in the relaxed patisserie

    Cooking classes  -  Cook up a storm with fun-filled culinary classes at the excellent Sticky Rice Cooking School

    

    A hidden gem in central Stirling, this little hotel features five elegant white-on-white guest rooms set above a buzzy bistro & wine bar. Light-filled spaces are cool & contemporary, with cosy armchairs facing crackling fireplaces and big bathrooms with free-standing tubs. Restful and relaxing. See More

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  • Sequoia Lodge Crafers, South Australia 14 rooms from AU$1961

    
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    Romantic Break  -  A beautiful and enormously luxurious design-led hideaway for romantic escapes in the Adelaide hills

    Total relaxation  -  Unwind at the soothing spa, where organic products are used, or in the two hot spring-fed pools

    Swimming Pool  -  Guests share access to an impressive infinity pool, whilst two private natural spring-fed pools can be booked on request

    Spa  -  Housed in a restored National Trust property, the spa uses organic ingredients from the nearby Jurlique farm

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A magical 14-bedroom lodge in the Adelaide Hills, with mesmerising views. Contemporary open-plan suites feature original artwork, beautifully crafted furnishings, indulgent bathrooms & private panoramic balconies. Plus there's an infinity pool and fine dining. Utterly dazzling. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Monday, 8th January 2024