The best cheap hotels in Adelaide

The leafy, village-like suburb of Walkerville isn't exactly a hotspot for Adelaide holidaymakers – it's too far to comfortably walk into the city, and it's not really near anything one would call a tourist attraction. But what this quirky boutique motel may lack in location, it makes up for in style and handy features, especially for longer stays. Part of the Art Series hotel chain, its design is inspired by Pitjantjatjara artist Tommy Watson, whose colourful dreaming artworks brighten the hallways and rooms with vibrant pinks, blues and oranges. The 140 light and airy open-plan suites range from studio to two bedrooms, and all feature a kitchenette, Foxtel and free wifi. There's also free parking, but if you don't have a ride, don't worry – the hotel has a fleet of Smart Cars, scooters and Lekker bicycles for hire, the latter perfect for riding along the stunning River Torrens Linear Park that's just metres from the doorstep.

Time Out tip: Ask for a room on the southern side of the building for sweeping views of the Adelaide Hills, city and North Adelaide. The other side has views of the 25-metre lap pool, which, although designed by Olympian Michael Klim, isn't quite as impressive.

Address: 33 Warwick Street, Walkerville
Price: Starting at $151 per night

This boutique hotel in the village-like suburb of North Adelaide doesn't just have rooms, it has ‘art rooms’, which is exactly what that sounds like. Each abode at Majestic Minima Hotel has been transformed by one of more than 20 South Australian artists, including acclaimed street artists, Peter Drew and Vans the Omega. Each of the 46 studio rooms has its own title – witness Dan Withey's ‘Wake Up’ room featuring a giant Mexican-inspired crowing rooster mural, or Donovan Christie's ‘Hills Hoist’ room aka a visual tribute to one of South Australia's finest exports. All rooms have king beds, mini bar and free unlimited Wi-Fi for all your holiday posting needs. Oh, and most have mini balconies so you can get a spot of people-watching in over the somewhat bustling Melbourne Street below. Speaking of that sweet location – just step outside and you’ll be greeted by boutiques, bars, vintage stores and some fantastic eats to get you prepped for the day.

Time Out tip: With rooms measuring just 14 square metres, things can get pretty cosy (hey, it's not called the minima for nothing), so it pays to choose which artwork you want to live with during your stay. Check the selection online, then email or call with your preferred options. Bookings made online are randomly assigned a room from what's available.

Address: 146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
Price: Starting at $85 per night

Having just surpassed a decade since its grand opening in 2014, ibis Adelaide has a funky, modern vibe and a central location (plonked right on the Grenfell Street thoroughfare in the CBD). Step inside the lobby and you immediately get the feel of the place: colourful armchairs pop against the blue neon-lit staircase, while warm wooden accents add a cosy touch. The hotel's 311 rooms carry a more soothing neutral colour palette, but keep the fashionable atmosphere with original artworks by local artists such as street muralist Ghostpatrol, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide great views all the way to the Adelaide Hills and everything in between. Free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs and plush beds make the Ibis seem much more expensive than it actually is. And with a location that’s just a 30-second stroll to Rundle Mall, plus a two-minute walk to Rundle Street, it really doesn’t get much better than that for shopping enthusiasts, vintage hunters, dining hobbyists and bar hoppers.

Time Out tip: With a central, main road location comes a little bit of city noise – request a room close to level 16 for less traffic buzz and debatably better views.

Address: 122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $118 per night

If the giant Space Invaders mural and the chandelier made of recycled Coca-Cola crates weren't enough of a giveaway, the Franklin is a little bit different. On the ground floor, this funky city pub serves up tasty bar food like hot dogs, schnitties and wings alongside craft brews and cocktails in its quirky front bar, while upstairs seven uniquely designed rooms offer a cosmopolitan pad to sleep it all off in. Painted a chic charcoal with bright glossy yellow doors and rustic wood panelling, rooms range from deluxe queen to superior king, and each comes with its own Nespresso machine, fridge, streaming services for some sweet downtime, plus all the usual bells ‘n’ whistles, and are decorated with original artworks by local artists. What more could you need? There is more actually, in terms of location. The Franklin Boutique Hotel is in prime walking distance to the famed Adelaide Central Market. Here, you’ll find vendors slinging the freshest of fruit and veg, hawker-style eateries and restaurants like niche shops and plenty of hotspots for your morning cuppa. It’s a smorgasbord and you’re not going to want to fill up on bread.

Time Out tip: Hungry? Splurge on Frank’s Feast of roast pork belly, fried chicken, brisket tacos and kingfish ceviche. Enjoy it in the beer garden before disappearing upstairs for a nap in your comfy bed.

Address: 92 Franklin Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $97 per night

It's not quite London or New York, but The Soho Hotel in Adelaide's east end offers some seriously stylish digs at seriously affordable prices. This five-storey, 29-room boutique hotel is located on a relatively quiet street in the eastern CBD, but is only a few short blocks from the bars, restaurants and shops of Rundle Street, and the cultural attractions of North Terrace. All rooms feature king-sized beds, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs with DVD players (there's complimentary DVD hire at reception for a touch of nostalgia), with cool décor embellishments like hip artworks, gilt-velvet cushions and plush throw rugs. And forget the naff instant coffee and dusty teabags of your typical budget hotel: The Soho's rooms are stocked with Robert Timms coffee and gourmet T2 teas, along with mini bars chock full of local South Australian wines and craft beers. A heated rooftop pool and on-site Thai restaurant seal the deal for a chic city stay. 

Time Out tip: Book your room directly via the hotel's website and you'll score a $30 per day mini bar credit. Nice!

Address: 264 Flinders Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $107 per night

You can't get more central to the action than Hotel Richmond, situated smack bang in the centre of Rundle Mall between Adelaide's two main nightlife strips of Rundle Street to the east and Hindley Street to the west. Just a stone's throw from the famous ‘Mall's Balls’ Bert Flugelman sculpture, and steps from the museums and art galleries of North Terrace, this 30-room hotel is perfectly positioned for experiencing everything the city has to offer. The rooms aren't fancy, but they're neatly decorated, and all feature king-sized beds, marble ensuites and free Wi-Fi, while some even have private courtyards or balconies. And if you’re not really in the mood for venturing too far from the comfort of your bed, Hotel Richmond has a coffee shop on site to keep the energy levels high and a sports bar to keep you in the know.

Time Out tip: The large balcony overlooking the Mall at the hotel's First bar, on level one, is a great place to spend cocktail hour with a bird’s eye view for people-watching the slow walkers, the pacers and everyone in between.

Address: 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $110 per night

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century, heritage-listed stone building in Adelaide's eastern CBD, this 70-room hotel offers a blend of olde-worlde charm and modern amenities at affordable prices. You'll either love or loathe the eclectic mix of new and old décor in Adabco Boutique Hotel’s rooms – sleek, minimalist furniture in neutral tones sits alongside kitschy, gilt-framed op shop oil paintings – but there's no denying the value for money, with queen or king beds, Wi-Fi, mini fridges and Foxtel including complimentary movie channels. There's also a communal kitchen and dining area so guests can prepare their own meals at their leisure, as well as a courtyard, business centre and laundry. And for those that like to get into some exploration with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to know that Adabco welcomes pets to stay in style as well, so no one is missing out on the family holiday or staycation.

Time Out tip: Sure, you can cook your own meal in the guest kitchen, but you're on holiday, right? Order room service – it's catered by nearby Bocelli Café Ristorante, one of the many eateries on nearby dining strip Hutt Street.

Address: 219/223 Wakefield Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $125 per night

Located in the heart of the CBD on busy Hindley Street in Adelaide's West End, this five-storey apartment hotel was once home to Miller Anderson, one of the city's finest department stores. The 1920s heritage-listed building was converted in 2006 and now features 61 one, two and three-bedroom apartments perfect for longer city stays – all have fully equipped kitchens featuring Blanco stainless steel appliances and full-sized fridges, as well as free unlimited Wi-Fi and Foxtel, while some of the top-tier apartments also feature in-room laundry facilities and second bathrooms. Hindley Street is where Adelaide comes to party: for wining, dining, small bar hopping and a whole lot of clubbing, these apartments are your perfect base. The décor – a modern take on 1970s retro – might play havoc with your hangover though: think bright orange and jade green accents and funky patterned carpet and throw cushions at Miller Apartments. 

Time Out tip: Miller Apartments are located just a couple minutes walk from the Adelaide Railway Station and the tram stop counterpart, meaning that you can get to the beach, markets, gardens and hills in one fell swoop.

Address: 16 Hindley Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $92 per night

These spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments tucked away on a quiet side street in the centre of Adelaide's CBD make a great base for families or those seeking a longer city stay. Not to be confused with The Franklin Boutique Hotel around the corner, Franklin Central Apartments are comfortable and unfussy, with modern styling and unique touches that make the place feel more like a hotel – like the complimentary toiletries by Australian designer Peter Morrissey. All feature queen beds, full kitchens and in-room laundry facilities, as well as free Wi-Fi and on-site parking. The best part is the location – a short walk from the Adelaide Central Market and Gouger Street dining precinct and the small bars and eateries of Peel and Leigh Street, and just a block from the tram which runs through the city and southwestern suburbs to Glenelg Beach.

Time Out tip: Franklin Central Apartments’ one-bedroom offering can sleep up to three people. So if you don’t mind compromising on the square meterage, you’re in for a very decently priced stay divided among the three of you.

Address: 36 Franklin Street, Adelaide
Price: Starting at $84 per night