Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Adelaide

Cultured, sophisticated Adelaide, the cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia, is infused with multicultural flavors. Overlooking the Great Australian Bight and the Indian Ocean beyond, Adelaide has it all. Think hip bars and pubs, a pulsating live music and arts scene, and a festival calendar that has livened Saturday nights. But that doesn’t mean that the city has forgotten its ‘City of Churches’ origins. In fact, you can still see tons of church spires across the city’s skyline. What’s more, it’s very welcoming to LGBTQ people and travelers, and there is no dearth of choices for gay accommodation in Adelaide. ‘Addie,’ as Adelaide is affectionately known, is bursting with LGBTQ hotels ranging from luxurious leisure pads to hostels. So, no matter your budget, you’ll find gay digs that you dig in the city.

Adelaide and South Australia, in general, are extremely welcoming of LGBTQ lifestyles, even though its gay scene is more modest than Melbourne’s and Sydney’s. That said, you’ll find a thriving, passionate LGBT community in the city. This is besides a fantastic gay scene that sits in the very heart of the city, bordered by numerous lush parks and Adelaide Zoo. In fact, the city hosts many LGBT events, including Feast, one of the three major LGBTQ festivals in Australia. Furthermore, you’ll also find the famous nudist beach Maslins, around a half-hour south of the city.

Overall, gay Adelaide might be ‘under the radar’ cool, but it certainly makes for a spirited and hip gay-friendly getaway. To that end, here are the 11 best gay accommodation options in Adelaide.

ibis Adelaide

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There’s more than one reason why Ibis Adelaide is such a great gay hotel. For one, it lies in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, close to both the cultural and shopping avenues. Plus, it’s smack dab in the center of the city’s gay scene. What’s more, the savvy hotel offers everything – views, contemporary stay, and sleek amenities, quickly catapulting it to an amazing stay.

As you enter this modern hotel, the warm wood-matte black decor with color pops in the lobby immediately impresses you. If you’re a fitness fanatic, then the well-equipped gym will also appeal to you. It even has a small patio, which is a bonus for any hotel. Coin-operated laundries mean that you don’t have to worry about a dirty stuffed suitcase. The hotel even has a restaurant and bar, which offers superb room service too. Moreover, it also offers a nice breakfast spread. Rounding up the offerings are the attentive staff and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms mix black, white, and grey to create an interesting color palette, complete with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows with superb views. The space-saving design details are palpable, and they leave you with a smile on your face. Hi-tech features, plush beds, and modern bathrooms complete the offerings.

Mayfair Hotel

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If you and your partner are looking for a luxurious getaway in Adelaide, then you’d do well to choose the Mayfair Hotel. The graceful boutique hotel, which sits in a 1930s heritage structure, is one of the most luxurious gay accommodations in Adelaide. With an enviable location in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, its sights, attractions, and its gay scene are all within walking distance.

With elegant nooks with plush seating, black paneled walls, and white marble floors, the hotel feels intensely refined and sleek. A curving black staircase and contemporary lighting fixtures make for unique additions. Besides a well-equipped gym, the hotel even has valet parking, meeting, and conference spaces. The standout is the generous breakfast buffet at the upscale basement restaurant. You’ll find everything from Australian to Asian to continental offerings, as well as handmade bread and pastries. Moreover, the staff is skillfully efficient and possesses excellent knowledge of the city.

Since this is a heritage structure, all rooms are distinctive. Mainstay design details include bespoke beds, soothing color palettes, marble desks, and Art Deco patterned carpets. The monochrome bathrooms are sexy to boot and feature shower space for two (wink, wink). What’s more, the complimentary minibar comes stocked with drinks, which means you can enjoy it with your partner without having to leave your room. The nightly turndown with Red Cacao chocolates only heightens the mood.

InterContinental Adelaide

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The gay friendly InterContinental Adelaide Hotel has been a mainstay in the city for over 30 years. The 80s-style design might not be voguish, but what makes it a winning base is the enviable location on the Karrawirra Parri River next to the Adelaide Convention Center. Plus, the hotel also lies within half a mile of the city’s cultural highlights.

The 24-storied, scallop-edged hotel sits around a foliage-filled atrium. The lobby is equally impressive; think soaring metallic columns, brass accents, and dusky-pink marble floors. Two restaurants and a bar take care of all food and beverage needs, including a phenomenal buffet breakfast. The highlight is the bilingual staff, which doles out attentive and warm service. If you’re into fitness, then you’ll find the large gym adequate. If you’re a leisure lad, then enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool and lounge on the daybeds under the umbrellas later. Finally, you can even rent one of the bikes for hire and explore the neighborhood.

The rooms might not be modish, but they are one of the most spacious in the city. Pink-brown and burnt-orange marble bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs in all rooms do feel lavish, though. We’d recommend upgrading to the river-facing rooms for enjoying scenic views.

Majestic Minima Hotel

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The Majestic Minima Hotel is one of the quirkiest and most kitschy gay accommodations in Adelaide. if you love creative design hotels, then it’ll be hard not to be charmed by this hotel’s eclectic and vibrant aesthetic. Overall, it’s a well-priced distinctive option that’ll make your stay memorable. What’s more, it lies in a leafy area with heritage homes and is a mere 10-minute drive to the shopping and gay districts.

An aqua-hued facade with a two-storied mural makes this hotel one for your Instagram feed. On the inside, the quaint, contemporary lobby is a blend of timber and charcoal hues. Given that this hotel is a budget one, it has a nice range of facilities. Right from the self-serve basement laundry to off-street parking, these perks make your life easier. In fact, the hotel even has bikes for hire. The highlight is the second-floor terrace, where you can bring your own snacks and enjoy picnics and sundowners with Adelaide views. From travel tips to restaurant recommendations, the staff is unfailingly helpful. Finally, there’s even a set breakfast arrangement with the restaurant across the street.

Even though rooms are petite, they all have plush king beds, bedside desks, and flatscreen TVs. Besides free Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling artwork, some rooms even have sun-kissed balconies and modern bathrooms.

Adelaide Central YHA

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Best budget gay-friendly accommodation. The award-winning Adelaide Central YHA hostel is one of the best LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in Adelaide. When you hear the word ‘hostel,’ images of all-night parties immediately pop up in your mind. However, the YHA is on the other end of the gregariousness spectrum. In fact, you’ll actually get a fitful sleep here, something that is necessary after long days of exploring Adelaide. If that wasn’t enough, it’s ideally located in the vibrant city center overlooking a leafy square and is mere minutes from public transport options and major attractions.

Just because it’s on the lower end of the party spectrum doesn’t mean it’s a boring place! The hostel has an unending roster of events going on all the time. Think pub nights, walking tours, ping-pong competitions, and more. The heart of the hostel is the communal lounge area with a flat-screen TV and comfy sofas. It’s the perfect place to meet new people rather than keep looking up hook-up apps. The roomy, well-stocked kitchen is great for whipping up cheap meals or even impressing cute people with your cooking skills! Wake up to a lip-smacking pancake breakfast every day.

Moreover, both dorms and private rooms are spacious and comfortable and come with immaculate bathrooms. With spotless environs, lots of perks, and great security, YHA is a real step up from the average backpacker places around Adelaide. All-in-all, this is one seriously Schmick hostel that combines space, service, and value-for-money service into one irresistible package.

Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury

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Best gay-friendly heritage aparthotel. Overlooking Victoria Square, the Adina Apartment Hotel is one of the most elegant heritage gay accommodations in Adelaide. The apartment-style suite hotel has an impressive history and is close to many of the top things to do in Adelaide. Also, these warm and inviting spacious suites lie a stone’s throw from many amazing gay bars in town. So, after a night out of revelries, they make for great spaces to come and crash for the night.

Contemporary styles and period features come together in the form of modern lighting, sleek mirrors, and shades of olive green and burnt orange. The entire property sits around a light-filled courtyard, brimming with lush greenery with a fountain at its heart. However, if you’re a culture buff, you’ll love the history and character of the place. This is where the country’s first gold coin was minted in 1850. What’s more, the first-floor cabinet room is where the decision to let South Australian women vote was taken in 1894. For a suites hotel, Adina has quite a number of facilities. The heated pool is perfect for a languorous dip, followed by a soak in the sauna. The on-site Treasury 1860 pub offers both breakfast and dinner, which includes Australian and international dishes.

No two rooms and suites here are the same, although all feature a subdued beige-and-green palette with jewel-toned pops of color. Full kitchens are standard, as are free Wi-Fi and compact bathrooms. Plush beds and silky blinds ensure a fitful sleep.

The Playford – MGallery by Sofitel

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Most luxurious gay-friendly hotel. Opulence comes to town with The Playford – M Gallery by Sofitel, one of the most indulgent five-star LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in Adelaide. Right from its imposing Art Nouveau facade to its gold-chandelier-ridden interiors, nothing here is understated. The luxurious hotel is subtly sensual and makes for a great place to spend a sexy and romantic gaycation.

The decadence begins right from the lobby with rich gray and deep plum sofas and black-marble pillars. In fact, the hotel’s restaurant is one of the most romantic places in town, with gold-and-purple carpets and shimmering gold chandeliers. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner, meals here will be a romantic and intimate affair. Even the bar is one mesmerizing space with mirrored mosaic and sofa clusters making for cozy nooks to enjoy nightcaps. The hotel’s facilities, albeit luxurious, don’t understate the sensual undertones either. Firstly, the sleek indoor pool is sleek with a hot tub that features the “Creation of Adam” mural by Michelangelo. The place also holds a sauna, and there couldn’t be a better place for heated vibes.

If the hotel is sexy, then the rooms are nothing short of swish and steamy. Think gilded mirrors, loveseats with rich, floral fabric, champagne walls, and plush beds. Besides a flourish of mod-cons, all rooms feature marble bathrooms with either rain showers or bathtubs. If you want to splurge, go for the Deluxe Guest rooms or Studio Spa suites, which have snazzier bathrooms and lots of space.

Hilton Adelaide

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Hilton Adelaide melds refined comfort and modern glamour to create what is one of the best chain gay accommodations in Adelaide. The hotel sits right at the center of the CBD and has the rare advantage of both Adelaide Hill and ocean views. What’s more, its best gay nightlife sits within a 20-minute walking radius. And if you wanted to head to the beach, it’s a mere 20-minute drive.

The gleaming, marble-floored lobby and a classy bar with lots of lingering nooks and sculptural touches create a tasteful and stylish effect. The hotel even has an upper hand as compared to other chain hotels in Adelaide when it comes to facilities. To begin with, it has a most inviting outdoor pool on the second floor, complete with a poolside deck made for lounging. The gym next door is very well-equipped, and both that and the pool boast stellar views of Adelaide Hills and Victoria Square. Furthermore, there’s even a running track and a tennis court a floor up. The ground-floor restaurant serves, among other meals, a full buffet breakfast with even cooked-to-order eggs. Rounding up the amenities is a pillow menu, which is a nice touch.

The spacious rooms exude an understated, soothing ambiance with cloud-like beds and chic bathrooms. If you want to splash, go for the Executive rooms or the suites. The suites have separate seating areas, while the Executive rooms have separate bathtubs.

Pullman Adelaide

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It’s not difficult to see why Pullman Adelaide is such a popular hotel with discerning gay travelers. First off, a central location means you get to explore Adelaide without breaking a sweat. What’s more, it boasts tasteful decor and thoughtful service that makes your stay in Adelaide all the more special.

Stylish lighting, high ceilings, and a tiled entrance make for lasting impressions as you set foot in the hotel lobby. Even though it’s a chain hotel, Pullman radiates an urbane, refined aesthetic. There’s nothing about the hotel that you won’t like. The staff goes out of their way to help you with everything, including helping you discover Adelaide better. The hotel does have a fitness and business center, but the focus is on wellness. The lovely indoor pool area with white loungers and potted plants is perfect for languid lapping. After that, head to the spa complex, complete with a steam room and sauna. There’s even a dedicated bike zone, which you’ll like to borrow to go off exploring on your own. The hotel’s restaurant serves one of the best breakfasts in the city. Think smashed avocado, pastries, fresh fruits, and even congee and an omelet station. 

Rooms feature a white, olive green, taupe, and grey palette, with striking black-and-white photography. Go for the Deluxe rooms, which have balconies with beautiful views. They also have slippers, robes, and separate tubs.

The Franklin Boutique Hotel

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Most unique and eclectic gay-friendly hotel. The Franklin Boutique Hotel is one of the most eclectic LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in Adelaide. It’s rare to find a pub with rooms today which can go head-to-head with purpose-built stays and chains, but this revamped gem does. The 1855-built structure is now a modern gastro-pub-cum-hotel with boundless charm and excellent value. For gays looking for an offbeat and characterful stay in Adelaide, this would be it. Plus, the CBD location helps immensely.

Since this is a converted pub with a wallet-friendly price, it’s the atmosphere that’s the standout amenity here. The quirky-cool pub features a massive wall mural of the indigenous proteas flower. Eclectic touches include a painted door as artwork and a Coke crate chandelier. The zesty orange copper piping, mismatched furniture, and exposed brick only add to the old-world charm. Above all, the communal balcony with chairs and plants is an excellent place to sit and enjoy a cuppa or a glass of wine.

Upstairs, the black hallways with the room doors painted yellow make for a striking photo op. Each of the seven rooms is different in size, right from Deluxe to Superior to the largest Premium rooms. Period features like picture rails, ceiling roses, and ornate fireplaces meld with the modern moody black palette with primary color pops. If you want to splurge, go for the premium rooms with deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms. Nevertheless, all rooms feature goodie bags with sweet and savory snacks and complimentary minibars.

Stamford Plaza

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We’re saving the best for the last – welcome to the Stamford Plaza, the best gay accommodation in Adelaide that you can find. The extremely gay-friendly hotel lies directly opposite the Skycity Casino in the heart of Adelaide and is within walking distance of its scintillating gay scene as well. The best part about all rooms at this hotel is that they all feature views of either the city or the historic Parklands of Adelaide. What’s more, all rooms are contemporary with coffeemakers, minibars, flatscreen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms with luxurious bathrobes.

It’s no surprise that this hotel boasts a slew of amenities as well. The best of the lot is the heated rooftop swimming pool with spectacular views of the city. Lounge on the daybeds or enjoy a poolside bite from one of the three rooftop restaurants. One of the restaurants also serves a full breakfast buffet, which includes all kinds of cold items and hot specialties, including made-to-order eggs. If you’re a fitness fanatic, then the well-equipped fitness center is perfect. After a workout, a soak in the hot tub is great for relaxing sore muscles. What’s more, you can also get professional in-room massages. Finally, enjoy a sundowner at the Cascade Cocktail Lounge before heading out into Adelaide’s gay nightlife.

Our Verdict!

All of Adelaide’s LGBTQ-friendly hotels are welcoming to gay travelers from all over. However, you might prefer some hotels over others due to budgets, personal preferences, or more. Hence, we’ve curated a specialized list of hotels that will help you narrow down to a single choice.

• Most unique and eclectic gay-friendly hotel: The Franklin Boutique Hotel
• Most luxurious gay-friendly hotel: The Playford – MGallery by Sofitel
• Best gay-friendly heritage aparthotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
• Best budget gay-friendly accommodation: Adelaide Central YHA

Just So You Know:

• South Australia was the first state in Australia to legalize gay sex.
• Adelaide’s only gay sauna, Pulteney, a.k.a. the Club, opened in 1977 and is one of the longest-serving LGBT venues in the country.

Get Some Culture in Adelaide:

• Adelaide Pride – Adelaide’s Pride march is a celebration of the history, resilience, and courage of the LGBTQ community and its allies. Ever since its resurrection in 2003, Adelaide Pride has only gone from strength to strength.
• Feast – This is one of the biggest LGBT festivals in the city. It features events like historical walks, cabarets, dances, literature, art, music, and more. It all culminates in a huge Picnic in the Park.

Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Adelaide:

• Mary’s Poppin’ – This amazing and eccentric drag bar opened in 2016 and is one of the most popular gay venues in town. You’ll love the cocktails here, which are twists on iconic and once-upon-a-time cool classics such as the Pina Colada. Are you a fan of dancing? It’s encouraged – insisted on, even – here.
• Mars Bar – This Adelaide institution boasts cheap drinks and a fabulous atmosphere. It features more than 600 sq. meters of space with outside areas, private booths, and open areas. Besides the bar, lounge, and club, it also sees performances and stage shows by burlesque and drag artists.
• My Lover Cindi – This edgy and alternative gay bar in Adelaide is an inclusive bar and not just your typical gay bar. Friday nights here boast a more acoustic and chilled vibe going on, while Saturday nights are all about ‘leaving your (wo)men at home!’

Best Gay Saunas in Adelaide:

• Pulteney 431 Sauna – Adelaide’s only gay sauna is also a famous cruising spot for gay and bi men. It features private resting areas, dark mazes, a pool, a steam room, and a spa and a sauna.