Are you looking for a reliable, comfortable, well-positioned hotel in Adelaide that doesn’t break the bank? The Holiday Inn Express might be just the place for you. Here is my Holiday Inn Express Adelaide review to give you some extra information.
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TL;DR? Here's the outline
About Holiday Inn Express Adelaide
The Holiday Inn Express Adelaide was opened in September 2017, so while relatively new, it has had plenty of time to iron out any creases and for wear and tear to show if it’s going to (spoiler: it doesn’t!).
It is perfectly located on Blyth Street, between Hindley Street and North Terrace, with dozens of places to eat within a minute or two walk.
It is adjacent the Adelaide Railway Station, including the SkyCity casino, and Hindley Street is the nightlife hub of Adelaide. Leigh Street and Peel Street, two laneways well known for their cafes and small bars are nearby too.
Rundle Mall is five minutes walk away, Adelaide Oval eight minutes and the Adelaide Central Market eleven minutes.
Holiday Inn Express is a brand known for their great value for money accommodation options, and the Holiday Inn Express hotels are multiplying quicker that any of the other brands in the IHG portfolio.
They provide simple yet comfortable accommodation in hundreds of locations around the world. They are popular with both business and leisure travellers looking for some space to rest, and to perhaps get a little work done.
Checking In to HIX Adelaide
While it’s easy to see the building and signage on Hindley street, it might be a little confusing finding the entrance. It can be found around the corner on Blyth Street.
There isn’t much signage, but it really is the only place on the street that looks like a hotel. If you are driving, there is a small driveway to pull into while you check in and work out parking.
If you do require parking, it is at the Car-e Park right next door. The Holiday Inn Express offers a discounted parking ticket of $25 per exit – not per day!
So this means if you are planning to arrive, park your car and leave it there the whole time, then this is a good deal.
If you are planning to come and go, it might be a better option to simply pay the going car parking rates for a few hours. (Rates below current as at July 2022)
If you are planning to pick up a hire car either during your stay or when you leave, there are two very convenient options.
There are Hertz offices right across from the hotel entrance and Avis use the carpark as a drop-off/pick-up location.
Check in happens on the first floor, so take the lift or the stars up one level. I have stayed here twice now, and both times check in was a smooth process.
While my room was ready both times, there is the option to store your luggage here if you arrive early in the day or you wish to depart later than the check out time.
The HIX Adelaide Room
This was my second stay at the holiday Inn Express. For both stays we booked a Queen Standard Room, and both times we were upgraded to a King Standard Room thanks to Platinum status with the IHG rewards program.
Everyone who stays here gets breakfast included in the room rate, so that is always a nice bonus.
On entering the room, my first thought was – oh no, not another glass bathroom! I know this is a personal preference, but I do not understand why hotels think this is a good idea. Privacy issues aside, for light sleepers this is a nightmare.
It also was not great when I had a 6:30am zoom call I needed to get ready for and my options were to turn on the light and wake up my husband or get ready using the glow of my phone!
The unusual thing about these bathrooms is that the door of the bathroom doubles as the door to the shower too. That isn’t terrible, but does take a little thought.
The toiletries are all in pump packs, which is becoming more standard with the environmental concerns with all those little bottles. They are all by Urban Skincare Co and I loved the scent – citrus, gardenia & jasmine.
The room itself is on the smaller side, as I would expect from the HIX brand, but there was still space for a desk and a small seating area that I did actually use. The space is functional and adequate.
The king size bed was comfortable, without it being amazing. I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to go.
I liked that there was a USB charger along with a powerpoint on each side of the bed, perfect for charging the phone that was also being used as the alarm clock.
The room amenities included basic tea/coffee making supplies. There was no minibar in the fridge as such, just a little milk. There is also a safe, ironing board, iron and hairdryer in the room, and of course a good sized flat screen tv.
Food at HIX Adelaide
The food and beverage area of the hotel is located on level one along with the check in area.
The only meal offered here is breakfast, and that is done as a typical buffet style breakfast. There was a limited range of hot food which was different on different days.
One day it was bacon, scrambled eggs and hash browns, the next sausages, scrambled eggs and baked beans.
There were four cereals offered, and some different bread options for toast, including raisin bread. Apple and Orange juice were available, and a variety of yoghurts. One day there were fresh apples, but the next no fruit at all.
The coffee machine made a variety of different styles and there were at least five different types of tea to choose from. I was particularly excited to to a range of alternative milks, including lactose-free, soy, almond and oat.
In the evenings there is a small bar open, with happy hour from 5pm to 7pm where they offer $5 drinks. There is a large area here with a variety of different types of seating, so a space for everyone.
I like that some areas are partitioned off, giving a more private feel to them.
Other Amenities at HIX Adelaide
There is no pool her eat HIX Adelaide, but you will find a small gym that has a lovely feel to it. There’s a couple of treadmills and bikes with some dumbbells available too.
You won’t be having a major workout here, but it will keep you moving on the road.
After travelling long term a few years ago, I am always particularly excited to find a laundry in a hotel, and the laundry here is one of the best I’ve come across. The room even has a comfy bench and tv here to entertain you while waiting for your clothes.
The Verdict
All in all, I think you get great value for money here. Everything is clean and modern and perfectly adequate. You are not going to get five-star luxury, because that’s not what you are paying for, but HIX Adelaide does a pretty good job of being a great mid-range hotel.
Looking for more accommodation options in Adelaide? These posts will help
Hotels in Adelaide
Sofitel Adelaide Hotel Review
Oval Hotel Review
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