A stay at Little National Hotel Adelaide

I’ve stayed at Little National Hotel in Sydney a few times and really loved it, so when Adelaide finally got its own Little National, I was pretty keen to try it out.

And what better excuse than a night in the city with a girlfriend and tickets to the theatre?

Little National Hotel Adelaide had only been open for about a week when we stayed, so I expected a few teething issues. New hotel, new staff, new systems... surely there had to be a few creaks somewhere.

But actually, the first impression was pretty seamless.

A very digital check-in

Check-in was easy, and you can check in online before you arrive. The hotel is embracing a digital approach, with the app and online touchpoints doing much of the work that traditionally happens at reception.

You can tell they’re trying to make the whole experience as effortless as possible, with less reliance on having to find a staff member every time you need something.

I quite like this approach, although I do think there’s something to be said for having the option of a good old-fashioned human when you need one. Or an in-room phone rather than downloading an app for services.

The room

The room was lovely.

Little National rooms are designed around a really comfortable sleeping space rather than being huge, and the super king bed was every bit as good as I remembered from Sydney. The wall-to-wall window also made the room feel light and spacious. The hotel uses Byredo amenities, which are a lovely touch, along with all the other little details you’d expect from a new hotel.

There was a tiny bit of dust around the room, which I suspect is probably just part of being a brand-new building with new furnishings and window coverings still settling in. Nothing major, but something I’d keep an eye on if I were the hotel.

Otherwise, everything felt fresh, comfortable and beautifully considered.

But the real surprise is upstairs

For me, the standout space was the lounge and working area upstairs.

It’s one of those spaces where you could quite happily settle in for a few hours (or the day), whether you’re working, having a drink, catching up with a friend or just taking in the view.

And the views are fantastic.

Being high above North Terrace gives you a completely different perspective of Adelaide, with views stretching across the city and out towards the hills and coast. The Adelaide hotel is the brand’s most expansive property yet, with the rooftop spaces designed to make the most of that elevated position.

There’s also a rather spectacular view from the bathroom. Let’s just say there are a LOT of windows up there.

Perfect for a night in the city

For a theatre night, it was exactly what I was after.

We could check in, get changed, head out for the evening and then come back to a really comfortable bed without having to drive home. And being on North Terrace puts you within easy walking distance of the Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall and the Leigh and Peel Street precinct.

A few little things will inevitably be refined as the hotel settles into life. That's completely normal for somewhere that's only been open a week.

But overall? I was impressed.

I already knew I liked the Little National Hotel concept from Sydney, and it’s nice to see Adelaide get its own version, with the brand’s signature comfort and design but with a distinctly Adelaide outlook.

Would I stay again?

Absolutely.