18 OCTOBER 2019

When I lived in Adelaide, one of my favourite haunts was Rundle Mall – basically, shopping central for the city of Adelaide.

However, the “mall” isn’t a shopping centre. Rather, it’s twp streets of shops – the road has been closed to cars and paved over and reserved exclusively for pedestrians.

There you’ll find the usual Australian outlets – Woolworths, Coles, bookstores, coffee places and fashion stores.

You’ll also find Richmond hotel, a grey, stately building located right opposite the century-old Adelaide Arcade.

On balmier nights, you will see the well-heeled drinking wine at the balcony. The hotel is also one of the favourite places to celebrate weddings in Adelaide.

As I looked for accomodation in Adelaide, the thrifty me didn’t think I’d be able to book a place at Richmond hotel as it was expensive.

When I scrolled through my Agoda app, the price was usually about RM500. But just a few days before my city stay, to my surprise, a room was going for RM280. I promptly booked 2 days’ stay.

The unusually low price is probably due to the fact that I booked the room in the middle of a week, and that it was low-peak season (winter). Book the room during one of South Australia’s big festivals – the Fringe, for example, and it would probably be a different story.

(And indeed, when I checked the price for Aug 10 & 11 and it has shot up to RM486 (including taxes). It was on a Saturday and it was the week SALA was on.)

Room

I expected a small but cosy room. Instead, the room was very roomy and equipped beyond my expectations. I got a standard double room, and it came with a bathroom with a bathtub and shower, and, to my great surprise, a courtyard with a sitting area!

My room was located on the second floor, which was on the same floor as the function room – Balcony room. It was too close for comfort (they were literally next door). However, the sound proofing was excellent so most of the time I didn’t hear any noise.

The bed and pillows were soft and comfortable too.

I also appreciated the little safe in my room.

Facilities

There are no pools or gym facilities. In terms of that it’s pretty basic. However, as I have more than enough to occupy my time I didn’t mind at all.

I, however, really appreciated the free wifi and Smart Tv with Netflix, however!

Location

In terms of location, Richmond Hotel is ideal for those who’d like to explore the city. With shops and restaurants at its doorstep, and Adelaide city’s biggest attractions just a walk away, this is the place to make your home base as you explore the city. On top of that it’s near the tram line.

Final word

Two words: Convenience and comfort. Many of the hotels in Adelaide can’t beat the Richmond for it’s location. Even the fancy Peppers branch isn’t nowhere as convenient as the Richmond, in my honourable opinion.