Taking advantage of a Great State Accommodation voucher in South Australia, we had a night in the city again recently, this time at the Majestic Minima Hotel in North Adelaide.

The advertising for this hotel says ‘mini rooms at mini prices’, so you know what to expect before arriving, but the difference with these rooms is that each one has unique art work on a grand scale with one whole wall of the rooms painted by local artists.

There are 46 rooms in this boutique accommodation and although they only measure approximately 14 square metres, they are equipped with all the motel basics. You check into the hotel at the sister property, The Majestic Old Lion Apartments nearby, and there is car parking underneath the hotel for $10.50 too. The only issue is that the car parks are teeny tiny too, so having a big car was a little squeezy but doable.

The surprise came when we entered the room, not knowing what art wall we would have but we were very happy with the room we were given which had artwork painted by Joshua Searson, called Hand-shakability. The theme is the evolving definition of the contemporary Australian worker and the artist’s full idea behind the painting is on a plaque in the room.

Even the cushions in the hotel are quirky and arty, but I’m not sure who is responsible for them. Some of the rooms over the three floors of the building, have small balconies, and there is a Guest Terrace on level two, which has a balcony overlooking the busy street below and a large timber table and stools for guests to enjoy the fresh air and a BYO drink if they wish.

Diagonally opposite the Majestic Minima is the Lion Hotel, which is busy day and night with diners at al fresco tables, and many different spaces indoors to enjoy a meal or a drink. The décor inside the Lion Hotel is light and airy and you can choose to sit wherever suits you, selecting food from the same menu throughout the venue.  There is a formal restaurant, a more relaxed bistro and a garden bar for a casual atmosphere. There were many choices on the menu and the food was tasty and staff very friendly.

The Majestic Minima Hotel is in Melbourne Street, North Adelaide and only one kilometre from the Adelaide Oval and the city centre is not far from there.

Also nearby is the Adelaide Zoo and Adelaide botanic gardens. The botanic gardens are delightful at any time of year and it’s a lovely, calming, green space to walk through and enjoy the nature and wide open spaces. There are lots of arbours in the garden, one which is covered with wisteria and has a spectacular show of colour when in flower.

The bicentennial conservatory is an impressive curvilinear 100 metre long building which contains lowland rainforest plants and a 47 metre high roof, and a tree canopy towering above as you wander through. It’s a distinctive landmark in Adelaide and is readily noticeable to visitors flying in to the city.

Also in the garden you’ll find the beautiful Palm House, a Victorian era glasshouse which was imported from Germany in 1875 and is thought to be the only one of its kind still in existence. Inside is a collection plants from Madagascar and the warm and dry growing conditions have helped to conserve the building.  The garden also has a waterlily pavilion, a café and garden shop, visitor information centre and restaurant.

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is free to visit and is open from 7.15am to 5.30 pm from April to September with opening times extended over summer.

More to enjoy in the city of Adelaide

Glenys