Discover how the eclectic Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets ticks all the right boxes.
After much anticipation, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its boutique lifestyle brand, Hotel Indigo Adelaide.
As a travel-starved hotel enthusiast and a local, I’ve jumped at a chance to try out the property for a staycation. Read on to discover my take on Adelaide’s most exciting new hotel.
Initial thoughts
Entering from the street, I’m struck by how welcoming the property is.
Housed on the site of a former textile factory, Hotel Indigo Adelaide blends heritage and eclectic modern architecture concepts within what they term a “Raw and Refined” ethos.
The design brief takes inspiration from Adelaide and the surrounding neighbourhood, featuring nostalgic posters of the Adelaide Festival, striking brick archways, and murals to evoke the colourful aesthetics of the Central Market.
The Location
You’ll find the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets tucked away quietly off Gouger Street in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.
While you’ll need to put on your walking shoes to reach the East End and Rundle Mall shopping precincts, this property boasts the best location for foodies keen to experience the best of Adelaide’s culinary delights.
After all, it’s just a short stroll to the hustle and bustle of the iconic Adelaide Central Markets, and all the wonderful eateries that surround it.
Rooms and Suites
Hotel Indigo is a boutique hotel, offering 145 guestrooms and suites. Guests can choose from three room types: Standard, Premium and Premium Corner View.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, Espresso machine, 2 head rainfall shower, minibar and premium Biology amenities.
If you’re keen to splash out on a suite, as I did, you can choose from three different types. These range from 38 sqm Junior suites, up to the flagship Hotel Indigo suites, which boast a huge 52 sqm of space and expansive views of the Adelaide skyline from a large balcony.
Inside my Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets Suite
For my stay, I’ve been lucky enough to score a Hotel Indigo suite, which comes with a separate bedroom and living area.
My suite is located on Level 14, and I head up immediately after checking in.
I’m an IHG Platinum Elite member, and I soon see that the hotel has thoughtfully provided a gift. I find a personalised card and a package of fudge and a fruit plate waiting when I enter.
The suite features design elements of wood, leather, plush carpets, and a bit of a Scandi vibe. Here and there, I find eclectic, hyper-local nods to the location, including fabulous vintage Adelaide Festival poster art.
The hotel has also helpfully provided a copy of Katie Spain’s excellent book on the Central Market – an invaluable resource for interstate travellers looking to visit it for the first time.
As a concept, the design and decor works. The space feels warm and inviting, blending contemporary and creative elements, bringing a sense of understated luxe.
Beyond the spacious living area, there’s a modern bathroom decked out with copper fixtures, a nod back to South Australia’s mining days. There’s a rain shower (no tub), and it’s stocked with Biology amenities.
The separate bedroom boasts an Adelaide-inspired feature wall and floor-to-ceiling windows providing views over the hills. There are more USB outlets than you can poke a stick at, a large Smart TV, and a big, comfy bed to sink into.
In fact, the bed is the perfect location to enjoy the first of my two breakfasts the next morning!
But my favourite area of this suite is undoubtedly the open-air balcony. It’s decked out with seating for four, facing west, allowing me to take in the brilliant sunset over the sea.
The Facilities
For a boutique-sized property nestled on a small street in the CBD, the Hotel Indigo packs in a surprisingly large number of features. Think a lap pool, gymnasium, and two eateries – including that rooftop bar I mentioned earlier.
First up, the gym, located on level four. It’s larger than I expected, featuring a range of motorised equipment plus a weights room.
Also located on the 4th floor, the heated lap pool offers views over the Adelaide city skyline. It’s open from 6 am – 9 pm daily.
I’m delighted to find that I have the pool to myself when I visit, and I find a comfortable sunbed for a spot of relaxation and sun.
Drinking and dining
Hotel Indigo is perfectly positioned for food-loving travellers who want to work their way through the surrounding eateries on Gouger and Grote streets.
That said, don’t miss a chance to try out Hotel Indigo’s in-house dining options, as they won’t disappoint. The hotel boasts two eateries; Market & Meander, located on the ground floor, and Merrymaker, Adelaide’s much-hyped new rooftop bar.
All-day dining at Market and Meander
Located on the ground floor, Market and Meander is a laid-back space, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think modern Australian fare with a bit of a twist. There’s a strong focus on sourcing local ingredients, with many items coming directly from stalls at the Central Market.
If breakfast in bed isn’t your thing (I won’t judge!), pop down here for a morning feed. The brekkie menu is varied (and also very well-priced). Your options include a decadent crab omelette, wattle seed waffles, bruschetta, and signature granola.
Of course, lunch is worth sticking around for too, especially with a sharply priced dining deal. Each day of the week, guests can choose a main dish from the lunch menu with a glass of wine or beer for $25.
With an offer like that, how can I refuse?
An incredibly rich brisket and Paris mash is the highlight of my lunchtime feed, while my dining partner feasts on smoky eggplant with coconut yoghurt and dahl which is packed with punchy flavours.
The special lunch menu is available daily from 12 pm – 2:30 pm.
Chasing the sun at Merrymaker rooftop bar
As the afternoon moves on, it’s time to finally make a move to Adelaide’s highest rooftop bar, Merrymaker.
Decked out with tessellated tiles and a quirky colour scheme, Adelaide’s newest – and clearly coolest – rooftop bar offers sweeping (and very instagrammable) views over the city and to the Hills.
There’s a heavy focus here on raw food, particularly around local South Australian seafood and charcuterie. A spectacular open-air seafood bar tempts diners with freshly caught prawns on ice and oysters shucked to order.
A thoughtfully curated list of cocktails and a comprehensive wine and craft beer offering sees me through the afternoon, well into the evening.
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets: Verdict
As a newcomer to Adelaide’s hotel scene, Hotel Indigo is a breath of fresh air. With eclectic yet thoughtful design, top-class facilities, and a serious local food focus, this property ticks all the right boxes for me.
Add in excellent service and a location in the heart of the Central Markets precinct, and I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
How to save on your next travel booking with American Express Open for Travel
If you’re an eligible American Express Card Member, you could get one credit back to your statement when spending $350 or more with IHG Hotels & Resorts via the American Express Open for Travel offer.
At Hotel Indigo, there are plenty of ways you could maximise value with this credit. With an extra $85 back in your pocket you could potentially treat yourself to:
- An upgrade from a room to a suite (pricing varies by date)
- Two glasses of champagne and a plate of nibbles at the Merrymaker rooftop bar
- A decadent room service order to enjoy in the comfort of your room, or
- Lunch (including drinks) for two at Market and Meander
The American Express Open for Travel offer is valid for use until 15 May 2021 and Card Members must be enrolled in the offer first. While the cap for IHG Hotels & Resorts offer enrolments has now been reached, there are many other American Express Open for travel offers available across leading hotel, car hire, and other travel partners (exclusions, T&Cs apply).
This post was prepared in partnership with American Express
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Hi Adele.
I’ve not had much luck confirming what Suites have Tubs – I believe all Indigo Suites do. Can you shed any light on this, please.
Hi Simon, I booked and showcased an Indigo suite in this review, and there was no tub (only a rain shower). A bit of a disappointment, given it’s their flagship suite. I’ll reach out to the hotel and let you know.
Would love to stay here. It looks delightful.😊🤩😍
Thanks Jean, you should definitely look to lock in a stay!