15 of the best Adelaide Hills accommodation options

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a convenient base to mark your map with some of South Australia’s best cellar doors or luxury accommodation in the Adelaide Hills to explore the region’s most charming towns, here are 15 stays to suit every traveller.

The Adelaide Hills is an intoxicating region known best for its cool-climate wineries. It’s the perfect romantic getaway or a delicious epicurean escape, an undulating landscape filled with charming towns and villages, such as the historic German village of Hahndorf, the bountiful fruit bowl of Lobethal and the relaxed country town of Woodside.

Here are 15 Adelaide Hills stays from an off-grid, adults-only retreat on a cattle farm and an iconic property that oozes elegance to chic accommodation above a historic pub and an affordable family-friendly holiday park.

1. Mt Lofty House

Best for: Luxury, Romance, History

Built as the summer house for Arthur Hardy – the country’s first Grandmaster of the Freemasons – this beautiful manor perched above the Piccadilly Valley in Crafers was where the elite once came for lavish celebrations. In 1983, the house was razed by the Ash Wednesday fires but was rebuilt and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel in 1988. The historic property has 14 unique suites, from a cosy Classic Room to a Conservatory Suite with a sunroom and private balcony, each one styled with elegant and traditional furnishings such as four-poster beds, dark woods and velvet armchairs.

Guests can indulge in dinner and high tea at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant with expansive valley views, soak up the sunshine with a glass of local wine at the Terrace Bar, or snuggle on a leather chair by the fire at Hardy’s Bar. Housed in a historic cottage on the property, Gatekeeper’s Day Spa is a tranquil space offering massages and facials that guarantee utter bliss.

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

2. Sequoia Lodge

Best for: Luxury, Wellness, Romance

Sitting atop Mount Lofty, this adults-only lodge is nestled on the same 12-hectare property of Mt Lofty House, commanding the same spectacular views over Piccadilly Valley.

Sequoia’s luxury open-plan suites boast sunken lounge rooms with gas fireplaces, large balconies and bathtubs that overlook the valley.

There is a restaurant onsite that serves contemporary Australian cuisine, and guests also have access to Mt Lofty House’s dining options and day spa.

Curated experiences such as sunrise yoga, a South Australian cheese and wine discovery, and stargazing are available to book.

The property is also home to artesian spring-fed hot pools, which make for the perfect place to end a day of wine tasting in the Adelaide Hills.

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers

3. The Manna Group, Hahndorf

Best for: Affordable, Families, Location

The Manna Group is a collection of three properties in the heart of Hahndorf, the Adelaide Hills’ charming German village. The 50-room Manna hotel is located on the main street, a few steps from Hahndorf’s boutique shops and the 1863 Hahndorf Inn. There are 19 superior rooms, 27 executive rooms and five spa suites to choose from, each with a simple and modern style. Set back from the main street is its sister property The Manna Studios, which are boutique self-contained accommodations, including two-bedroom apartments and a pet-friendly room if you’re travelling with a furry companion. These studios are ideal for longer stays or when travelling in groups and with your family. And The Lodge is a 19-room motel tucked behind town and has a swimming pool for warmer weather.

Address: Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

4. Grandview Accommodation, Mount Barker

Best for: Groups, Families, Longer Stays

Grandview Accommodation is a collection of four apartments in Mount Barker. The Flaxley Apartments comprise a couple of two-bedroom apartments originally built in the 19th century, each sleeping four, and The Elm Apartments comprise a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom apartment, sleeping four and six respectively.

Each of these accommodations is within walking distance of the township of Mount Barker, making for an ideal Adelaide Hills hub for groups and families.

All apartments feature full kitchens and laundry facilities. The Adelaide Hills Farmers Market is held in town every Saturday, so you can stock the pantry up with local goods after exploring the tree-lined town centre and enjoy a glass of local wine in front of the fireplace.

Address: 1 Coral Street, Mount Barker

5. Hideaway Huts

Best for: Off-grid, Wellness, Couples

Hidden away on a secluded 40-hectare cattle farm in the Adelaide Hills, these off-grid timber huts were inspired by The Man from Snowy River.

Rustic in design but premium in comfort, each hut sleeps two people and features a king-sized bed, full kitchen and private verandah. Soak in the outdoor bath with views of river red gums, stargaze around the firepit, sip a wine in front of the fire to music playing on the vinyl record player, and unwind in complete solitude. These huts are as their name suggests: the perfect place to hide away for a few days.

Address: 1068 Old Princes Hwy, Dawesley

6. The Crafers Hotel

Best for: Couples, History, Location

This historic 19th century pub in Crafers underwent a huge renovation in 2014, restoring its original stonework and adding a French-inspired aesthetic. The chic gastropub is a winner for families, friends and oenophiles alike (it hosts regular wine workshops in its charming cellar).

While its upstairs accommodation comprises seven rooms that sleep two, with high ceilings, antique chandeliers, elegant furnishings, wool carpets, and bathrooms with underfloor heating and Aesop amenities.

Address: 8 Main Street, Crafers

7. Simon Tolley Lodge

Best for: Wine lovers, Groups

Set among the Woodside vineyards of Simon Tolley Wines, Simon Tolley Lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in five bedrooms. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or for a large family to spend the weekend, with views of the surrounding vineyards. Cook up a storm in the full kitchen, chat around the wood fire, or enjoy your vineyard-hopping bounty on the outside patio under the stars. The Simon Tolley property spans 22 hectares, which you are free to wander. The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday and serves produce platters, bread boards and jaffles with wine tasting.

Address: 278 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside

8. Pavilions at Lenswood

Best for: Couples, Romance, Luxury

The six pavilions at Pavilions at Lenswood are unique in design, with interiors inspired by Swiss and Austrian chalets, a Japanese onsen, a Scandinavian aesthetic and Art Deco style.

Set on an idyllic landscaped property and centred around a lake, these luxe pavilions sleep two, and comprise a kitchen and a bathroom with freestanding tub. Three pavilions feature a Japanese cedar hot tub, two have an indoor sauna, one has a heated plunge pool, and two have spas, so take your pick of how you’d like to soak or steam.

The newly built two-storey Fika Pavilion can sleep four guests, however, this retreat is adults-only – so this is perfect for two couples or a group of friends. E-bike hire is available to explore the surrounding countryside of the Adelaide Hills.

Address: Corner of Swamp and Leslie roads, Lenswood

9. Discovery Parks Hahndorf

Best for: Families, Affordable

Located on the main street of Hahndorf, Discovery Parks Hahndorf is a convenient stop if you’re vanning or want an affordable stay in a convenient location with family-friendly activities. There are powered sites, drive-through sites, studio cottages and a range of cabins to choose from. Kids will love the bouncing pillow, playground, mini golf and pool, and parents will love that it’s a short walk into town and to Hahndorf’s famous German pubs.

Address: 145a Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

10. Sticky Rice Villas, Stirling

Best for: Couples, Foodies

Sticky Rice Cooking School is an award-winning, family-owned and run cooking school, which has been hosting cooking classes in the Adelaide Hills since 2008. Scrub up on your kitchen skills by learning the secrets to Thai cuisine, cook up a Mexican fiesta or expand your vegetarian reperitoire with a class and then kick back for the night in one of the three onsite luxe villas. Each is designed differently: the Zen Villa leans towards Thai style, the Yoko Villa is Japanese-inspired, while the Bali Villa will transport you to the beloved Indonesian island. Each has an outdoor courtyard and individual gardens, kitchens, king beds and underfloor heating.

Address: 96 Old Mount Barker Rd, Stirling

11. Longview Vineyard, Macclesfield

Best for: Wine lovers, Couples, Groups

Family-owned Longview Vineyard, just outside the historic town of Macclesfield, is more than a place to swing by for a wine tasting. The property also features accommodation including 12 suites, a restored homestead that can sleep up to 12 guests, and a brand-new lodge that sleeps up to eight guests. Families, couples, groups of friends – everyone is welcome. There are cooking facilities in all accommodations, a communal laundry and breakfast provisions are provided. The cellar door is open seven days and the Longview Day Spa offers a list of relaxing treatments, with an optional wine and cheese platter to finish.

Address: 154 Pound Road, Macclesfield

12. The Manor Basket Range

Best for: Families, Unique, History

This historic estate built in 1935 – formerly known as Camelot Castle – was given an extensive refurbishment to modernise its accommodation offering but it still retains the charm of an ancient castle.

Now known as The Manor Basket Range, this venue is popular for weddings but guests can book accommodation year-round and make it their eclectic base for exploring the hills.

Its 12 two-storey townhouse-style suites sleep two, are self-contained with kitchenettes and separate living areas, and have a pull-out sofa available for extra guests (kids will love the idea of staying in a castle!). The property is particularly spectacular in autumn when the leaves blush red and orange.

Address: 762 Lobethal Road, Basket Range

13. Cladich Pavilions, Aldgate

Best for: Seclusion, Couples

Named The Dunes, The Billabong and The Gums, these three uniquely Australian pavilions are nestled in bushland among stringybark and birdlife. The Gums is the largest, sleeping three people and featuring a full kitchen, lounge and private deck, while the others sleep two people; each boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the lush green setting. Custom packages including cheese platters, local chocolates, bubbles and a tour to the wineries or the nearby Jurlique Farm are also available.

Address: 27 – 29 Wilpena Terrace, Aldgate

14. Aberdeen Lane, Woodside

Best for: Affordable, Location, Families

This centrally located motel offers simple but spacious and modern rooms, including king suites, deluxe king suites, two-bedroom apartments and accessible king suites. Each is furnished in soothing soft tones and contemporary furniture.

Aberdeen Lane is next door to Woodside Providore, which is a great spot for breakfast and to pick up snacks, cake and coffee. The motel also offers a minibus, which is available for transfers to events and wine tours, and has a communal laundry and an outdoor barbecue area.

Woodside is home to a chocolate factory, fromagerie, an apple orchard, Jurlique Farm and local wineries.

Address: 67 Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Woodside

15. Uraidla Lock Up

Best for: History, Location, Families

Fancy sleeping in an 1890s police cell? You can in Uraidla – with plush bedding, private ensuite and all the mod cons, of course. Uraidla Lock Up features two accommodation options: The Lock Up, an open-plan studio with a queen bed, small kitchenette and subfloor heating, and The Police Station, which sleeps six in three bedrooms and has a fully equipped kitchen. Both options are beautifully furnished and feature original stone benchtops and brass tapware that speak to the impeccable craftsmanship of the 19th century. Uraidla Hotel is just across the road and there are many other dining options within walking distance.

Address: 1205 Greenhill Rd, Uraidla

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