Majestic Minima Hotel: Amber Brown visits this new hotel in the Adelaide City region of Adelaide
You don't need to go far for a drink in lower North Adelaide. The Lion in Melbourne Street is one of the best known landmarks and has been since the 1870s when the Old Lion Hotel, Brewery and Malting House went up. It harks back to the days when industry was big throughout the city and dozens of chimneys cluttered the landscape. The stack at the Old Lion is the only one to survive.
Around the corner, there's the British Hotel - a fixture of Finness Street since 1837. It's no coincidence that it was owned by the same people who operated the Lion Brewery. They didn't have far to cart the kegs.
And at the eastern end of Stanley Street is the historic Kentish Arms Hotel. It has a strong sporting link as publican, John Cocker used to bowl for Kent before he took up the licence here way back in 1848. But he didn't let his bar duties get in the way of his cricket - he founded the Kent and Sussex Cricket Club here at the pub and Mann Terrace made an ideal practice pitch. John Cocker also had the honor of preparing the first pitch on the Adelaide Oval - not a bad claim to fame for a local publican.
Now there's a new addition to Lower North Adelaide's hotel list. This one's a far cry from the days of grand stone buildings with stables out the back - this one sets out to prove that 'small is beautiful'."
Welcome to the Majestic Minima in Melbourne Street - touted to be Adelaide's first 21st century boutique hotel - all you need is your credit card. Check in via the touch screen and you get access to the front door, the lift and your own room. No reception, no room service, no staff - just modern, well-appointed 'compact' rooms.
Nicole Cain: "We based it on the Formula One style properties that are very popular in the eastern states and overseas. We recognise that there was a need for a lower priced boutique style of accommodation so Majestic Minima was born priced at $99 and $110."
In developing the Minima the brief was to create a 4 star hotel with a 3 and a half star price that appeals to lower budget travelers or people who decide to stay in town after a big night out.
Nicole Cain: "It is Adelaide's first self check-in hotel so basically guests can book via our website or they can just wander in off the street, make a reservation and check in and away you go."
There are 46 rooms in all and secure overnight parking is available for an extra $8. Pay as you go internet connection is in the foyer and you can opt to have breakfast at Bocca's café a couple of doors along. The Majestic Minima has rooms ranging from economy for $99 to a studio room with a private balcony for 110 dollars per night. It's at 146 Melbourne Street in North Adelaide.
Majestic Minima Hotel
146 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
Freecall: 1800 779 954Published 15th February 2009
