Crowne Plaza Hotel: Keith samples this new hotel in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
South Australia's first Governor, Sir John Hindmarsh would hardly recognise the square named in his honour. It's now surrounded with modern city buildings - the newest being the $100 million, 15-storey Crowne Plaza Hotel. It's the first international hotel to be built I Adelaide for 20 years.
The first bloke you're likely to meet is Ric Angeletti - the legendary concierge who's been enthusiastically meeting and greeting guests around Adelaide for 20 years - and he's excited about his new digs.
Ric Angeletti, concierge: "How about this - we're in the east side of the city right next to Rundle Mall and we've got our vibrant Rundle Street nearby. It's all happening. Location, location, location."
Inside, the modern décor's pretty low key - no screaming design statements just a sleek modern look. One of the Hotel's selling points is the views of the city skyline, the hills beyond and the square below - it's all very easy on the eye. And according to General Manager, Brendon Meppem, that's why the conference facilities are on the 15th floor.
Brendon Meppem, General Manager: "On a great day you can see the storms roll in across the hills which is really spectacular to watch. We took a photo from here to a trade show earlier in the year and people were saying to me 'why have you got a photo of Melbourne up there?' They'd never seen Adelaide from this aspect before. So it's a real talking point."
The hotel has the usual conference facilities - meeting rooms, board rooms and function rooms - all adaptable for events from small meetings to school formals, balls and weddings. Downstairs there's the obligatory lap pool, spa and gym of course.
While it's part of the worldwide InterContinental Hotels Group, which runs nearly 4,500 hotels around the world, Brendon says a lot of his clientele are local.
Brendon Meppem, General Manager: "We get a lot of people from Adelaide and from the regional areas. People drive over here on a Friday afternoon after work and spend the weekend and they'll leave late on the Sunday. We're close to some great shopping on Rundle Street, cafes and restaurants as well as our own great restaurant here… and it's somewhere they can just relax."
Then there's the Redsalt Restaurant. It's also got a distinctly local flavour with an international twist thanks to chef, Brad Jones. Originally an Adelaide boy, he's returned home after several years working in some of the UK's finest eateries.
The Redsalt Bar and Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Crowne Plaza Adelaide is on Hindmarsh Square. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Hindmarsh Square
Ph 1800 699 562Published 5th September 2010
