The Franklin Hotel, Adelaide

Pros

• This historic pub dates back to 1855, and the traditional architecture retains period details like a lacework iron balcony, stained glass windows, high ceilings, and decorative fireplaces.
• The location in Adelaide's CBD puts you just a short walk from the laneways and restaurants of the West End and a block from the Adelaide Central Market.
• You can choose between seven upstairs rooms, each decorated with a moody matte black palette and featuring complimentary minibars, Nespresso machines, and sleek subway-tiled bathrooms.
• The pub downstairs is a popular spot for locals and guests, serving fusion food and gastropub classics alongside craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

Cons

• All rooms are accessed by stairs, and there's no elevator.
• There's no on-site parking, though you'll find paid lots and street parking nearby.

Authenticity

The Franklin Hotel first opened in 1855 (then known as the Bristol Tavern), and its exterior still looks straight out of South Australia's 19th-century colonial frontier, with traditional iron colonnades and a lacework railing along the upper balcony. The property's classic layout remains the same (a busy pub downstairs with rooms to rent above), but today the bar slings fusion gastropub fare and local craft beers, and the interiors have a cool, eclectic vibe with matte black walls, stylish statement lighting, and contemporary pieces by Adelaide artists (think colorful murals of native flora and repurposed Coke crate chandeliers). 

Location

The hotel sits on a bustling thoroughfare in Adelaide's CBD (Central Business District), equidistant between the green spaces of Light and Victoria Square. The vibrant laneways, restaurants, and bars of Peel and Leigh Street are within a 10-minute stroll, and the famous Adelaide Central Market is just a block south. You can reach the Adelaide Oval and the museums and galleries of North Terrace on foot in about 20 minutes, and you'll have easy access to transport links, with Adelaide Central Bus Station just across the street and the airport a 10-minute drive west. There's no parking on-site; overnight street parking in the area is free, but you'll need to use a paid lot during the day. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the seven air-conditioned rooms is unique, but all include high ceilings, large windows, and period details like stained glass windows and decorative fireplaces. The decor is dark but inviting, with painted yellow doors set against black plaster walls, rustic wood accents, and bright modern art. Deluxe Rooms feature queen beds and sleek bathrooms with subway tiles and walk-in showers; Superior and Premium units offer more space, with king beds and seating areas (some also include deep soaking tubs). Thoughtful extras include complimentary stocked minibars with classic Aussie snacks, Nespresso machines with coffee and fresh milk, and high-quality bathroom toiletries.

Amenities

This small, boutique spot doesn't offer the amenities of a more traditional hotel, but the friendly, personalized service is a real perk. Rooms include detailed recommendations for dining and sightseeing in the area, and there are some cute extra touches throughout the property, like a book swap for vacation reads. The communal upstairs balcony is reserved for guests, and it's a lovely spot to pull up one of the pastel colored chairs and watch the bustling city streets. Downstairs, you can order elevated pub fare with vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus an extensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. There's also a sunny outdoor terrace for warm-weather dining.

Family-Friendliness

The Franklin Hotel welcomes families, though you won't find any specific child-focused amenities, and the lack of extra beds or interconnecting rooms won't be a good fit for larger groups. Children above two are charged as adults.