The River Suites, Kangaroo Island

Pros

• The hotel is located in American River, a quaint fishing town on Kangaroo Island—perfect for exploring Pelican Lagoon and nearby hiking trails.
• Sitting on a ridge, you can enjoy ocean views from almost anywhere on the property, including guest room balconies and the on-site restaurant.
• In-house Samphire Restaurant serves up a fine dining experience with a seven-course seafood degustation menu.
• Bird-watching is a highlight; you'll likely get to see endangered glossy black cockatoos, spoonbills, and pelicans, as well as other native wildlife (like wallabies!).
• Make use of the heated pool (seasonal), walk the gardens, or lounge on the sun terrace.
• Feel at home with the husband, wife, and son team who own and operate the River Suites. Bonus, dog lovers will appreciate being welcomed by the family border collie.
• Each stay includes a complimentary breakfast buffet with meats, cheeses, fruits, pastries, and freshly made coffee.

Cons

• Samphire Restaurant's dinner service is limited to Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and doesn't cater to vegetarians or seafood allergies.
• Given Kangaroo Island's single taxi service and the hotel's hilly location, The River Suites is best accessed by car rental (free parking is available).

Authenticity

The homey River Suites is owned and operated by Nicholas and Dhea, husband and wife duo, alongside their son and pet dog, Lloyd. Originally from Adelaide, the family renamed and renovated the previous hotel into what it is now, which remains an extension of their home (Samphire Restaurant is literally attached to their house). Chef Nicholas runs Samphire, a fine dining establishment that serves a seven-course seafood dinner that highlights the best of Kangaroo Island's seafood and meats using ancestral techniques of firewood, fire, charcoal, and smoke to prepare each dish. 

Location

Hidden away in the small fishing town of American River, The River Suites overlooks Eastern Cove from its perch up on a ridge (best accessed using a rental car; Kangaroo Island has only one taxi operator). You'll be steps away from the beach, scenic hiking trails (like the Fish Cannery Walk that takes you to the eponymous landmark), and the small community's amenities, including the Mercure Lodge next door, which has a restaurant and also serves late-night pizza. Though meager, you'll find a general store, post office, and brewery; larger towns like Kingscote are about a 30-minute drive away, as is Penneshaw (for ferry-to-the-mainland access), and idyllic Pelican Lagoon is under 15.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The recently renovated rooms at River Suites are cozily modern, done up in warm taupes, browns, and stone textiles and furnishings with blonde hardwood accent walls. Tall velvet headboards attach to king-size beds that can be converted into twins, and private balconies look out to the sea. En suite bathrooms are sleek with backlit mirrors, glass-enclosed showers, and plush robes. 

Amenities

The River Suites boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck (and a few loungers) surrounded by island vegetation, which helps to provide privacy. Samphire Restaurant (where the complimentary breakfast buffet is also served) is at the top of the hillside property, which offers expansive ocean views. 

Family-Friendliness

While The River Suites provides a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, it doesn't specifically cater to families with young children. The rooms are designed for two guests, but an extra bed can be added for a small additional fee. 

Wildlife

The hotel's setting among the trees allows for bird-watching opportunities. Past guests have spotted glossy black cockatoos, black swans, pelicans, royal spoonbills, and superb fairy-wrens. You may also see tammar wallabies and brush-tailed possums.