Adelaide's Rex Hotel: Uncover its Hidden Secrets!
Adelaide's Rex Hotel: Uncovered (Secrets, Grumbles, and Maybe, Just Maybe, Some Genuine Charm) - A Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Forget those glossy travel brochures. We're going REAL with Adelaide's Rex Hotel. I've just emerged, battle-scarred but slightly… intrigued. Think of this as a messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful account of my stay.
Accessibility – Let's Talk About It (Because It’s Important!)
Okay, first up, big props to the Rex for actually trying on the accessibility front. Wheelchair accessible areas are present, which is a huge win. Elevator access to floors is, THANK GOD, a given. The Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but honestly, I didn't have the occasion to fully test them. I'd recommend contacting them beforehand to be absolutely sure it meets your specific needs. They seemed genuinely willing to help on the phone, which is a good sign.
The Internet - A Tale of Two Signals (and Occasional Rage)
Internet access is, technically, everywhere. They crow about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! which, in this day and age, is basically a right. And it worked, most of the time. But the Internet [LAN] was… a ghost. Don't even bother lugging your Ethernet cable along. The Wi-Fi in public areas was spotty and prone to disappearing at the most inopportune times. Seriously, trying to upload those (essential) Instagram stories about the incredible body wrap… well, let's just say it tested my patience.
Cleanliness and Safety – Germaphobes, Rejoice (Mostly)!
Look, the pandemic has left everyone, including me, a little… concerned. The Rex seems to take this VERY seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays are all ticked off. They clearly put the work in. I even saw staff using Professional-grade sanitizing services, which eased my mind. They’ve got a Hand sanitizer pump stationed near the entrance. There are Individually-wrapped food options, and Safe dining setup for your peace of mind. Honestly, I felt genuinely safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Bumps)
Alright, let's dive deep. I’m not sure if I’m a foodie, but i like to eat so here’s what the Rex offered. The Breakfast [buffet]? Standard. Asian breakfast? They have it, which is cool, they even seemed to have Asian cuisine in restaurant. Western breakfast is available. Breakfast service? Efficient. Coffee/tea in restaurant – yes, thankfully. There is a Coffee shop on site. And they offer a Room service [24-hour]! That’s a big win for me. The Poolside bar is a good touch for a relaxed evening. The Snack bar had a range of items available. The real highlight, though, was the Vegetarian restaurant, offering delicious options. They do have Restaurants, but honestly… the Desserts in restaurant were a standout. I mean, I'm a sucker for a well-made profiterole, what can I say? They also have A la carte in restaurant, and Buffet in restaurant.
Now, the Happy hour was… okay. Nothing to write home about. The International cuisine in restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag – some dishes were excellent, others… well, let's just say my taste buds were on an adventure. The Bottle of water situation was plentiful.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – The Spa and the Swimming Pool (And My Personal Meltdown)
Okay, this is where the Rex shows some real potential. They’ve got it all, or so it seems. There’s a Swimming pool [outdoor]. Gorgeous. A Pool with view! Amazing!. There is a Fitness center, and a Gym/fitness is there so if you like to exercise you are in luck.
Now, the Spa. Oh, the SPA! They have a Sauna, a Spa/sauna, a Steamroom, and a Massage. And you can get a Body scrub and a Body wrap! I decided to treat myself to a massage and…oh boy.
Here's where the wheels really came off the wagon, in a good way. I’d booked what I thought was a soothing, zen-like experience. Instead… well, let's just say my therapist, bless her heart, clearly had her own demons to work out. The massage was… intense. Like, really intense. I almost yelped a few times. And by the end, I emerged feeling… not relaxed, but oddly… energized. Confused, but energized. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Rooms and Comfort – My Love-Hate Relationship with Room 312
Okay, let's talk room specifics. I had an air-conditioned room, which was a lifesaver (especially in the blazing heat!). The Air conditioning worked like a champ. There was a Free bottled water, a Coffee/tea maker, and the all-important Refrigerator. They also had a Closet ready for your clothes. The Mirror was in the right place.
And the Bed? Comfortable. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for blocking out the early morning Adelaide sun. The Bathrobes! Always a bonus.
The Internet access – wireless was… well, you know. But generally, the room was clean, well-maintained, and actually quite comfortable.
Services and Conveniences – The Stuff That Makes Life Easier (Or Maddening)
The Rex offers a ton of convenient services. Air conditioning in public area is a win. They have a Cash withdrawal service. The Concierge was helpful, and the Daily housekeeping was efficient. They also have Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop. They have a Convenience store! Taxi service is available. They have a Valet parking.
The less glamorous side: a few minor glitches. The Elevator sometimes took its sweet time. The Doorman wasn’t always present. And the Cashless payment service was a bit temperamental. No big deal, but worth noting.
For the Kids – Family-Friendliness (Or the Lack Thereof?)
The Rex claims to be Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service (though I didn’t test it), and Kids meal. But honestly, it didn’t feel super kid-centric. No dedicated play areas or anything.
Getting Around – Navigating Adelaide (and the Rex)
The Rex provides a Airport transfer. Car park [free of charge] is a plus. There's also a Car park [on-site], should your car be too fancy to go in the free one. Taxi service is readily available.
Safety/Security – Feeling Secure (Mostly)
The Rex takes safety seriously. Plenty of CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They have a Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, and the all-important Smoke detectors. The 24-hour Security. The Security [24-hour].
Uncovered Secrets – The Quirks and Imperfections
Okay, here’s the real tea. The Rex isn't perfect. It’s got its quirks. There was a slight musty smell in the hallway on my floor. The elevators are a little creaky. The coffee shop's hours are a bit… erratic. But it's those imperfections that gave the place its charm.
My Verdict and the Big Offer!
Look, the Adelaide Rex Hotel is not The Ritz. But it's far from a disaster. It's a solid, reliable choice with a few genuine gems hidden beneath the surface. If you’re looking for a comfortable, conveniently located base for exploring Adelaide, and you're okay with a few minor hiccups along the way, then the Rex is worth considering.
And now for the pitch!
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Stays? Embrace the Unexpected at Adelaide's Rex Hotel!
Book your stay now and receive:
- A complimentary cocktail at the Poolside Bar - perfect for washing away the day's stresses (or the lingering effects of an intense massage).
- 15% off your next spa treatment - because you might need another one. Or not. Either way, it's a deal!
- Free Wi-Fi upgrade (terms and conditions apply, might still drop out, but you'll get a better signal!)
Why the Rex?
- Convenient Location: Explore Adelaide's best attractions with ease.
- Comfortable Rooms: Relax and recharge in well-appointed accommodations.
- Delicious Dining: From Asian cuisine to Western favorites, there's something for
Rex Hotel Rhapsody: Adelaide, You Weird Wonderful Thing (A Messy Itinerary)
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn't your polished, Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hangover account of my Adelaide adventure, fueled by questionable coffee and a bottomless pit of curiosity. We're talking Rex Hotel, and hopefully, not getting completely lost in the labyrinthine charm of this city. Let’s get messy!
Day 1: Arrival & Art Attack (aka, the Jet Lag Monster)
10:00 AM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landed! Adelaide greeted me with… a surprisingly pleasant warmth. I'd imagined tumbleweeds and cricket bats, not this calm sort of beauty. The Rex Hotel? Found it! Check-in was… well, let’s just say the receptionist looked like she'd seen a thousand bleary-eyed travelers. My room? Perfectly adequate, though the air conditioning sounds like a disgruntled robot. Settling in, trying to remember how to human after a long flight. (Feeling: Mildly bewildered, mostly excited)
11:30 AM - Adelaide Central Market – Sensory Overload (in a good way!): Holy. Mother. Of. Food. Okay, jet lag is starting to claw at the edges of my brain, but the Central Market is a freaking MASTERPIECE. The colours! The smells! The sheer variety of… everything! Tried a sample of cheese that made me weep with joy (seriously, where do they get stuff like this?), and almost bought a mountain of apricots. (Anecdote: Got completely distracted by a stall selling olive oil. Ended up chatting with the guy for a solid 20 minutes, probably drooling. My olive oil collection is now vast.)** Lunch? A gigantic, overflowing sandwich from a deli. I ate half. The other half is… well, let's just say it's an adventure for later. (Feeling: Overwhelmed, utterly delighted, starting to feel a little like a pig.)
2:00 PM - Art Gallery of South Australia: A Brush with Greatness: Dragged myself to the Art Gallery. Jet lag was really beginning to hit me. I might have dozed off in front of a HUGE painting of a sheep for a moment (don’t judge!). The Aboriginal art was breathtaking. Truly moved. Made me want to rethink EVERYTHING. (Quirky observation: I swear some of those landscapes are so stunning you can almost smell the eucalyptus.)
4:00 PM - Botanic Garden - A Green Oasis (and a nap under a tree): This place is gorgeous. Lush, peaceful, and the perfect place to escape the city’s buzz. Found a shady spot under a massive tree and allowed myself to completely switch off. I may have snored. Don’t know. Don’t care. (Feeling: Blissfully sleepy, slightly guilty about the snoring.)
6:00 PM - Rex Hotel Dinner & Debrief (or, the realization that I'm REALLY tired): Dinner at the Rex Hotel's in-house restaurant. The ambiance felt a little formal, but the food was delicious. Overdid it on the wine, which ended the day with a hazy, contented glow. Tried to write in my journal, but mostly just scribbled random words. "Adelaide… beautiful… food… sleep…" (Feeling: Full, happy, ready to faceplant directly into my bed.)
Day 2: Wine, Wildlife & Unexpected Delights
9:00 AM - Breakfast – The Perpetual Quest for Good Coffee: Okay, the Rex Hotel's breakfast wasn't exactly mind-blowing. The coffee was, shall we say, rustic. But hey, you can't win 'em all. I might have raided the bread basket. (Feeling: Slightly caffeinated, slightly disappointed, and thinking about more cheese from the market).
10:00 AM - Hahndorf – German Village Charm (and a LOT of schnitzel): Jumped on a tour to Hahndorf. This place is straight out of a fairytale! Quaint cottages, artisanal shops, and a general air of "yep, everything is lovely here." And the schnitzel? A culinary masterpiece. Possibly the best schnitzel of my life (and trust me, I've eaten a lot of schnitzel). (Anecdote: Nearly bought a cuckoo clock the size of my head. Thank god for my rational side (which was running on fumes from the previous night's wine).) (Feeling: Overjoyed and full of schnitzel.)
1:00 PM - Cleland Wildlife Park – Cuddling a Koala & Feeling the Aussie Love: So, I’m a sucker for cute animals. At Cleland, I got to CUDDLE A KOALA! This was the best thing ever, my heart literally did a somersault. They’re like fluffy, eucalyptus-scented pillows of pure joy. The kangaroos? Hopperific! I felt like I'd been transported to a Dr. Seuss book. (Emotion: Pure. Unadulterated. Joy. Almost cried.)
4:00 PM - Rundle Mall & Street Art: A dose of city buzz: Back in the city, wandered through Rundle Mall, checking out the shops and the famous spherical sculptures. Stumbled upon some amazing street art. Adelaide's got a serious art scene that adds an unexpected layer of vibrancy to every street corner. (Feeling: Feeling the energy of the city, appreciating the art, and slightly regretting that giant schnitzel.)
6:30 PM - Adelaide Oval - Sunset Views and a Quiet Drink: I'm not into cricket, but the Adelaide Oval? Beautiful! Even without a game on, it's an impressive place. Found a quiet spot for a drink, watched the sunset, and thought about how much I'm enjoying this city. (Feeling: Contented, quiet, full of gratitude.)
8:00 PM - Rex Hotel: Late-Night Ramblings and Planning: Back to the hotel, feeling like I might actually survive jet lag. A plan is slowly forming, but is it ever realistic? Probably not. But hey, that's life, right? (Final Feeling of the day: Melodramatic and tired.)
Day 3: Beach Vibes and a Potential Disaster
9:30 AM - Breakfast & A Near-Calamity: The coffee situation at the Rex remains… questionable. But things took a turn. I almost spilled my entire glass of orange juice on the woman next to me during breakfast. I think I am still traumatized. (Feeling: mortified.)
10:00 AM - Glenelg Beach – Sand, Sun, and Sea Air: Headed to Glenelg Beach. The sand is pristine, the water is… well, a little chilly, but refreshing. Stared at the ocean for a long time. Something about the ocean soothes the soul, you know? (Feeling: Calm, but still thinking about the orange juice incident.)
1:00 PM - Jetty Road: shops, cafes and a craving: Time to go and get some food in my system and shop at some of the local stores. (Quirky observation: there are a lot of ice cream parlors here.)
3:00 PM - The Art Gallery of South Australia (Take 2): I went back. This time focused on one exhibit, a collection of old photographs. I was totally absorbed. I think I could have stayed there the entire day, and felt so connected to the other people in this world. (Emotion: Amazed and moved.)
6:00 PM - Rex Hotel – packing and last thoughts (mostly about the orange juice): Time is flying, but I can't stop thinking about what a crazy few days it's been. I'm still not sure if Adelaide is my favourite place, but I'm sure it left is a mark. (Final Feeling: wistful.)
This is just a snapshot, a messy glimpse into my Adelaide adventure. There were detours, moments of sheer brilliance, and a whole lot of stumbling around. Adelaide is a city that creeps up on you; it’s quirky, laid-back, and full of surprises. Don't expect perfection, embrace the chaos, and you might just fall in love with this weird and wonderful place.
(And for the record, I still haven't finished that sandwich.)
Escape to Paradise: Vila Do Conde's Mostarda Boutique Apartment Awaits!
So, uh, I burned toast. Like, *really* burned toast. Where Do I Even *Start*?
- **The Appliance:** Your toaster. Get to know it! Does it have settings? Use them! I thought "darkest" was the *goal* at one point. Turns out, it's the gateway to incineration.
- **The Bread:** Cheap bread is your friend. It burns faster, which means less commitment. (Yes, I know, it's sad. But we're building confidence here, people!)
- **The Watch:** Seriously, *watch* the bread! Don't get distracted by that TikTok dance, Susan! (I'm looking at you!)
What's the deal with Cookbooks? Are They Necessary… or Just More Things to Get Food Stuck In?
*Side note*: Be prepared to Google every other word. Seriously, the culinary lexicon is a minefield.
Okay, I Screwed Up A Recipe. Like, Epically. Now What?
What's the Secret to Not Crying When Chopping Onions? Because Every. Single. Time...
I Want to Impress Someone! What's a Foolproof Dish I Can Make That *Actually* Works?
*Important caveat:* Don't overcook it. Dry chicken is the enemy. Use a meat thermometer! (I *still* haven't mastered roasting a chicken without checking every five minutes.)
My Kitchen is a Disaster Zone. How do I Keep it Clean While Cooking? I'm a Mess!
I Feel So Discouraged! Should I Give Up?
