In recent years, Adelaide has become a destination, attracting not only interstate travellers but international visitors. With festivals such as Adelaide Fringe, and a world-class wine region on its doorstep, the once-forgotten South Australian city, is now at the top of the list.
Within city limits, new and ambitious restaurants are making a name for themselves, creating a foodie culture, steeped in history. A new wave of hotels, including Eos by SkyCity to Sofitel Adelaide, is also to blame for its newfound popularity. This March, Vibe Hotel Adelaide is slated to open, bringing with it the country’s first suspended bridge swimming pool.
The Vibe Hotel Adelaide is an impressive glass-frontage structure, with 123 rooms across 18 stories, brought to fruition by multi-award-winning Australian architecture studio, Loucas Zahos Architects.
Inside, an eye-catching serpentine chandelier welcomes guests in the lobby, which in itself boasts a dramatic, raw concrete ceiling with acrylic rods that will be illuminated to ‘glow’ differently over a 24-hour cycle.
“The idea is to change the light colour to become brighter or softer and suit the different moods of the day, tailoring ambience in this important reception zone,” said Jeremy Herbert (the artist) in a statement.
A second striking installation, also created by Herbert, appears on the north-facing wall of the site near the hotel’s Storehouse Flinders East Restaurant and Bar.
Inspired by a historic Adelaide street scene circa 1960, Herbert’s external artwork is based on an original photograph of the actual location that is now home to the Vibe Hotel Adelaide. Stretching an impressive four metres across and two metres high, it was crafted using perforated timber panels and purposely continues the theme of the lobby installation for a seamless feel between the hotel’s interior and outdoor spaces.
In a nod to the custodians and stories of the local Kaurna culture, a third pressed metal artwork sourced, designed and printed in South Australia, sits on the western façade of the building celebrating the traditional wealth and exceptional natural potential of the Adelaide region.
Beyond the lobby, the hotel aims to be truly South Australian, celebrating the lifestyle and energy of the city. The interior design showcases natural materials and sensual textures. From raw concrete ceilings to Tasmanian Oak bathroom screens that add to Vibe’s ‘city retreat’ feel, and baths at the window edge of rooms—every surface is softened and tactile.
Staying true to the Vibe Hotel’s portfolio, Vibe Hotel Adelaide has created several different room and suite categories to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. These include Premier Suites, Urban Retreat Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and lead-in Guest Rooms.
All upper-level view guest rooms echo the lobby to showcase exposed concrete ceilings, and warm wood finishes, with in-room photography sourced from local artist Alex Frayn adding to the quintessential South Australian experience at Vibe.
Although, the star of the show is the Australian-first suspended bridge pool that allows guests to “swim” between the hotel and the neighbouring ONE Apartments. The pool runs alongside a pedestrian bridge, with guests having access to a pool deck with a spa, sauna, and communal plaza.
The hotel is just a short stroll to Rundle Mall, Central Market, Botanic Gardens, Hutt Street and Vardon Avenue—all home to a plethora of boutique restaurants, iconic pubs, and trendy cocktail bars that are loved by locals and visitors alike.
Vibe Hotel Adelaide opens March 1, 2023, with rates starting at $279 per night. Book your stay here.
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