To be lazing around a roof-top pool on Christmas Day at the new Crowne Plaza Hotel, Adelaide, sipping a generous sized Espresso Martini—I felt hash-tag blessed.
If our flight were only a day later, we would have been toast. Toast that could not cross the borders thanks to the surprise of a Northern Beaches CoVid cluster—proving again that 2020 was full of twists and turns to its very last breath.
And here I was on an actual VACAY that survived cancellation. Sure there was the inconvenience of the bi-weekly CoVid test, but nothing a few pool-side cocktails couldn’t fix.
The Check-In
Arriving at the reception to check in on the 10th floor of Adelaide’s tallest building, hub and I knew that this was just what the doctor ordered—some imminent and delicious white robe time in a brand new hotel. (Halls On Tour live for swanning around hotel rooms in white robes and ordering room service.) Its marble and gold features, with velvet furnishings and district views, were also just the ticket.
The Room
When Crowne surfaced on Bookings.com like a dazzling oasis in the desert of September, it was offering some fantastic deals. So naturally, I went all out and booked the executive suite with breakfast included (I’m not an idiot). Who doesn’t like to consume a day worth of calories in one meal?
Our room was number 1313. Not being a superstitious person, I was ok with this. Especially so when we swung open the door and hello floor to ceiling windows that showcased the city.
It was very spacious with a lounge area, a separate bedroom with one of those big king-beds that beckon a face-plant dive and a HUGE bathroom with a bath and separate toilet. There was also a fantastic assortment of fluffy white towels, plenty of cupboard space to accommodate all my outfits (travelling light is something other people do) and large flat-screen TVs in both rooms. We could have moved in then and there
The Pewel
My main goal on that Wednesday afternoon despite the presence of some VERY inviting fluffy white robes was The Pool. I needed the sun to hit my 2020 body that had yet to be revealed to the general public. And of course to be drinking a pool-side cocktail while staring off into the distance. (This is always the bone of contention with Halls On Tour. The hub is of Scottish descent and is terrified of the sun because he turns pink, while my Poly ancestry makes me seek sunshine to tan to deep golden. I know.)
The first thing I noticed about the pool: it was a lot smaller than I had imagined from the photos. It was also full of children (totally normal during the holidays), had zero protection from the sun AND because of its size, had very limited pool-side sun lounges. But I was not in the mood to take no for an answer and loitered around until I nabbed a prized position. Soon cocktails were ordered and delivered; the non-bikini body was out, and life was right once more. The holiday had officially begun.
The Restaurant
That night we were to be meeting old friends for dinner. Once they arrived at Chez Crowne, it was fairly evident that we weren’t leaving the compound. Why would we? While we were busy drinking cocktails by the pool all afternoon, we totally forgot to make a booking at the main restaurant, and it was now fully booked. Clearly, at this stage, we needed actual food other than the tasty nut concoction accompanying cocktails, but what to do? Well, we had no choice but to drink another cocktail at the Luna 10 bar, eat more nuts and catch up on life while the very affable maitre d mustered up a table.
The restaurant, Koomo is supposed to be Japanese. I ate there twice just to be sure, and it wasn’t really Japanese. There were some nice options, but I’m sure the menu will improve once the hotel gets entirely on its feet.
The breakfast was lovely. And the staff did very well with the non-buffet-yet-buffet style of CoVid dining. Basically, you pointed to some of the pastries and other treats you desired, while a friendly staff member with gloves and mask placed them on a plate. It all took a little longer but the fact we were at an actual hotel buffet breakfast far outweighed any inconvenience. Your caffeine fix of choice and hot options were also included. I made sure to have at least two baby hash-browns a day. Because hotel breakfast on holidays.
The Locale
The Crowne Plaza Adelaide is right in the thick of it. Surrounded by lively cafes, restaurants, several drinking holes and Rundle Mall for all your retail therapy needs, plus close to the Botanic gardens and art gallery—everything you desire is just a stone throw away.
The Verdict
We enjoyed every minute of our stay. The staff were super friendly, and sure I would like a shady area by the pool when I get too golden; however, our real issue was that we didn’t stay longer. Our six-night stay as Sydney escapees flew by.
This year, same time, same place, we will do 7-8 nights of white robes, club sandwiches in bed, cocktails by the pewel and we may even use the gym (possibly).
I’m already counting down the days. Mwah Crowne Plaza Adelaide.x