Adelaide

Once upon a time Adelaide's main appeals were its graceful religious architecture and the fact that it was set up as a free colony, rather than a penal colony. But these days Adelaide is known for a lot more - the arts and festival scene is exuberant, the foodie scene thrives on its position, by the wine regions of the Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, and there's a multicultural wave gradually stretching the city's traditionally conservative nature. Our Guru's recommendations for the best places to stay in Adelaide range from chic city boutique hotels to rambling old farmsteads in the Adelaide Hills.

Adelaide's relative youth, as a city, can be seen in its excellent planning, with plenty of parks included within its grid, with orderly spacing between them. No one wants the city to crowd out to the lush green views and sleepy towns of the Adelaide Hills - which are less than a quarter of an hours drive away on the freeway, or to charming old Port Adelaide. Both these regions are worth exploring, as is Glenelg, the beachy bit.

But first you should explore the centre of town. Don't miss the Central Market, the Art Gallery, the South Australian Museum or the Botanic Gardens. And it's definitely worth visiting Adelaide during festival time - which is almost always - as the city really comes alive and venues pop up all over the place.

You might also want to get out into the wine regions for a tasting or two, visit the Oval for some sport, take a stroll in the hills or on the plains and take a day trip out to Kangaroo Island.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Adelaide all make ideal bases for exploring this great city and the surrounding area.

For great value

• The Clarion Hotel Soho is right in the centre of town, with all the mod. cons., chic design and a regularly changing art exhibition on display. As well as being close to everything the Clarion Hotel has a roof top pool with views over the skyline.
• The Franklin is a quirky, seven room boutique hotel in the heart of the city. As well as being small and perfectly designed, The Franklin offers guests free use of its bicycles. And all for around £80 per night.

For luxury

• Thorngrove Manor Hotel in the Adelaide Hills, is a luxurious, five room hotel, perfect for romance and privacy. It's done up to look like an old castle with antiques and four poster beds and tapestries, and it offers every luxury you can imagine you might need.

Still not sure? Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Adelaide, or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice. Or you can widen the net and check out all our recommendations in South Australia.