Hi all, I've never been to an AFF dinner and have only just noticed the promotion for Adelaide / 1 May 21.
I can't make it myself but HWINO (he who is never obeyed) will be in Adelaide that night and is interested, though he's not an AFF member.
What are the chances if he applies for the wait list?
We've stayed in the ADL CBD several times recently and been amazed at how busy, relaxed and 'normal' Adelaide has been for many months compared with the rest of Australia. Importantly, restaurants and hotels are all doing strong business so my recommendation is BOOK EARLY, whatever you plan to do.
There are several brand new hotels in the CBD.
I recommend IHG's quirky Indigo (the first in Aus) and especially it's rooftop bar. An excellent Central Adelaide location. Very well thought out room designs too.
The unaligned Adelaide Oval Hotel is excellent but located slightly outside the main restaurant areas of the CBD, though fine if you don't mind a little walking. Possibly hard to book, especially if there's a game on at the oval that weekend (as almost certain). Excellent bars & restaurants.
The new IHG Crowne Plaza (don't confuse it with the old CP, which is is now a Pullman and assigned to Covid quarantine duties) is OK but in my view not up to the standard I expect of CP - from the outside it looks big and flash but inside the rooms are unimaginative. Crowding at the lifts, reception and restaurant entry is a problem - poor traffic design. Resaurant (Japanese/Aus fusion) is quite good. An even newer building under construction on the CP's northern boundary casts a shadow over the CP swimming pool for much of the day and almost obliterates the northern view. A real pity.
At the budget end Tom's Court is new but off limits - it's been assigned to housing confirmed Covid cases - stay well away!
My restaurant recommendation for daytime dining: Rent a car, drive to the Adelaide Hills (25 - 30 km) and visit the Pike & Joyce winery restaurant. Terrific high hilly vineyard views, great cuisine, impeccable but humble service. The 5 course tasting menu is a must, costs about $90 + $30 for a wine match. The quality justifies twice the price.