South Australia Accommodations

Hostels are scattered all over the city, but are concentrated near Light Square. Adelaide hostels are rarely full in winter, but book in advance in summer and during Adelaide’s many festivals, including the Fringe, Clipsal, and Womad . Travelers looking to escape the city should consider staying in the beach suburb of Glenelg or in the Adelaide Hills .

• Shakespeare International Backpackers, 123 Waymouth St. (☎08 8231 7655; www.shakeys.com.au). At a spectacular location right in the middle of town, Shakeys occupies a genuine Victorian Era building, excellently restored with all the modern facilities including A/C, TV lounge with comfy couches, large kitchen with free rice, and clean communal baths. Job notice board. Reassuring security includes nightly guards and door codes. Internet access $4 per hr. Laundry $3, dry $2. Free luggage storage and lockers. Linen included. In-house Peter Pan National Travel Agency. Free accommodation in return for assistance with rooms and other cleaning activities. Single-sex and mixed dorms $26; singles and doubles $70. Ask about the Let’s Go discount. MC/V.
• Hostel 109, 109 Carrington St. (☎1800 099 318 or 08 8223 1771), 10min. from Victoria Sq. For hotel quality at hostel prices, head to Hostel 109—the biggest “dorm room” at this hostel is a 4-bed room, making your accommodation feel more like a private hotel suite. The free, unlimited Internet access can’t be beat. A/C and heat, new mattresses, modern kitchen, free luggage storage, security lockers, and great showers. Linen and breakfast included. Offers deals on trips to Kangaroo Island and Barossa Valley. Single-sex and mixed dorms $25; bunk twin $60; doubles $70; triples $84. $1 off when paying with credit card. AmEx/MC/V.
  
• Adelaide Central YHA, 135 Waymouth St. (☎08 8414 3010), just a few doors down from Shakespeare International Backpackers. The most popular hostel among backpackers, this clean 250-bed complex was recently renovated and has brand new mattresses. Unbeatable facilities include a huge kitchen (free tea, coffee, milo, and rice), an enormous TV and pool lounge, and a message board with current movies, concerts, and work opportunities. Internet and Wi-Fi $2 per 30min. A/C. Backpack-sized lockers by each bed. Conference room. Reception 24hr. In-house YHA Travel agency. Bike rental $10 per ½-day. Single-sex and mixed dorms $25; doubles $67.50, ensuite $81; family rooms $100. 10% discount for YHA members. AmEx/MC/V.
  
• My Place, 257 Waymouth St. (☎1800 221 529 or 08 8221 5299), one block from Light Sq. With free breakfast, sauna, City Tour, DVD collection, satellite TV, and rides to the beach, you’ll want to make My Place yours. A/C and heat. Bikes for hire. In-house travel agency. Free pickup from bus and train station. Job recruitment agent on site. Internet $4 per hr. Laundry $5. Single-sex and mixed dorms $24; doubles $58. MC/V.
• Backpack Oz and Guest House, 144 Wakefield St. (☎1800 633 307 or 08 8223 3551; www.backpackoz.com.au), on the corner of Pulteney St., near Rundle St. Feels like a college dorm: party by night, post-raging party by day. Young backpackers chill out with beers in the TV lounge, shoot pool, and check email ($1 per 15min.; free Wi-Fi) in the sunny office. The newer Guest House across the street has a nicer kitchen and cable TV. Free pickup, employment info, and tour bookings. Laundry $5.40. Breakfast and W night BBQ included. Reception 6am-10pm. Mixed dorms $22, female-only $25; singles $50-65; doubles $60-70; triples $80-110. Discounted rooms July-Aug. MC/V.