When in South Australia, stay with the locals

There’s nothing better when road-tripping than knowing great accommodation lies up ahead. You’re tired from the sun, the dust, the exhilaration of adventure. You crave a good shower, big feed and comfortable bed. You know that you’ll be deep in the outback the next day, comforts dwindling as your horizons expand.

Majestic Oasis Apartments is, then, aptly named. It sits amid the greenery of the foreshore in Port Augusta, glittering blue water in sight. From here, spectacular road trips begin: the Stuart Highway towards the Red Centre, the road north to the rugged Flinders Ranges or west across the Nullarbor to Perth, or the more modest and beautiful route southwest towards Port Lincoln.

Majestic Oasis Apartments is aptly named.

Take advantage of this oasis; it’s the best place to stay in Port Augusta, and great value. The modern, self-contained studio, one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments are fully appointed and a five-minute walk from the centre of Port Augusta. Some rooms are pet-friendly. What road-tripper doesn’t crave a kitchen and laundry with both washer and drier before adventuring onwards? You can have dinner delivered to your door from several restaurants. And breakfast is supplied to your apartment if you pre-order.

The modern studio is a five-minute walk from the centre of Port Augusta.

Arriving here after a long drive makes you feel like a hobbit arriving at the Last Homely House. A swimming pool invites you for a dip after a long day’s sightseeing. Take advantage of the free wi-fi. Sling a steak and some sausages on the barbecue. Sit under a parasol on the terrace and gaze over a last sliver of sea (the Upper Spencer Gulf, if you happen to get asked in a pub quiz) before red earth takes over. You might spot dolphins – an upstairs Waterview Apartment will let you keep an eye on the action. Finally, fall into a king-size custom-made bed. In the following days, you’ll be in the land of big red kangaroos and big red rocks.

A swimming pool invites you for a dip after a long day’s sightseeing.

Majestic Oasis Apartments is one of the properties of the Majestic Hotels & Apartments group, and sleep-inducing king-sized beds are an attribute they all have in common. The other properties are in Adelaide and share a convenient central location, secure parking and unlimited wi-fi. They suit all types of traveller, whether businesspeople, road-trippers or long weekenders looking for an urban escape. South Australian ownership and long-term general managers means customer care and a feeling of being part of the family are at the forefront.

Great value right in the heart of the city.

The Majestic properties are the place to stay in Adelaide and great pit stops for road-trippers. One night just isn’t enough when you have the delights of Adelaide on your doorstep. Great value right in the heart of the city, Majestic Roof Garden Hotel is a quick walk from the East End’s popular shopping and bar scene, and provides all the modern essentials blended with a hearty dose of charm.

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel provides all the modern essentials blended with a hearty dose of charm.

Enjoy a breakfast big on South Australian flavours at Culshaws restaurant daily and a seasonally focused dinner that might range from dukkha-crusted lamb and slow-cooked pork belly and finish with a lip-smacking caramelised apple tart. And yes, as the hotel’s name implies, a rooftop garden supplies views all the way to the Adelaide Hills.

Meanwhile you’ll find several alternatives in North Adelaide, arguably the city’s best neighbourhood for proximity to the CBD without its bustle. Expect leafy streets lined by elegant heritage homes, churches and on-trend cafes and bars, all encircled by expansive parkland. Key attractions nearby include Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Botanic Garden and Adelaide Zoo, the only place in Australia where you can see pandas.

Just around the corner is the chic and certainly eye-catching Majestic Minima Hotel.

Options in North Adelaide include the recently refurbished Majestic Old Lion Apartments, which are fully-serviced with secure underground parking, offer that home-away-from-home feel, and are ideal for families and groups travelling together. Just around the corner is the chic and certainly eye-catching Majestic Minima Hotel. This boutique hotel has art-filled rooms which, though small, are packed with useful features and comfort at a mini-price for anyone with a sense of fun, creativity and urban style.

This boutique hotel has art-filled rooms.

Also in North Adelaide is the newest and most luxurious apartment-style property, the striking Majestic M Suites, whose lower façade is draped in a fabulous vertical garden that reflects the leafiness of this neighbourhood. This is a sophisticated 21st century all-suites hotel full of airiness, space and eco-conscious style. It’s one of South Australia’s most energy-efficient buildings, with 300 solar panels on the roof, and chargers for electric cars.

The stunning M Suites is the most luxurious apartment-style property.

The artworks are all inspired by South Australian landscapes if you need any further road-tripping incentive. Bespoke furniture catches the eye, and huge plate-glass windows frame glorious panoramas that twinkle at night.

Bespoke furniture catches the eye.

Of course, the practicalities aren’t forgotten – secure undercover parking, complimentary wi-fi, meeting room and gym – and nor are the welcome extras, such as in-room smart TV and coffee machine. Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom suites, all of which feature a balcony or terrace.

Stay in the elegant three bedroom suite.

There’s another oasis at Majestic M Suites. The hotel’s tree-shaded courtyard is just the spot to relax, whether in a leafy corner by yourself or gathered around the barbecue area and four-metre refectory dining table. A great place to discuss the next leg of your journey, and where the road will lead you.

The hotel’s tree-shaded courtyard is just the spot to relax.

For more information and bookings, visit majestichotels.com.au