Adelaide's newest hotel brings smart technology and home comforts to Hackney

Queensland chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone's new restaurant Esmay has been turning plenty of heads in Adelaide's dining scene lately.

But right next door, an even more ambitious project is taking shape.

Rising above the heritage-listed Hackney Hotel, the three-storey Urban Rest Hackney Hotel is the first hotel in the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters.

And it launched at the perfect time.

“We had a soft opening prior to the Ashes when the whole town was sold out,” says Business Development Executive Donna Hardie.

Christmas and the Tour Down Under came next, “then LIV Golf was just crazy, and we were in a fantastic location for the Fringe.”

“This really is the Festival State; there's always something going on, so we've just been riding along on Adelaide's coattails.”

Even outside event season, the hotel's location on Hackney Road means guests are within walking distance of the Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Garden, making it ideal for both staycationers and corporate travellers.

Guests can check themselves in using smart technology, and the 72 studio rooms are split between king and twin bed configurations.

Urban Rest already has properties in key business hubs across Australian capital cities, and Donna says the newest property “offers the best of hotel and home comforts, designed for the modern traveller.”

The Hackney Road location places guests right on the edge of the CBD, but double glazed windows keep the sounds of traffic at bay and the views are a world away from the city skyline.

Half of the rooms overlook Botanic Park, while the other half look east over Hackney and the Mount Lofty Ranges beyond.

In-room amenities include a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, and three accessible rooms have roll-in showers and adjustable hanging racks.

“And the beds are Urban Rest beds, so if you like them you can buy them,” says Donna, adding that a portion of the proceeds helps to prevent mattresses going to landfill.

Guests can access a small gym with modern equipment and weights, “but for cardio, you've got the park right there,” says Donna.

“I love walking along the river, and FIX. Specialty Coffee is close by – they do great food and excellent coffee.”

But from Thursday night to Sunday lunchtime, the hottest ticket is right next door at Esmay.

The new restaurant is already earning rave reviews, and Donna is hoping to offer a dine & stay package once both businesses have had a bit more time to settle in.

For now, guests can book in at the 40-seat restaurant or enjoy a drink at one of the seven tables in Urban Rest's reception area.

It's all part of an offering that encourages guests to switch off and unwind from the moment they check in.

“We approach every new opening as an opportunity to bring joy back to work travel,” says Donna, “and Hackney Hotel is no exception.”

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95 Hackney Road, Hackney
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