Frome Apartments

The hotel's central location in Adelaide's CBD stands out as its signature feature, offering unparalleled access to the city's vibrant East End and cultural hotspots. This makes it an excellent choice for sightseers eager to explore local attractions, festival-goers attending events like the Fringe, and business travelers seeking convenience. The spacious apartment-style accommodations are also well-suited for families and groups looking for more room and self-catering options, while couples appreciate the proximity to diverse dining and entertainment venues. Guests consistently commend the friendly staff and the value for money provided, making it a popular choice for various stays. To ensure a smooth arrival, it is advisable to confirm the key collection process in advance, especially for late check-ins, and inquire about parking options due to potential space constraints and costs.

Facilities & Amenities
The apartments offer a range of kitchen facilities, which are a significant draw for many guests, often including a dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, washing machine, and dryer, providing a home-like experience. However, some guests noted that certain kitchenettes were small, minimally stocked, or had issues like broken drawers or dirty appliances. While air conditioning is provided, it is frequently reported to be limited to the living areas, leading to stuffy bedrooms for some, and occasionally described as noisy. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable, allowing guests to stay connected. Shared laundry facilities are available on-site, though some found the number of machines insufficient for the entire building. Many apartments feature a balcony, which guests appreciate, though they often lack outdoor furniture. The lifts can be a point of concern, with reports of groaning noises, occasional outages, and slow operation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is somewhat mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and spotless, ensuring a pleasant stay. However, some reviews highlighted issues such as dirty bathrooms, hair on floors, mould around drains, and stained furniture like couches, indicating inconsistencies in upkeep. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found them too firm or reported feeling springs. Rooms are often described as dated and in need of a refresh or renovation, with some decor appearing tired. Noise levels vary significantly; while some rooms offer a quiet and well-insulated environment, others, particularly those facing busy streets or entertainment venues, experience considerable street noise or loud music until late hours. In-room amenities like coffee makers are appreciated, but some guests noted a lack of basic kitchen utensils or issues with a flashing smoke detector light above the bed.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in Adelaide's CBD, which is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. Guests enjoy easy walking access to a multitude of popular attractions, including the vibrant Rundle Mall for shopping, Rundle Street with its diverse array of restaurants and cafes, the serene Botanic Gardens, and various festival venues that host major events. The proximity to public transport options, such as bus stops and tram lines, further enhances accessibility to other parts of the city and the airport. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while some on-site parking is available, it is often described as having a very tight entrance and being challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. Consequently, many guests resort to using expensive off-site parking facilities nearby, which can add to the overall cost and inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlighted their professionalism and willingness to assist with directions, local recommendations, and various requests. However, the check-in process is a recurring point of frustration, particularly for those arriving after 5 PM, as reception closes at that time, necessitating key collection from a separate, often distant, location. While some found the process efficient, others described it as inconvenient and time-consuming. Housekeeping service is occasionally inconsistent, with some guests reporting missed cleanings or a lack of attention to detail. Communication regarding important details like bond payments and parking availability could also be improved to prevent unexpected issues for guests.

Additional Information
A $200 bond is typically required upon arrival, which many guests found to be an unexpected and inconvenient payment method, with some reporting delays in its return after check-out. The late check-in procedure, involving key collection from an off-site location after reception closes at 5 PM, is a major and frequently mentioned point of inconvenience for many travelers. Guests should also be aware that the underground car park has a very tight entrance, making it challenging for larger vehicles and potentially leading to minor damage. Some rooms, particularly corner apartments, may experience significant noise from nearby nightclubs or roadworks until late hours. The hotel generally enforces a no smoking on balcony policy. Additionally, some guests noted a lack of certain in-room amenities like a safe or tea towels, and occasional issues with the lift operation.