Adelaide's latest 5 star hotel has taken luxury and convenience to a whole new level, says Scott McGuinness.

Whether you're a visitor to Adelaide or a local in need of a little spoiling, the upscale hotel, Crowne Plaza Adelaide is now open and receiving rave reviews and comments about town.

It's in a fabulous location (the old site of the Academy Cinemas) on Hindmarsh Square which is so close to all the shopping in Rundle Mall and the restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, cinemas and boutiques found along Rundle Street.

The 5 star hotel overlooks newly planted gardens and sculptures and is set a block back from busy Pulteney Street; away from the noise of the traffic but right in the central business district.

The hotel offers 308 rooms and suites with many of the rooms featuring balconies. Our suite for the night was on the 14th floor and faced north. Large double glazed windows afforded glorious views across rooftops to the sprawling suburbs and even down to Outer Harbour. (Hint: If you're booking a room on the north side, ask for a floor above the adjoining carpark.)

The hotel has been designed with innovation and luxury in mind with rooms offering LCD televisions, wireless broadband internet, walk in showers and contemporary furnishings. There's a fridge, mini bar, bathrobes, in room movies, safe, individually controlled AC, an iron/ironing board, plates, glassware and a work desk with an efficient desk lamp.

The huge bed was extremely comfortable and the bathroom was all tiles and marble with a large shower and plenty of hot water. Good quality toiletries and soft, fluffy towels added to the comfort.

All Crowne guests can enjoy the indoor lap pool, workout in the gym, or relax in the sauna, spa, or steam room. The fitness centre is free of charge and is accessible 24 hours with your room key.

The Redsalt Restaurant is the main restaurant and offers a modern alfresco dining experience. It's located on the ground floor and overlooks the gardens of Hindmarsh Square.

Breakfast is also served on the ground floor with Continental around $20 and a la carte $30.

Checkout is a sensible 11am which gives you time to go for a wander before you pack up and move out.

Stay for a couple of nights and enjoy visits to the Botanic Gardens just up the road, the National Wine Centre and the Adelaide Zoo (where you can get your Panda fix.) If you feel like a flutter, the Adelaide Casino is located a few blocks away – another easy stroll. Or maybe the seaside's for you. Here you're catered for as well with the tram to Glenelg just 2 blocks west of the hotel.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide also provides options for your event with dedicated staff. They can cater up to 400 people in their rooftop conference rooms which offer sweeping views of Adelaide and the hills from the pre-function area and balcony.

With friendly, efficient staff members, a concierge to whisk your vehicle away (who knows where?) and deliver it back at the appointed time, a late check out and fabulous food, the Crowne Plaza certainly ticks all the boxes.

Crowne Plaza, 16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide. Ph: (08) 8206-8888.