Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes: Best Hotel Review

Last updated on September 21st, 2025

After completing our epic campervan adventure with Let’s Go Motorhomes, we needed the perfect place to unwind and recover from weeks on the road. The Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes proved to be exactly what we needed, a brand new, fresh modern property that delivered comfort, convenience, and that signature IHG hospitality we’ve come to expect from premium hotel chains.

Our two-night stay at this lovely property in Adelaide’s north suburbs exceeded expectations in every way. From the moment we walked into the pristine lobby, it was clear this wasn’t just another cookie-cutter hotel, this was a thoughtfully designed space that perfectly bridges business travel needs with leisure comfort.

Location: Perfectly Positioned in Mawson Lakes

The Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes couldn’t be better positioned for travelers seeking both convenience and tranquility. Located in the vibrant Mawson Lakes precinct, the hotel sits adjacent to the University of South Australia campus, creating a dynamic atmosphere while maintaining the peaceful ambiance essential for recovery after extended travel.

What makes this location exceptional is the university proximity providing the energy and vibrancy of campus life without the noise. The dining abundance means countless restaurants within walking distance offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. Public transport is excellent with Mawson Lakes train station just steps away, providing direct access to Adelaide’s city center in under 30 minutes. The scenic surroundings include beautiful walking paths along the nearby river system perfect for morning strolls.

The convenience factor cannot be overstated. After weeks of planning every meal and navigating unfamiliar towns during our motorhome journey, having quality dining options and easy city access right at our doorstep felt like pure luxury.

Our 2 Queen Junior Suite: Spacious Sophistication

The moment we stepped into our 2 Queen Junior Suite at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes, we knew we’d chosen well. This wasn’t just a place to sleep, it was a genuine retreat designed for both comfort and functionality.

Room Specifications That Impressed Us

Our corner room encompassed an impressive 57 square meters of thoughtfully designed space. The sleeping arrangements featured two premium Queen beds with crisp, hotel-quality linens positioned to maximize both space and privacy. The living space included an additional living area creating distinct zones for relaxation and work, with corner positioning providing enhanced natural light and views, plus modern furnishings that felt both stylish and practical.

The bathroom excellence was evident with a separate bathtub perfect for post-travel soaking, walk-in shower with premium fixtures, and spacious layout that never felt cramped. Premium amenities included a fully stocked minibar with quality selections, superior coffee machine producing barista-quality brews in-room, and premium room service and turndown amenities.

What Made Our Stay Special

The thoughtful details throughout our Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes suite created an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a beautiful amenity package including premium local wine showcasing South Australian viticulture, artisanal chocolates from renowned local producers, and personalized welcome letter from the hotel’s management team.

The room’s corner position provided excellent views across Mawson Lakes, and the spacious bathroom became our personal spa after weeks of campground facilities. The combination of the deep soaking tub and separate walk-in shower meant we could truly customize our relaxation routine.

The in-room coffee machine deserves special mention after relying on instant coffee during our road trip, having access to proper coffee without leaving the room felt incredibly luxurious.

Dining Excellence at Ember & Vine Mawson Lakes

The Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes dining scene centers around Ember & Vine Mawson Lakes, their signature restaurant that showcases modern Australian cuisine with international influences.

Breakfast: A Strong Start to Each Day

The Western breakfast offerings provided exactly what we needed to fuel our Adelaide explorations. The selection impressed with quality local ingredients and classic preparations done well. Fresh seasonal fruits and premium yogurts, quality bacon, sausages, and other hot selections, excellent bread selection, and fresh juices all contributed to a satisfying morning meal.

The only minor disappointment was the self-serve coffee machine rather than barista-made coffee.

Ember & Vine Restaurant Experience

We thoroughly enjoyed a dinner at Ember & Vine during our Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes stay. The restaurant’s atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and welcoming, with contemporary décor that feels both elegant and comfortable. The restaurant transitioned easily from day-time dining to an intimate spot for dinner.

What impressed us most included expertly prepared dishes showcasing quality ingredients and friendly staff. An area for improvement were portion sizes that felt slightly modest considering the premium pricing.

Service Excellence Throughout

The service standards at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes consistently exceeded our expectations. From front desk efficiency to housekeeping attention to detail, every interaction felt genuinely warm and professional.

Amenities and Facilities

Fitness Center Excellence

The hotel’s gym facilities deserve special recognition. After weeks of limited exercise options during our campervan adventure, having access to a well-equipped, modern fitness center felt essential for getting back into our routine.

The gym features included modern cardio equipment with entertainment systems, comprehensive weight training options, clean, well-maintained facility with premium equipment brands, appropriate space and layout preventing overcrowding, and extended operating hours accommodating various schedules.

Scenic Walking Opportunities

One of our favorite discoveries was the beautiful river walk directly adjacent to Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes. The walk provided the perfect counterpoint to weeks of highway driving, allowing us to reconnect with Australia’s natural beauty in a peaceful, accessible setting.

Overall Experience: The Perfect Recovery Retreat

Our stay at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes proved exactly what we needed after our extensive road trip, a modern, comfortable base offering both convenience and quality that allowed us to rest, recover, and prepare for the next phase of our Australian adventure.

What made this stay exceptional included brand new facilities ensuring everything felt fresh and contemporary, strategic location balancing accessibility with tranquility, spacious, well-designed accommodations perfect for extended stays, consistent service standards that made us feel genuinely welcomed, and quality dining options that satisfied without requiring extensive travel.

Minor areas for consideration included restaurant portion sizes that could be more generous for the pricing tier, and barista-made coffee at breakfast would elevate the morning experience.

The Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes represents exactly what modern travelers seek, thoughtful design, reliable luxury, and genuine hospitality delivered in a location that maximizes both convenience and comfort. For anyone seeking quality accommodation in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, whether for business travel, leisure stays, or recovery from extended adventures like ours, this property delivers an experience that consistently exceeds expectations.