Located at the bustling epicentre of Adelaide's premier shopping district, Hotel Richmond stands as one of the city's most accessible pokies venues. This historic establishment at 128 Rundle Mall combines boutique accommodation with serious gaming entertainment, making it a favourite destination for both locals and visitors seeking quality pokies action in Adelaide's CBD.
The hotel's Basement Bar houses an impressive collection of 32 gaming machines operating seven days a week, providing consistent entertainment for pokies enthusiasts who appreciate the convenience of a central location. Whether you're a seasoned player or curious newcomer, Hotel Richmond offers an authentic Adelaide gaming experience in a setting that seamlessly blends heritage architecture with entertainment.
The gaming floor at Hotel Richmond's Basement Bar represents a significant attraction for pokies players throughout South Australia. With 32 machines available daily, the venue maintains a respectable gaming selection that caters to various playing styles and preferences. The machines operate under South Australia's strict gaming regulations, ensuring all pokies maintain a minimum Return to Player (RTP) rate of 87.5% as mandated by state law.
Players at Hotel Richmond can expect a typical betting range that starts from as little as 1 cent per line up to several dollars, accommodating both conservative players who enjoy extended sessions and high-rollers seeking bigger thrills. The gaming room atmosphere combines the historic charm of the building's 1920s heritage with modern gaming technology, creating an environment that feels both authentic and contemporary.
Operating hours for the Basement Bar extend throughout the week, with gaming available from Monday through Sunday. The venue maintains flexible hours that cater to different player schedules, though specific timing may vary. Players should note that, unlike some Adelaide venues that operate until early morning hours, Hotel Richmond maintains more traditional hospitality hours whilst still providing ample gaming opportunities.
According to data from Pokies Near Me, Hotel Richmond maintains an average rating of 4.1 out of 723 reviews, though recent ratings have shown some variability. Player feedback reveals a venue that excels in certain areas while facing challenges in others. Understanding these perspectives helps potential visitors set appropriate expectations.
Positive player testimonials frequently highlight the venue's central location and the pleasant atmosphere of the Basement Bar. One reviewer praised the establishment, noting: "Lovely place, very pretty inside. Nice, friendly, happy staff. Was so nice to sit and eat and drink out on their balcony." The integration of gaming with quality dining options receives particular appreciation, as players can enjoy pub classics and tap beers while taking breaks from the machines.
The gaming experience at Hotel Richmond benefits from the venue's attention to creating a social atmosphere. Unlike massive casino floors that can feel impersonal, the 32-machine setup at Hotel Richmond maintains an intimate environment where regular players often recognise staff and fellow gaming enthusiasts. This community feel particularly appealing to local Adelaide residents who prefer a neighbourhood pub atmosphere over corporate gaming halls.
However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies in service quality, particularly during busy periods or special events. These occasional service challenges don't typically affect the gaming floor operations, but are worth considering for visitors planning extended stays or expecting premium service throughout their visit.
From an expert perspective, Hotel Richmond occupies an interesting niche in Adelaide's gaming landscape. With 32 machines, the venue falls into the mid-tier category – significantly larger than small suburban pubs but more intimate than Adelaide's major gaming destinations like SkyCity Casino or larger suburban clubs.
The strategic positioning in Rundle Mall provides undeniable advantages for the gaming operation. Adelaide's CBD sees substantial foot traffic from shoppers, office workers, and tourists, creating a diverse player demographic. This location allows Hotel Richmond to attract spontaneous players who might stop in for a quick session between shopping or after work, alongside dedicated gaming enthusiasts who specifically choose the venue.
Gaming industry experts note that venues like Hotel Richmond serve an important role in South Australia's regulated gaming market. The combination of accommodation, dining, and gaming creates what analysts call a "destination venue" – somewhere players can plan an evening or weekend experience around, rather than just a quick gaming stop. This positions Hotel Richmond favourably against standalone bottle shops or smaller pubs with limited amenities.
The 32-machine allocation suggests Hotel Richmond holds a moderate gaming machine entitlement under South Australia's regulated system. These entitlements are valuable licenses that venues must maintain through proper operation and regulatory compliance. The relatively stable machine count over recent years indicates Hotel Richmond has maintained satisfactory regulatory standing with South Australian gaming authorities.
Adelaide's CBD and surrounding areas offer numerous alternatives for pokies players, creating a competitive gaming district that benefits players through variety and choice. Understanding nearby options helps visitors plan gaming sessions and compare different venue atmospheres.
Just a short walk from Hotel Richmond, Pulteney Pokies operates one of Adelaide's most popular dedicated gaming venues. With 33 gaming machines in a spacious, modern gaming room, this establishment remains open until 5:00 AM daily, catering to late-night players. The venue offers complimentary tea and coffee, creating an extended-hours gaming destination that Hotel Richmond's more traditional schedule doesn't match. Players frequently praise Pulteney Pokies for its clean facilities and comfortable machine spacing.
Located on the same street as Pulteney Pokies, Mansions on Pulteney provides another excellent gaming alternative. This venue combines pokies gaming with accommodation options and dining facilities, creating a similar multi-purpose destination to Hotel Richmond. The historic building adds character to the gaming experience, appealing to players who appreciate architectural heritage alongside their entertainment.
Recognised as one of Adelaide CBD's best gastropubs, Union Hotel offers gaming machines alongside an exceptional food and beverage program. Located on Waymouth Street, this venue attracts players who prioritise quality dining with their gaming sessions. The establishment's reputation for excellent pub food makes it particularly popular for extended visits where players alternate between gaming, eating, and socialising.
Operating with extended hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM, the Strathmore Hotel provides another nearby option for pokies enthusiasts. Its North Terrace location places it within easy walking distance of Rundle Mall while offering a different atmosphere and machine selection. Players looking to explore multiple venues during a CBD gaming session often include Strathmore in their circuit.
For players seeking a casino experience rather than pub-style pokies, SkyCity Adelaide represents Adelaide's premier gaming destination. Located on North Terrace, the casino offers hundreds of gaming machines alongside table games, multiple restaurants, and entertainment options. Operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM provide more limited access compared to some venues, but the sheer scale and variety make it worthwhile for serious gaming sessions.
Venue | Gaming Machines | Operating Hours | Key Features | Distance from Rundle Mall |
Hotel Richmond | 32 machines | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sun) 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat) | Boutique accommodation, heritage building, dining | Located in Rundle Mall |
Pulteney Pokies | 33 machines | 11:00 AM - 5:00 AM daily | Late-night gaming, free coffee, modern facilities | 5-minute walk |
Mansions on Pulteney | 20+ machines | Standard pub hours | Historic venue, accommodation available | 6-minute walk |
Union Hotel | 15+ machines | 12:00 PM - Late | Premium gastropub, excellent food | 8-minute walk |
Strathmore Hotel | 25+ machines | 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM | Extended hours, CBD location | 7-minute walk |
Hotel Richmond's position at 128 Rundle Mall makes it one of Adelaide's most accessible gaming venues, with multiple transport options serving the area. Understanding these options helps visitors plan their journey effectively, whether arriving from Adelaide Airport, suburban areas, or interstate.
Adelaide's free tram zone includes stops at Rundle Mall, making this the most cost-effective public transport option for accessing Hotel Richmond. The Rundle Mall Tram Stop (Stop Code: 17754) is located directly adjacent to the hotel on King William Street. Trams operate frequently throughout the day, with services running every 15 minutes during peak periods. The free tram travel zone extends between South Terrace, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Festival Plaza and Botanic Gardens stops, meaning travel within the CBD incurs no cost.
For bus transport, multiple services stop at Rundle Mall with designated stops on surrounding streets. Stop G2 and Stop G1 on Grenfell Street (north side) are approximately a 3-minute walk from Hotel Richmond. The free City Connector bus service (Route 99C) operates in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions throughout the CBD, providing an alternative free transport option. Adelaide Metro's journey planner helps visitors determine the best route from their starting location.
Train passengers can alight at Adelaide Railway Station, approximately 5 minutes' walk from Hotel Richmond. The central station connects to Adelaide's broader metropolitan rail network, serving suburban areas throughout Greater Adelaide. From the station, visitors can either walk directly to Rundle Mall or connect to tram services.
Taxi ranks operate throughout Adelaide's CBD, with the nearest rank to Hotel Richmond located on Grenfell Street. Both Uber and DiDi operate extensively in Adelaide, providing convenient door-to-door service. Typical fares from Adelaide Airport to Rundle Mall range from AUD $20-30, depending on traffic conditions and time of day. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes under normal conditions.
While Hotel Richmond's location in a pedestrianised shopping mall limits direct vehicle access, numerous nearby parking facilities serve visitors arriving by car. The Myer Centre car park on Rundle Mall provides all-day parking with entry via Gawler Place. UPark operates several CBD facilities,s including Central Market Car Park and Topham Mall Car Park, both within 5-10 minutes' walk. Visitors should note that Adelaide CBD parking rates vary significantly, with early-bird rates (entry before 9:00 AM) typically offering better value than standard hourly rates.
Adelaide Airport is located approximately 7 kilometres west of the CBD. Beyond taxis and rideshare services, SkyLink operates shuttle bus services connecting the airport to major CBD hotels, with stops near Rundle Mall. The JetBus service provides public transport connections between the airport and the city, though this requires a connection to reach Rundle Mall specifically.
Interstate visitors arriving by coach will typically be dropped at Adelaide Central Bus Station on Franklin Street, approximately 10 minutes' walk from Hotel Richmond. Major coach operators, including Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express, service this terminal, connecting Adelaide to Melbourne, Sydney, and other major centres.
Beyond its gaming credentials, Hotel Richmond operates as a boutique accommodation property offering 30 air-conditioned guestrooms. The rooms showcase styling that reflects the building's 1920s heritage while incorporating modern amenities expected by contemporary travellers. Natural tones and marble bathrooms create an upscale aesthetic that elevates the property above basic pub accommodation.
Each guestroom includes large smart televisions, enabling guests to relax with streaming entertainment between gaming sessions or after exploring Adelaide. Mini bars provide in-room refreshment options, whilst complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property keeps guests connected. Air-conditioning ensures comfort regardless of Adelaide's sometimes extreme temperatures, which can range from cool winters to very hot summer days.
The marble bathrooms represent a premium feature that distinguishes Hotel Richmond from more basic pub accommodation. Bathrooms include robes and amenities, adding a touch of luxury to the stay experience. While some recent reviews have noted maintenance concerns regarding bathroom cleanliness, these observations appear inconsistent rather than systemic.
Room rates at Hotel Richmond vary based on season, day ofthe week, and booking platform. Typical rates range from approximately AUD $120-180 per night for standard rooms, with variations depending on booking and special offers. The hotel's location premium – being situated directly in Rundle Mall – affects pricing compared to suburban alternatives, but the convenience often justifies the cost for visitors prioritising central access.
Many online travel agencies, including Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.co,m list Hotel Richmond, often with promotional rates or packages that bundle accommodation with dining credits or other perks. Direct booking through the hotel's website may offer different rates and packages, so comparing options generally proves worthwhile.
Hotel Richmond's 30-room capacity positions it as an intimate boutique property rather than a large commercial hotel. This scale appeals to travellers seeking personalised service and a sense of character over anonymous corporate hospitality. The gaming facilities add a unique element that distinguishes Hotel Richmond from purely accommodation-focused boutique hotels in Adelaide's CBD.
Business travellers represent a key market segment given the property's CBD location and proximity to Adelaide's business district. The combination of accommodation and evening entertainment provides a complete solution for businesspeople seeking convenience. Similarly, interstate visitors attending events at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, or Adelaide Convention Centre find Hotel Richmond's central location highly convenient.
Hotel Richmond operates two distinct dining and drinking venues, each serving different needs throughout the day and evening. Understanding these venues helps visitors plan complete experiences that extend beyond pure gaming.
The Loft operates as Hotel Richmond's primary restaurant and bar, transforming from a relaxing coffee and lunch spot during daytime hours into a cocktail, wine, and tapas bar as evening approaches. This versatility allows the space to serve different customer segments throughout the day.
Daytime operations run Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, extending on Thursdays until 8:30 PM. Friday and Saturday see the most extensive hours, operating from 9:00 AM until late into the evening. Sunday returns to shorter hours, closing at 3:30 PM. These hours reflect typical Adelaide hospitality patterns, with extended weekend trading catering to the busiest periods.
Menu offerings emphasise quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation, with reviewers frequently praising the food quality. The venue's balcony overlooking Rundle Mall provides particularly popular seating, allowing guests to watch street activity while dining. One reviewer noted: "Was so nice to sit and eat and drink out on their balcony," highlighting this feature's appeal.
The Basement Bar complements the gaming operation with all-day dining featuring pub classics and tap beers. Operating Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM, the Basement Bar provides convenient meal options for gaming patrons who prefer remaining near the machines rather than moving to The Loft upstairs.
The menu focuses on accessible favourites that pair well with casual gaming sessions – think substantial pub meals rather than fine dining. This approach suits the gaming demographic, providing satisfying food without requiring extended dining commitment. Tap beer selections include popular Australian and international brands, whilst the full bar stocks spirits and mixed drinks for varied preferences.
Beyond gaming and accommodation, Hotel Richmond offers additional entertainment options that enhance the overall visitor experience. The Basement Bar includes a professional dartboard and an 80-inch flat screen television with Kayo Sports access, creating the perfect environment for catching major sporting events whilst enjoying pokies or socialising with mates.
This sports entertainment component positions Hotel Richmond as a destination for AFL matches, cricket tests, and other major Australian sporting events. The combination of gaming machines, sports viewing, and food and beverage service creates a complete entertainment package that encourages extended visits rather than brief stops.
Many Adelaide gaming venues operate membership programs that provide regular players with benefits including promotional offers, special event invitations, and occasionally, bonus credits or free plays. Specific details about Hotel Richmond's membership program availability and benefits should be confirmed directly with the venue, as these programs evolve and may change.
Gaming venue memberships in South Australia typically involve registering personal details and receiving a card that tracks play. This tracking enables venues to identify high-value customers and reward loyalty appropriately. For regular players, joining membership programs generally proves worthwhile through accumulated benefits over time.
Hotel Richmond operates under South Australia's strict gaming regulations, which mandate responsible gambling practices throughout licensed venues. The venue must display responsible gambling messaging and provide access to gambling help resources. All staff receive training in identifying problem gambling behaviours and assisting patrons who may need support.
South Australia's regulatory framework includes several consumer protections:
Mandatory RTP Standards: All new pokies must provide a Return to Player rate of at least 87.5%, ensuring minimum payout standards across venues.
Time and Loss Tracking: Modern gaming machines include features allowing players to set limits on playing time and money spent, helping maintain control over gaming sessions.
Venue Responsibilities: Licensed venues must maintain environments that don't encourage excessive gambling, including providing clocks visible from gaming areas and ensuring alcohol service remains responsible.
Players experiencing gambling difficulties can access support through several channels:
Gambling Help: 1800 858 858 (free, confidential 24/7 support)
Gambling Harm Support SA: Provides counselling and support services throughout South Australia. ia
Self-Exclusion Programs: Enable individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gaming venues
Address: Hotel Richmond, 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8223 2234 (general enquiries)
Website: www.therichmondhotel.com.au
Gaming Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Hours subject to change; confirm before visiting)
Accommodation Bookings: Available through the hotel website, major booking platforms, or direct phone contact
Dining Reservations: Recommended for The Loft, particularly weekend evenings and during major events
Hotel Richmond's Rundle Mall location places guests within walking distance of Adelaide's premier attractions and facilities:
Shopping: Rundle Mall itself hosts over 700 retailers, including Myer, David Jones, and numerous specialty stores, making it South Australia's primary shopping destination.
Dining: Beyond Hotel Richmond's own venues, Rundle Mall and adjacent Rundle Street host dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars representing virtually every cuisine.
Culture: The South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, and State Library of South Australia are all within 10 minutes' walk. Adelaide Botanic Gardens provides green space and natural beauty just beyond the CBD edge.
Entertainment: Adelaide Casino (SkyCity) operates on North Terrace, approximately 5 minutes' walk. Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and Adelaide Convention Centre serve major events throughout the year.
Education: The University of Adelaide campus borders the CBD, whilstthe University of South Australia also maintains a central presence.
This concentration of amenities means Hotel Richmond guests can easily fill days with activities beyond gaming, making the property suitable for both focused gaming visits and broader Adelaide explorations.
As an Australian venue, Hotel Richmond conducts all transactions in Australian Dollars (AUD). The venue accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and debit cards for accommodation, dining, and general services. Gaming machines accept cash only, with change facilities available in the gaming room.
ATM facilities operate throughout Rundle Mall, providing convenient cash access for gaming purposes. Visitors should note that some ATMs charge withdrawal fees, with bank-owned ATMs typically offering lower fees than independent operators.
International visitors should be aware that Australian gaming venues cannot accept foreign currency. Exchange services operate at Adelaide Airport and several CBD locations, though bank exchange rates typically prove more favourable than cash exchange services.
Adelaide's climate and event calendar significantly influence visitation patterns at Hotel Richmond. Understanding these patterns helps visitors plan accordingly.
Summer (December-February): Adelaide experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C (95°F). The air-conditioned comfort of Hotel Richmond becomes particularly appealing during extreme heat. Summer holidays bring increased tourist traffic and higher accommodation demand.
Autumn (March-May): Mild temperatures and major events, including Adelaide Fringe Festival (February-March) and Adelaide Festival (March), create peak visitation periods. Accommodation should be booked well in advance during these festivals.
Winter (June-August): Cooler weather (10-16°C/50-60°F) coincides with AFL season, drawing sports fans to CBD venues with gaming and sports viewing facilities. Winter generally represents lower-demand periods for accommodation outside major sporting events.
Spring (September-November): Pleasant weather and the Spring Racing Carnival attract visitors. Adelaide Cup Day in March represents a major event, though this actually falls in autumn in South Australia.
Major sporting events at Adelaide Oval dramatically affect CBD accommodation and hospitality venues. International cricket matches, Big Bash League games, and AFL matches draw thousands to the precinct adjacent to Rundle Mall, creating peak demand periods.
Hotel Richmond operates 32 gaming machines in the Basement Bar, featuring a variety of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) from licensed manufacturers. The specific machine titles rotate periodically as the venue updates its gaming floor, but players can expect a mix of popular Australian ppokieses including classic fruit machines and modern video pokies with bonus features. All machines comply with South Australia's minimum 87.5% RTP requirement, ensuring fair gameplay standards.
Gaming machines at Hotel Richmond's Basement Bar typically open at 12:00 PM (noon) daily. Weekend hours extend later, with the venue operating until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sunday through Thursday operations conclude at 9:00 PM. These hours may vary during public holidays or special events, so calling ahead to confirm opening times is recommended for visitors planning specific gaming sessions.
Absolutely. Hotel Richmond welcomes gaming patrons to the Basement Bar regardless of whether they're staying as accommodation guests. The gaming facilities operate independently from the hotel, allowing both hotel guests and day visitors to enjoy the 32 gaming machines, dining options, and sports entertainment. However, booking accommodation provides the convenience of returning to your room between gaming sessions without needing transport.
Yes, Rundle Mall hosts multiple ATM facilities within minutes of Hotel Richmond. Several bank-operated ATMs are located throughout the mall, typically offering lower withdrawal fees than independent ATM operators. The hotel can direct guests to the nearest ATM locations. As gaming machines only accept cash (not cards), having convenient ATM access ensures players can quickly obtain additional funds when needed.
Hotel Richmond maintains a smart casual dress code appropriate for its boutique hotel atmosphere. While formal attire isn't required, excessively casual clothing like beachwear, work boots, or clothing with offensive messaging may not be permitted. The venue caters to a professional CBD crowd, so dressing neatly and presentably ensures comfortable acceptance. When in doubt, smart casual attire (collared shirts, neat jeans or trousers) always works well.
Information about specific tournaments or special gaming events should be confirmed directly with Hotel Richmond by calling +61 8 8223 2234 or checking their website. Many Adelaide gaming venues host promotional events during slower periods or around major holidays, offering prizes, jackpots, or special giveaways. Following Hotel Richmond's social media channels may provide updates about upcoming gaming promotions.
Yes. Hotel Richmond operates under strict South Australian gaming regulations that mandate responsible gambling practices. The venue provides access to responsible gambling resources, displays mandatory consumer information, and maintains staff trained in identifying and assisting patrons who may be experiencing gambling difficulties. Players can also set personal limits on gaming machines or contact Gambling Help (1800 858 858) for confidential 24/7 support if needed.
This depends entirely on your preferences. SkyCity Casino offers hundreds of gaming machines and table games in a large casino environment, whilst Hotel Richmond provides a more intimate pub-style gaming experience with 32 machines. Hotel Richmond suits players who prefer smaller venues with combined dining, sports viewing, and accommodation options. SkyCity appeals to those wanting maximum machine variety and a full casino atmosphere. Many Adelaide players enjoy both venues for different occasions.