The Gem Hotel

For one person, the tiny room was clean and tidy, with a nice shower. It could be a challenge for a couple. This was an overnight stop on a drive from Sydney to Adelaide, and it seemed one of the more higher end hotels, centrally located on the Main Street. Parking was out the back, seemed secure, and opposite the police station. The pigeons were awful, though there’s not much the hotel can do about that. In the daytime the town was ok. I went for a walk and felt watched, and at one point I thought locals were following me.

The newly renovated rooms and amenities were magnificent, the beds so comfortable, and the whole hotel oozed class. On arrival, Nathan Musolino greeted us with the biggest smile and made it clear he was there to help with whatever we needed. Check-in was swift and easy. When we checked out, the owner stopped to say hello and make sure we were happy, then took time out of his busy schedule to make us laugh. Thank you so much, we’ll be back. It’s called The Gem Hotel, but we thought it was a DIAMOND.

The Gem Hotel Griffith has 65 attractive rooms, including suites and deluxe rooms. It recently changed hands to former Wallaby, Bill Young, and is another stellar motel up-cycle. The building’s bones are those of a 1980s multi-storey hotel, now given a mid-century facelift by Paul Kelly Design. There’s contemporary geometric design on the wood-panelled bedheads, echoed in the carpet. Curved brown leather lounges make a comfortable spot in front of the massive smart TV. From the king-sized bed, you can look out at Griffith’s big skies, with doors to let in the Main Street hubbub, or turn inward to the glass bubble bathroom. Despite the performative window, the layout is thoughtful, with the bath separate from the toilet and a double-headed shower. Smith & Co. products from New Zealand’s The Aromatherapy Co., specialists in essential oil-based room scents, smell great in brooding tabac and cedarwood. The art in the lobby and suites is well chosen, too.

I’ve stayed here a couple of times. This time, I must’ve ended up with the smallest room in the hotel, and there was some street noise. Still pretty good overall, and I’d recommend it for business travelers on the go.