A Rich
History

The construction of the historic Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide commenced in 1918 on the site of the then famous Federal Coffee Palace by flamboyant local businessman Mr J H Browne.

The Grosvenor officially opened its doors in July 1920 and boasted 368 bedrooms and was 4 stories high. Originally every room had a wash basin however guests had to utilise a central or shared toilet and shower facility located on each floor.

In January 1925 Bill Smallacombe, a radio announcer began to relay commentary of cricket games at the Adelaide Oval. He managed this by positioning himself on the roof and looking North over Adelaide Oval with a strong pair of binoculars!

In the war years the hotel played an important role in housing many foreign military personnel. During this time the hotel became the hotel of choice of the then Prime Minister John Curtain.

The southern wing of the hotel that now houses the hotel's Economy Rooms was completed in 1957. It was the first hotel in the area to offer en-suites in all 64 rooms. Following the success of the new wing, in 1962 an additional floor, the 5th, was constructed comprising of 54 rooms. The construction of these rooms not only meant great views of the city at the time but also resulted in the iconic columns in the middle of the 3rd and 4th floors to support the new level!

In 1977 the entire first floor which until this time had been permanent residential rooms was converted to a convention and function floor at a cost of $2.5 Million. This made the hotel one of the first to offer conference facilities into a market that was only just developing.

The hotel's original marble facade is now complimented by 243 magnificent guest rooms and suites and seven spacious conference rooms. Following a relaunch, the hotel's restaurant and bar is now again called The Federal to bring back memories of that famous coffee palace that once occupied the same place!