Fodor's Expert Review Desert Cave Hotel

Hutchison St. at Post Office Hill Rd., Coober Pedy, South Australia, 5723, Australia Fodor's Choice

This underground hotel presents a contemporary, blocky face to the desert town. In the 19 spacious, subsurface rooms, white and dark-blue duvets complement and contrast the red-striated rock walls that protect sleepers from sound and heat. Aboveground rooms are also available. The hotel offers daily tours of the town and surrounding sights including the spectacular and hard to reach Painted Desert. Perched atop the hotel, Umberto's restaurant  is named after the hotel's founding developer and is Coober Pedy's most urbane dining establishment. The Modern Australian menu takes you from the Outback (e.g., oven-baked kangaroo loin with grilled figs) to the sea (e.g., lemon sole). There is also an underground café and bar.

PROS

  • unique place to stay
  • pool is welcome relief in the heat
  • peaceful underground rooms

CONS

  • underground rooms are not for the claustrophobic
  • Umberto's is closed during summer
  • can be pushy with various tour offerings

QUICK FACTS

Hotel
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HOTEL INFO

Phones: 08-8672–5688

HOTEL DETAILS

50 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

What’s Nearby