(Drank 12/18/24 WE @ 11:30am): Our aura was safe from the hole in the ozone layer as we grabbed a…read morebeer from inside this hotel! A friend and I were on Day 5 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises while on the second stop - the town of Kingscote https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=w4leOMUecRHyKb9U4bbH6A - of our shore excursion ("Tempting Tasting Trail" $374.95AUD pp), we detoured to have a drink at nearby Aurora Ozone Hotel https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=zP8lx3GoQ5oolBlI6-sCGA ... or the Zone Restaurant & Bar to be exact. Built in 1907 by Messrs. Nelson and Winch, it was generally recognized as one of the finest residential hotels in the state. Overlooking Nepean Bay, it had a frontage to the Esplanade of 150 ft., and to Commercial Street of 65 ft. Spacious balconies, overlooking the beach and the mainland to the north-east, extended for the whole length of the building. Constructed of local limestone and including 57 rooms, the hotel also featured extensive dining and bar facilities. Mr James Carr, of Glenelg, purchased a half interest in the hotel in February 1918, and was partnered with Mr F. H. Winch. The partners had contemplated making additions to the hotel to cater for the following summer's trade. On August 28, 1918 the Ozone Hotel at Kingscote was completely gutted by fire and its destruction resulted in a serious loss to the island. The Ozone Hotel was rebuilt in 1920 and continued to be a central focal point for the local community and the many visitors to Kangaroo Island. Several features of the original building have been preserved and can be seen in the Zone Restaurant and Bar together with several original photos, giving a glimpse of history and bygone times. Over the years, the hotel has seen several extensions, renovations, and additions with the most recent one being the Flinders building and the Pier Apartments which were built in 2006. The current owners purchased the property in 2008, rebranded the hotel as Aurora Ozone Hotel https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=vDS68VIMvR_LxQw-hKq5rQ and recently commenced an extensive refurbishment and rejuvenation program. Did the aura of this hotel's bar put us in the zone before our next tour stop!? PURCHASE Great Northern Brewing Co. Super Crisp Lager Beer %ABV 16floz Draft ($10.25AUD x2): Golden amber color, light malty aroma, light body, light malty sweet flavor, drying finish, and light malty aftertaste. A very simple light brew. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=rxagwAWfwBHn-kj8tAC_XQ SERVICE Initially, there wasn't anyone in sight as it seemed maybe they were clearing up after breakfast. Then, us tourist blokes entered wanting beer for brunch! Once someone appeared, we quickly placed our order and took our beers to an empty table (we were the only patrons) along the windows so we had a view of our tour bus; easy-peasy - cheers! PARKING (Unknown; N/A this instance) Although I'm sure there was an onsite lot because it was a hotel, I didn't explicitly see one. Otherwise, there appeared to be spots along the various surrounding streets. And of courses, we arrived on a tour bus - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE With respect only to the Zone Restaurant & Bar (since we didn't explore any other parts of the actual hotel), it was a spacious multi-section layout with the main dining area where the bar was located, another dining room off to the side, and the indoor patio with wonderful views https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=BnoS2BaEQ76POQCiALmMoA to dream away on. A very clean restaurant, little to no decorations were found. Plenty of natural lighting entered through the many large windows while various electric lights filled in the rest. There were a couple of TVs while there wasn't any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=wCCTnp8ifFTPl4b40HtwNA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL The Zone Restaurant & Bar inside the Aurora Ozone Hotel served its purpose with our beers, and maybe it would've been nice to try something to snack on. The bar/restaurant was very matter-of-fact and no-nonsense, while the views from the inside patio as you imbibed was very peaceful. I couldn't speak about the food, but I was a tad disappointed in the lack of beers (local or otherwise) https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=ypI5rCORB_0aLd3UVYHlFA they had on tap. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $20.50AUD / $13.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS

I read the reviews before going to Kangaroo Island. I headed the warnings and went with a higher…read morecategory than the cheapest. Hoping for an upgrade? Just book what you want and not what you hope for. Yes a $70 room will not be an Executive Seaview room or anything close. Word to the wise, book direct with the hotel, not a third party website. (This goes for ANY hotel reservation because you have flexibility as apposed to trying to contact your third party at check in) We weren't quite sure where reception/check in was, so we walked around one building, then the other building. Even when we walked right by reception, it didn't even occur to us that the "window" in the hallway was where to check in. We checked in mid afternoon and we weren't sure a room would be ready. Surprise, it was and we were given keys right away. Went to the Executive Sea View room, which was modern, had great air con and a comfortable bed. Unfortunately the promised balcony didn't have furniture and would not would it fit any (corner room closest to street, very skinny balcony). Returned to reception to inquire about a possible change and we were shown a room that is an add-on section to the original hotel. If you are facing the restaurant from the ocean, these rooms are to the left. Book these rooms! Don't go lower. Unobstructed views of the ocean (see picture), modern, awesome air con, stylish, good sized balcony and comfortable bed. We sat out on the balcony both nights and enjoyed wine after dinner (everything in Kingscote closes early). Cool breezes and peaceful...indulge, you're on holiday, right? Breakfast (brekky) was adequate, not spectacular. Very basic, but if replenished, you have the makings of a decent meal. Slightly expensive for the offerings. Overall, I would highly recommend this hotel based on my experience. If I ever find myself back on KI, I wouldn't hesitate to return to Ozone.

Beautiful views and convenient location…read more The rooms are spacious with exposed brick and lovely views of the water. Our king sized bed was comfy with nice fluffy pillows. Shower was super hot with great pressure. There was no housekeeping during our 3 night stay and no one was present when we checked out but there were easy to follow instructions on what to do when checking out. The location was convenient to getting to the main island sights and was close to nice restaurants. We enjoyed our stay.

From the owner: A Motel on the forshore with great ocean views. 20 rooms all with views. Special restaurant open…read moreFri & Sat nights. Offers great Australian cusine with fresh produce.

Exceptional. The only hiccup was an Indian waiter who seemed quite pleased that he didn't have to…read moreserve us being that 22 minutes wasn't enough time to get us breakfast before a scheduled tour.....poached eggs take longer in Australia, I suppose. All of the others.......tour guides, drivers, wait staff.....ere exceptional. We especially enjoyed Liam, Jake, Hannah, Niko, Johnathan, and I apologize to the others whose names slip our memory. This was the finest place we have had the chance to stay at for any trip to date. Great food, great hospitality, nice patrons, spectacular rooms, exceptional open bar and wine selection!

Forget the spectacular scenery, luxurious rooms, over the top service and let's focus on the food…read moreand the true delight at experiencing one of my favorite things...extravagant excess. The dining room is massive to accommodate the ceiling to floor windows. Look up from the menu if you can and take in the view all the way to Antarctica. Tables are set as perfectly as the graduating class would do for their final exam at CIA. They are so far apart the servers could roller blade like Car Hops to your two top. The down side...no eavesdropping. Nothing more than a passing nod and wan smile from others you think might have had to sell a kidney on eBay to get here. Natural wood flooring compliment the bleached rugged white stone walls and both highlight the unbearably beautiful view. The Staff: Gap years going through the gears, hospitality pros on their toes, those interning and yearning to fine tune their formal education skill set and all of them sweet, interested, smart, helpful, and as genuinely warm as the Southern Sun. The servers line up in a Conga Line as soon as you sit down and begin to bring a stream of snacks to keep your custom cocktail company while you marvel at the menu. The Vibe: Who goes here? Money, Big Money, F. U. Money. Blue hairs, Greenbacks and Silverbacks. No one lacks funds to enjoy the fun here. Both are required. The general public need not apply as dining here is reserved for guests only. No wife beater shirts hoisting a pint driving to the point where little Pixies are making damper in a camper. That ain't this. The Bar Program: Bottomless. DIY cocktails if you fell like repeating Chem Class or better, just ask and moments later the mixer of your dreams is your reality. The Food: Okay, often hotel food is nothing mare than fuel, prepared for a bivouacing army. Over feed a guest and they'll be too full to complain. Marie Antoinette said, "Let them eat cake" and I did along with Pork, Poultry, Beef, Lamb, Beef and Fish and anything else I could reach with a fork. Here, a World Class Chef (Asher Blackford) and his superb crew send out a long laundry list of magnificent dishes from an ever changing menu at all three meals. Yes, the Lodge's greatest hits are always available if your stuck in a delicious rut. Dining here is like watching Ted Williams at batting practice. Everything served up is a home run. Chef Asher could truly stand in any kitchen in the World and have respect. Maybe you'll get a Quail Egg, Puffed Quinoa in an Arugula Emulsion as an Amuse Bush Tucker. K. I. Maroon Tailed Lobsters napped with Creamy Herb Sauce look down at Moreton Bay Bugs and East Coast Maines with scorn and disdain. Barramundi on house made cool Soba in Dashi Broth was aromatic dramatic, and redefined Webster's definition of "perfect". A Classic Caesar elevated the concept to mythic heights. Dotted with Skara (cold smoked Bacon), Rye Crisps, hand torn Romaine and a spot on Dressing redolent with Garlic (the Lodge has never had a Vampire make it through the night) and topped with freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese plus a Poached Egg. This dish alone had me on my knees bowing towards the Kitchen like Mecca. Each and every plate humbled me and honored the Chef. Think I enjoyed it? Chef Asher graciously accepted the glowing praise on behalf of his creative culinary crew until they finally escorted me off the property. One lunch offered a starter of brunoise Avocado bathing in Macadamia Milk, a frozen Chive Sorbet Cabochon and a split Red Grape. This was followed by a locally caught Snook (not to be confused with Chinook of the North or a schnook from the country). Once again Chef Asher rose to the bait and prepared fish as if he was sired by a Chilean Sea Bass. Brilliant, it was, served with Cauliflower florets dusted with Tumeric, toasted slivered Almonds, Green Olives to balance the delicate fish and Spring Onions just because they worked so well. I could go on describing four days of paradise. But here you just get a taste. Now I can say I have danced on the Moon and summited Everest in my gym shorts and flip flops after 12 glorious meals at SOL. Fail to come here? You'll be SOL.

Very friendly service, lovely neat and clean rooms. When we checked in we were provided free wi-fi,…read morevouchers for the pub down the road and the buffet breakfast. Can't complain about the room - fantastic views and a short walk from the ferry terminal. Whilst it was a little bit pricier than other accommodation in the area - it's completely justified. The back of the hotel has a really nice pool and BBQ area as well. An added, but completely random surprise was the adjoining mini-golf course :) If you can't stay here but are in the area, the buffet breakfast was also very nice - not "fancy", but had everything you'd need for breakfast :)

I loved staying here. I ended up arriving after check-in hours and the staff provided me with…read moreinstructions on how to access my room after hours. It was so nice that they were flexible. The room was clean and so spacious in a great location right by the pier. I loved the shampoos and soaps--and the fact that there was free wi-fi was a plus! The bed was also incredibly comfortable. The restaurant downstairs--Sorrento's, was also great. I would definitely stay here again--it was a great deal in a great location. Thanks for making my trip to Kangaroo Island great!

Great spot, all of their places always are. Drinks are reasonable. The waiter told us to expect a…read morelong wait for the food so I can understand that on an opening/busy weekend. The whole place is pretty similar to the layout of the spot they replaced. The only thing I'd like to see is the outside stools, downstairs, along the rail, be open seating rather than waiting for a table.

Location: 3.5 - There's not much going on in American River - so if you stay here, be prepared that…read morethere is only one gas station and one general store next to each other that closes at 6pm. If you need gas or food after that, you gotta drive to penneshaw or kingscote. Beyond that, the location is cool. The bay across and an outdoor pool behind. All the rooms are on the same floor and is more similar to a motel except car parking is across the street. Room: 3.5 - It's dated and the paint is coming off of everything (towel racks are rusty). The room, however, is bright and clean. A bar with a sink, toaster, and hot water kettle. Instant coffee and tea is provided. Milk in the fridge. Quite good. WiFi 4: Available and great reception if you are in the lobby or close to the lobby. $5 to get their password for the duration of your stay. Unfortunately the lobby closes after 9pm so if your room is not close enough then you will have to sit by the pool that's next to the lobby. Service 5: The girl who is also the server for the restaurant who received us was really friendly and answered my billion questions. Overall we really enjoyed our stay.