(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.