FAQ

Of course — every room comes with fresh linen and plush towels, so the little comforts are already taken care of.

Guests are always welcome to pop by during the day. Planning on a guest staying the night? Just let reception know — an additional guest charge applies above standard occupancy.

We don't have interconnecting rooms, but we'll always doour best to place you as close together as possible when requested. Travellingas a bigger group? Our Two-Bedroom Seaview Suite is a great way to stay underone roof.

Yes — every room includes an in-room safe, so you can head out and explore without a second thought.

Every room features a private walk-in shower, and if you're staying in The Ellson's Suite, a soaking tub with a view is waiting for you too.

Yes — we have 3 DDA compliant accessible rooms, located on the ground floor. As the property doesn't have a lift, guests requiring step-free access should request a ground-floor room at the time of booking.

We don't offer rollaway beds — for an extra guest, we'll set up the room's built-in sofa bed, available in rooms accommodating more than2 guests.

Yes, every room is stocked with bathroom amenities to see you through your stay.

Daily servicing is standard for every stay. We also care about our footprint on the island — a portion of room proceeds supports local sustainability initiatives, and you're welcome to opt out of daily servicing to contribute further.

Yes, every room comes with a TV — and if you're mid cliffhanger, no need to worry. They're Smart TVs, so you're welcome to stream your favourite service while you're with us.

Every room is fitted with individual, non-ducted airconditioning — so you can dial in your ideal temperature, whatever the island's doing outside.

Travelling with a little one? Baby cots are available on request, subject to availability.

Yes — our In-Room Dining menu brings Flo's kitchen straight to your door, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Standard Room — a comfortable base with a city view, and pet-friendly. Seaview Room — an upgrade from Standard, with a view over the water. Deluxe Room — an upgrade from Standard, trading view for room to move,with accessible configurations available. Ocean View Deluxe — more space again, with sweeping Nepean Bay views. The Ellson's Suite — our premium offering, with Nepean Bay views and a soaker tub looking out to the ocean. Two-Bedroom Seaview Suite — Nepean Bay views, and our most comfortable option for larger parties.

Yes, you're welcome to book on behalf of someone else —just make sure the guest details match who will be checking in.

Yes — for bookings of 6 or more rooms, please contact us directly for group rates and terms rather than booking through the standard engine.

Booking directly with us gives you the greatest flexibility — direct bookings receive priority for upgrades, early check-in andlate check-out. If you find a better rate elsewhere, let us know and we'll match it.

Yes — all bookings and payments are processed through our secure, encrypted booking platform.

Rates are per room, per night based on twin occupancy. An additional guest charge applies for extra occupants in all rooms except theTwo-Bedroom Seaview Suite, which includes accommodation for up to 4 guests.

Room rates adjust based on demand and occupancy at the time of booking — similar to airline pricing. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure a lower rate.

Breakfast is available as an add-on to your stay —continental from $22pp, or a hot breakfast from $28pp.

The Ellson Hotel is located at 51 Chapman Terrace,Kingscote — the main town hub on Kangaroo Island. Access reception via our Drew Street entrance for check-in. We're around 15 minutes from the airport and 45minutes from the SeaLink ferry terminal at Penneshaw.

Check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:30 AM.Early check-in and late check-out can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Yes — Flo Restaurant & Bar, tucked into the hotel'soriginal limestone guesthouse, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focuson local, seasonal produce.

We don't have an on-site pool, but Kingscote's iconic tidal pool is right across the road if you're after a refreshing dip.

The property doesn't have a lift. Our accessible rooms are located on the ground floor for step-free access.

We don't have dedicated conferencing facilities, but our private dining room can accommodate a small meeting — contact us to discuss your requirements.

Our central courtyard garden can accommodate smaller private functions — get in touch to discuss your event. Flo Restaurant & Bar is an amenity we keep available for our in-house guests, so for weddings, conferences, or larger events requiring exclusive use of the restaurant and property together, please ask us about a full property buyout.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including guest rooms and common areas. As with most of Kangaroo Island, connectivity can occasionally be affected by weather.

The Ellson Hotel's story began in 1924, as Flo Ellson's guesthouse — one of the first to welcome visitors to Kangaroo Island. The property underwent a full expansion and redevelopment, completed in 2026, to open its next chapter.

Our ethos is casual luxury — genuine luxury service in a casual setting, with the local knowledge to match. Since 1924, we've been at the heart of Kangaroo Island hospitality, and in 2026 we opened our next chapter as a boutique hotel with a destination restaurant, Flo Restaurant & Bar. Let us help you make the most of your time on KI, through anticipatory service and local know-how. Island time starts here.

Kingscote Airport is approximately 15 minutes' drive from the hotel. You can hire a car directly at the airport at your convenience. Book in advance for peace of mind.

Every room includes Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, bar fridge, in-room safe, individual air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private walk-in shower. On-site, Flo Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with in-room dining also available. Complimentary parking and EV charging are available on-site.

51 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote SA 5223.

Reception is accessed via our Drew Street entrance. Our team will direct you to the front or back parking area depending on your room location.

Reception is staffed from 7am to 9pm daily. Guests arriving outside these hours should contact us in advance to arrange access.

We don't have a dedicated concierge desk — our reception team (7am–9pm) is happy to help with local recommendations and arrangements.

Flo Restaurant & Bar is open all day from 7:00am to9:00pm — breakfast from 7:00–10:30am, and dinner from 5:00pm.

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Yes — on-site parking is available, complimentary for overnight guests.

Complimentary parking is available in two on-site lots(front and back). Enter via our Drew Street reception entrance first, and our team will direct you to the appropriate lot for your room.

There's no ATM on-site; the nearest is in Kingscote town centre, a short walk from the hotel.

Restrooms are located in the reception building near therestaurant. They aren't publicly accessible but are available to hotel guests and restaurant diners.

EV charging will be available on-site — please contact us for the latest details as this comes online.

Room location and access details are provided at check-in, along with your digital key/PIN access if you've completed pre-check-in through our guest portal.

Reception is staffed from 7am to 9pm daily.

Email: stay@theellsonhotel.com.au  ·  Phone: (08) 8553 2030  ·  Address: 51 Chapman Terrace, Kingscote SA 5223.

Yes — free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including guest rooms and common areas. As with most of Kangaroo Island, connectivity can occasionally be affected by weather.

Please ask our friendly team.

Payments are processed through our encrypted reservation system, with debit facilities also available.

See our cancellation policy under Policies below.

Yes, subject to availability — please contact us directly.

Yes, a receipt/folio is available on request.

Yes — amendments are subject to availability and may result in revised pricing or conditions.

We require photo ID and a credit card at check-in. Where a credit card isn't available, we may ask for a damage deposit instead.

Nothing is authorised or charged at the time of booking. Your card is charged once your reservation enters its non-cancellable window(for standard bookings, this is within 7 days of arrival).

Check-in is from 2:00 PM.

Check-out is by 10:30 AM.

Yes — reception is staffed until 9pm. If arriving later, please contact us in advance to arrange access.

Early check-in can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Late check-out can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

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Yes — if they're listed on the reservation, they're welcome to check in before you. A credit card will be required at check-in.

Yes — continental for $22, or a hot breakfast for $28.

Yes — a light lunch menu is available in the restaurant. We also offer Flo's Gourmet Picnic for Two, perfect for a day exploring theisland.

Yes — Flo serves a casual but refined modern Australianmenu.

Breakfast is served from 7:00am to 10:30am.

Light lunch is available through the afternoon, between breakfast and dinner service.

Dinner service begins at 5:00pm.

Wherever possible, we bring the island to your plate —sourcing from Kangaroo Island farmers, fishers and producers, so your meal has travelled as little as you have.

Flo Restaurant & Bar is an amenity we like to keep available for our in-house guests, so we don't offer private restaurant hire onits own. Our central courtyard garden can accommodate smaller private functions— get in touch to discuss your event. For full exclusivity of the restaurant and property together, ask us about a full property buyout.

Our chef is experienced with most dietary requirements and will accommodate as much as possible depending on what's available at thetime. Being on the island can make substitutions tricky if we don't know in advance — please let us know your requirements ahead of your visit so our chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, our restaurant is open to the public. If you're not staying with us, please book well in advance so we can accommodate your request.

Yes, you're welcome to BYO wine or alcohol. A corkage fee applies.

Well-behaved pets are welcome in our Standard Rooms for a $30 per night surcharge, which includes a dog bed and bowls. Pets must not be left in the room unattended.

The Ellson Hotel is a non-smoking property. Smoking is not permitted in guest rooms, on balconies, in bathrooms, corridors or indoor public areas — our rooms feature balconies, and smoke can quickly carry into the room itself. A designated outdoor smoking area is available away from guestrooms and dining areas. Where smoking is detected in a non-smoking area, a cleaning fee will apply, and additional charges may apply for related damage or loss of revenue.

Ages 0–3 stay free of charge in existing bedding.  Anything above that will be charged as per normal occupant at $35 per person per night.

Standard bookings can be cancelled free of charge until 7 days before the arrival date (12:00am local time). Within 7 days of arrival, the full booking value is forfeited, with no additional charges applied beyond what's already been paid. No-shows are treated the same as a late cancellation. A complimentary 24-hour grace period also applies to all bookings — you may cancel free of charge within 24 hours of booking, provided this occurs more than 7 days prior to arrival.

Yes — The Ellson Hotel welcomes families. Ages 0–3 stay free of charge in existing bedding. Kids above the age of 3 will be considered as a standard occupant.

Yes — an authorisation for incidentals is taken on arrival.

Guests must be 18 or over to check in.

See our cancellation policy above.

Quiet hours apply from 9:30pm onwards.

See our cancellation policy above.

The hotel runs on a combination of solar power and grid electricity, uses energy-efficient lighting and appliances throughout, and has an on-site water recycling system for garden irrigation. A portion of room revenue also supports local sustainability initiatives — guests can contribute further by opting to skip room servicing during their stay.

Single-use plastics will be phased out across guestrooms and the restaurant, replaced with refillable amenities, filtered water stations, and compostable packaging where plastic can't be avoided.

Waste is separated into recycling, organics and landfill streams. We're aiming for food waste from Flo to be composted on-site and used in the hotel's kitchen garden.

We prioritise the local Kangaroo Island community wherever possible — from staff selection to sourcing from local producers. Where local pricing or specific skills make this difficult, we'll look further afield, but supporting our local community always comes first. The hotel also partners with community groups on island conservation projects and seasonal fundraising events.

The Ellson contributes a portion of room revenue to local wildlife conservation programs, including habitat regeneration following past bushfire recovery work on the island. Guests can also opt out of daily housekeeping to further support this program.

Suppliers are expected to meet baseline standards on fair labour practices and environmental responsibility, with preference given to certified sustainable or B Corp-aligned partners.

The Ellson maintains accessible rooms and facilities, trains staff in inclusive guest service, and welcomes feedback to continually improve accessibility across the property.

Guests can opt in to a linen and towel reuse program and learn about local conservation work through in-room information guides.

We don't run activities directly on-site, but pointing you toward the best of the island is one of our favourite jobs — from guided tours and wildlife encounters to arranging your wheels for the day, just ask our team.

A rental car is the most flexible option, as many attractions are spread out. Guided tours and shuttle services are also available for those who prefer not to drive — speak to our team if you need assistance.

We don't operate a shuttle directly, but we're happy to arrange transfers to and from Kingscote Airport and the SeaLink ferry terminal at Penneshaw on your behalf. Advance booking is recommended.

Popular spots include Seal Bay Conservation Park, the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch at Flinders Chase National Park, and Kelly Hill Caves.

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer (December–February) is popular for beaches and wildlife spotting.

Very likely! Kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and koalas are commonly spotted around the island. They're mostly nocturnal, so they'remore active in the early morning or late evening.

Yes — with wildlife encounters, beaches and easy walking trails, it's a great destination for families as well as couples and solo travellers.

Most visitors arrive via the SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis or by direct flight into Kingscote Airport from Adelaide. Our team can help you find the most convenient option for your travel circumstances.

It's recommended, especially in peak season. A Kangaroo Island Parks Pass covers entry to Flinders Chase National Park and several other key sites, and is available at the Gateway visitor centre in Penneshaw or the Natural Resource Centre in Kingscote.

Coverage is good in and around Kingscote and other towns but can be patchy in national parks and remote areas — it is worth downloading offline maps in advance.

Kangaroo Island is known for its honey, fresh seafood,and a growing number of boutique wineries, distilleries and cellar doors.

Yes, several local operators run guided tours covering wildlife spotting, birdwatching and walks through the island's national parks —our team can help arrange bookings.