When the Ambassadors Hotel was constructed in 1881 as the Service Club it was one of the largest, most up-to-date and valuable buildings in King William Street. The hotel was built in a boom period during which King William Street in particular was transformed by the rebuilding of banks and other financial institutions.
I was delighted to be hired to photograph the hotel’s rooms and facilities.
The construction of this ‘first class family hotel’ in Adelaide’s ‘principal thoroughfare’ was the act of an astute local merchant whose business interests were highly diversified. Thomas Graves started in business in 1848 as a retail and wholesale grocer. He was one of those who prospered during the Victorian gold-rushes, not by toiling for gold, but through trade with the diggings.
The Ambassadors Hotel is currently classified as a place of Local Heritage (City Significance). A heritage listing does not mean or imply right of access by the public to such properties.






Beer Garden & Billiards




The Glasshouse & Restaurant





Steak Sandwich & Chicken Wings


Rooms & Accommodation






Some bathroom floors still retain the original tile flooring.
Some of the images above are my own selections from those I photographed for the client, and some are client selections.
I am an Adelaide-based multi-disciplinary photographer. For photography & media / PR commissions, please call or text 0429048917 or email [email protected]
Naina’s Photography Portfolio