(Drank 12/18/24 WE @ 11:30am): Our aura was safe from the hole in the ozone layer as we grabbed a beer 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 read more

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I read the reviews before going to Kangaroo Island. I headed the warnings and went with a higher category 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. read more

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Pro: - convenient location to some of the restaurants and tour pickup. This was key given that we were late on getting a car and was a bit stranded for two out of the three days without a car - right next to the sea. One could hear the waves falling asleep - the views from the restaurant are fantastic. Grab a drink vs. eating there. Con: - the beds are extremely hard. I ached from sleeping on the bed. Difficult for a side sleeper - the bed sheets don't seem to be changed when they get dirty and showers aren't cleaned on daily basis. Feels more like an apartment rental. - the reception is more for basic things rather than concierge. One would need to book its own group tour etc. - walls are super thin. We are lucky that none of our neighbors stayed up late but one could hear all of the television noise going through the walls. - don't eat at the restaurant. I had the eggplant with lentil dish. It wasn't really edible. I can cook better than this at home. - no one gives you direction on how to get in during after hours. Tip: if you get stranded outside after 9pm, use the small key (at the bottom of the stairs on the right) to open the sliding doors. Once you get in, the usual access is locked if you are on the other side of the hotel (apartment 1-5). you would have to go to the second floor, across the way, then go down stairs to get to the other side of the access door. Best places around the hotel: Foodland for grocery Bella for dinner (closed on Sunday) Amadio for wine bar Cactus for breakfast/lunch Caltex for fish and chips read more

The hotel is fine, but just don't eat dinner here. I ordered a hamburger, medium rare. It came out well done, and the cheese wasn't even melted. The Szechuan calamari was not very crispy and it certainly didn't have any Szechuan seasoning also, the night we were there were numerous huge parties, and so the service was very slow read more

We stayed here because: 1.) We flew to KI 2.) For our first night (of 5) - we wanted to stay someplace where we could get a good dinner 3.) We wanted to ensure we could stock up provisions to stay more remote after It was the perfect start to 5 days on KI. What did we get? 1.) Very friendly people; advice on where to go/what to see 2.) A great dinner - surprising for us - the other 4 nights we cooked on our own (not as good) 3.) A breakfast with a lot of choices - both hot and cold - stoked us up for a lot of hiking 4.) A large room with ample heating facilities (we went in June when it was in the single digits) 5.) A nice view of the bay 6.) An easy walk to attractions in town - and a well stocked market for provisions. read more

Just had a fantastic dinner, food was wonderful and the staff were always sming.

This was where our tour arranged for our stay. Hotel itself is fine, though I could never get our room warm. Place was clean and spacious and not too loud. Nice amenities and tra service in room. Restaurant was overpriced. The descriptions sounded amazing, but the actual product was a bit disappointing. The service was abysmal. I really wanted dessert, but finally gave up because I was tired of waiting an hour for the staff to come check on us again. Not sure what happens on a busy night. Not a lot of choices in town, I'd be okay staying at the hotel again, but would definitely try somewhere else for food. read more

The hotel is nicely located but the housekeeping is atrocious. Floors with hair on them and waste baskets not emptied from previous guests. Empty Kleenex and toilet paper not replaced and no spares in the room. Floors still not cleaned even after bringing the problems to their attention. Internet was spotty and one had to repeatedly sign on. Personnel were extremely nice. The restaurant was VERY slow although again, the staff could not have been nicer. Portions were very large tho the quality of the food for both breakfast and dinner was mediocre. In retrospect, a high quality B & B would have been a better choice. read more

We stayed here for two nights. The rooms were outdated but clean. The restaurant food was poor. The steak was very tough to cut and chew, the chicken was a bit rare, and the breakfast appeared not to be refreshed through out the morning. Almost half of the items on the menu were unavailable. Other items were extremely over cooked and inedible. read more

I have been visiting the Ozone every 6 months for the last 6 years, and for most of the time the food has ranged from passable to pretty good. The highlight was when they had resident Sri Lankan chefs doing authentic cuisine from that nation. We ate at the Ozone a week ago expecting the same reasonably priced, decent quality food served by staff who were polite and cared whether the meal was satisfying. We were extremely disappointed to end up with 3 meals that none of us (myself, wife and 2 children) could complete. The soups and curries had disappeared from the menu, so I chose the "Wagyu" schnitzel. It was tough, chewy, bland and oily. If it was Wagyu, it was cheap cast offs marketed for gullible people. My wife had the fish and chips. The battered fish had lumps of uncooked flour in the batter. My kids shared the beef hamburger which they declined to complete. On tasting it I understood why. Apart from the beef patty which was very salty and over seasoned, it was bland and dull. Even the aioli for the chips was bland. This misery meal set us back 80 dollars! The staff made no attempt to talk to the meal with us. Very disappointed. Go to the local fish and chip shop instead. I am ashamed that this is what most tourists (many of whom are from countries where you have to search to find bad food) will experience as Kangaroo Island food. I will certainly not be returning. read more