As I note in another recent review we also stayed here for two nights as part of a Lake Eyre holiday package. I had previously stayed at the hotel in 1995 and it is exactly as I remembered it. It is, of course, very different being the "world's only underground international hotel" and being located in one of the more remote and hostile areas of outback Australia.

We stayed in an above ground room (our choice) which I would rate as adequate, probably around the three star level. It was over 45C degrees when we arrived and the airconditioning couldn't really cope (at least for the first few hours of our stay). Obviously that's why they have underground rooms!

Apart from the heat we would give all the other aspects of our stay a very good to excellent rating. The staff were excellent, friendy, efficient and willing to go the extra mile. The public facilities, meals and prices all exceeded expectations.

A special mention is due for the New Years Eve dinner. The decoration of the room, quality of food and service was equal to anything we have experience anywhere - no mean feat in this location. How many places do you go where an extensive "single malt buffet" (scotch whiskey) is included in the arrangements and the price?

Recently visited the Desert Cave for a planned 2 night's accommodation as part of a flying adventure to the region incorporating a flight over Lake Eyre but due to an unexpected problem with the aircraft we spent an additional 3 nights in a unique underground four star room.

The room itself was great, supported by excellent quality and choice of food in Umberto's restaurant prepared by European chefs, but the lasting impression that will remain with us is the friendliness and efficiency of the "international" contingent of staff ably lead by Monesh and Shane at the front desk.

The Desert Cave is an oasis..... a must stopover for anyone wanting to see this colourful part of Australia; being the world's opal capital with a charm and uniqueness that has to be experienced to be believed.

Flyingmac Group

We stayed two nights at this hotel as part of a Lake Eyre travel package.I was happy with my accommodation. The staff are mostly sourced from overseas on special work visas so have no real local knowledge or experience, however, I found them all well mannered and helpful. The restaurant, Umbertos, is very good. The prices are higher than city restaurants for mains but worth the cost considering the remote location of Coober Pedy. We felt it was worth paying a few dollars extra to have an excellent, well prepared meal in a remote outback town. The quality of the food and variety of menu was high which is unexpected in small isolated township.
Our room was large and well maintained. We would recommend this hotel to those wishing centrally located comfort and amenities.

LOCATION: Centrally located on Cooper Pedy’s main road: Hutchison Street, opposite the overrated John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant. Free car park for hotel guest and a five percent petrol discount at the nearby BP station.
HOTEL: The underground rooms were very popular and were often fully booked. Friendly and fast check-in and check-out. The above ground room was of a good size, dated, but clean. Decent beds and pillows. Good, quiet heater/air conditioner. Clean bathroom with good shower water pressure. Disappointing breakfast.
CONCLUSION: Dated, but decent hotel. Fine for a short stay.