The Arab Steed Hotel begain trading in 1849.

The present hotel building, together with its adjoining terrace of four houses along Gilles Street, were built in 1877 at the beginning of the boom period. The terrace houses were under separate ownership, but they were constructed by the same builder to achieve a matching complex. Later, the terrace was in the single ownership of John Sprod, an eminent doctor, and his family, for more than eighty years.

In the 1890 s, the South Adelaide Football Club made use of a ground in the South Parklands close to Hutt Street and the players often used to go to the old Arab Steed Hotel for half-time drinks!

The Hotel is proud of its heritage, and a recent upgrade has tried to retain the character of the past.