Guest burned in SA hotel fire

A guest is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering burns in a suspicious fire at a Riverland hotel in South Australia.

Police say the fire started in a room at the Waikerie Hotel-Motel on Thursday night and the premises were evacuated.

A man believed to have been staying in the room received serious burns and was airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he is in a critical condition.

Police say the fire is suspicious and damage is estimated at about $50,000.

In 2011, an electrical fault sparked a fire in the hotel bar, causing major damage.