9 Excellent Newcastle Hotels For Your Next Stay

Explore our pick of the best places to stay in Newcastle to suit every type of traveller.

Whether you’re in town to soak up the sun and surf the waves at Newcastle’s incredible beaches, want to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, or are ready to drink and dine your way around the former Steel City, there are ample hotels in Newcastle to choose from. Here you’ll find the perfect place to lay your head with this guide to Newcastle hotels, from luxury stays to family-friendly apartments.

1. QT Newcastle

Cool and quirky vibes are what sets QT Hotels apart and its Newcastle property is no different, balancing eccentricity and elegance superbly.

colourful lights outside the elevator in the lobby of QT Newcastle — QT Newcastle is renowned for its boundary-pushing design.

The opening of QT Newcastle gave the city’s heritage-listed David Jones building a new lease on life (Deluxe King room image also featured at top), thanks to a colossal $700-million investment into the East End district and Hunter Street Mall. The interiors ooze playfulness, with striking colours and textural details, all hinging on the building’s glamourous century-old heritage.

the king room with a balcony at QT Newcastle — The QT King room with balcony offers a luxurious stay.

Living large is the aim at QT, from the moment you are greeted by QT’s signature Director of Chaos – who fills the traditional role of a concierge, costumed in bold Romance Is Born-designed uniforms – to a nightcap at the rooftop bar, which stocks an impressive array of Japanese whiskeys and gins accompanied by views of Newcastle’s envious coastline.

the rooftop bar at QT Newcastle — Chill at the rooftop bar come sundown.

2. Crystalbrook Kingsley

After a staggering transformation, Newcastle’s former council administration building went from drab offices to the city’s first five-star hotel , under the helm of Crystalbrook Collection.

the master bathroom at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle — Find elegant and lavish interiors in Crystalbrook Kingsley.

Close to Newcastle Harbour and foodie-friendly Darby Street, the 1977-built circular Brutalist building is a contrast to what lies within: luxe interiors, fine food and wine, and attentive, warm service.

rooftop views at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle — Gaze at scenic views from its rooftop restaurant.

The iconic building’s namesake restaurant, Roundhouse, is perched on the hotel’s top floor, posing as a stylish dining destination alongside Romberg’s cocktail bar with far-stretching views of the buzzy city below.

a couple sitting beside each other on a couch at Romberg's, Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle — Curl up on the couch with a cocktail in hand at Romberg’s.

The hotel’s 130 rooms boast views of the city, Newcastle’s Civic Park (where the epic Olive Tree Markets are held), or the bustling harbour, and have been thoughtfully designed in soft tones and premium furnishings.

the bedroom interior at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle — The curtains open up to incredible views of the city.

At the heart of every Crystalbrook Collection hotel is a commitment to sustainability: think reduced plastics, tech over paper, waste-free bathroom amenities and water stations on every floor to refill your bottles, meaning your feel-fancy stay is a feel-good one, too.

the Romberg's at Crystalbrook Kingsley, Newcastle — Drink up at Romberg’s.

3. Novotel Newcastle Beach

Ocean lovers will find solace in this East End hotel , an easy walk to Newcastle Beach, home to an epic surf break, glorious Art Deco ocean baths and a shallow tidal pool that is perfect for families.

the indoor pool at Novotel Newcastle Beach — Freshen up in the morning with a soak in the pool. (Image: Crave New Media)

The rooms exude a simple and clean design, and range from those with harbour views, a balcony to catch the ocean breeze or can sleep a family of four comfortably.

dining on the balcony with ocean views at Novotel Newcastle Beach — Dine on the balcony fronting the ocean at Novotel Newcastle Beach. (Image: Crave New Media)

While you’re within a stone’s throw of dining options, the hotel’s bistro is open for breakfast and seasonal dinner, and there’s a gym and pool for wellness beyond the beach.

a kids' corner inside the room at Novotel Newcastle Beach — There’s even a kids’ corner for your little ones. (Image: Crave New Media)

4. Holiday Inn Express

Ever muttered the words, “It’s just a place to sleep," when scrolling through overpriced hotel options for short stays or business trips? Enter Holiday Inn Express in Newcastle West : a convenient and fuss-free stay, where you’ll find both affordability, cool design and comfort.

the lobby at Holiday Inn Express, Newcastle — Seek solace at Holiday Inn Express.

All guest rooms are modern, light and airy, there’s a fitness centre, and a lobby lounge, where a complimentary buffet breakfast is provided to all guests, and lunch and dinner are also served. Or if you’ve clocked off cooking duties, take the easy 10-minute walk to Honeysuckle precinct, where you’ll find a plethora of harbourside drinking and dining options.

the dining at Holiday Inn Express, Newcastle — Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast.

5. Quest Newcastle West

When travelling as a family or if you’re planning to linger a little longer, kitchen and laundry facilities are not only convenient, but they are also non-negotiables. Quest Newcastle West comprises studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Winning!

the two-bedroom accommodation with kitchen and dining at Quest Newcastle West — Quest Newcastle West offers all the conveniences of home.

Beyond the checked boxes, this property in Newcastle West is full of heritage charm. Located within the 1876-built former Woods Castlemaine Brewery, it retains original fixtures such as restored wooden beams and windows, while the apartments are contemporary yet comfy. There’s also a barbecue area if you want to cook alfresco or you can dine out at some of the many local restaurants and charge the bill back to your room.

the kitchen inside the one-bedroom accommodation at Quest Newcastle West — All rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen.

6. Rydges Newcastle

Located smack-bang in the middle of Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct – once former industrial wasteland now packed with places to eat and drink and a scenic foreshore to stroll – Rydges Newcastle flies the flag for location.

the waterfront restaurant at Rydges Newcastle — Find stylish harbour dining at Rydges Newcastle.

With spacious suites, some boasting balconies, an on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor play area, and a swimming pool and waterslide with views across to the harbour, it’s especially pleasing for travellers with kids.

the Rydges Newcastle located by the side of the road — Rydges Newcastle flies the flag for location.

Bikes are available for hire, so you can explore the foreshore on two wheels: follow the path around to Nobbys Lighthouse and beach or Newcastle Ocean Baths for a refreshing dip.

a suite with a balcony at Rydges Newcastle — Stay in a suite with a balcony overlooking the harbour.

7. Ibis Newcastle

If you’re filtering your search from lowest to highest price, you’ll likely scroll to Ibis Newcastle . This affordable hotel is roughly a 10-minute walk to both Honeysuckle Foreshore and buzzy dining options of Hunter Street Mall.

If you want to go further afield, it’s also located near a light rail station. Rooms are simple with the bare essentials, but there’s a restaurant on-site serving a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a bar.

the property exterior of Ibis Newcastle — Head to Ibis Newcastle if you’re looking for an affordable place to stay.

8. Noah’s on the Beach

Wake up to the sight of a cerulean ocean sparkling under the morning sun at Noah’s on the Beach , the city’s only beachfront hotel, across from Newcastle Beach and its iconic art deco ocean baths.

While the hotel interiors are a little dated, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms that frame the Pacific Ocean well and truly make up for it. Aside from the ocean-view rooms, Noah’s on the Beach also has harbour-view rooms and city-view rooms, family rooms, and Noah’s Restaurant, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Beach bums will love this hotel, but it’s also close to the urban centre via light rail, and the six-kilometre Bathers Way walk that traces the coastline from Nobbys Lighthouse to neighbouring Merewether Beach.

9. Crown on Darby

Darby Street has long been a cultural hotspot for dining, drinking, shopping and art. Have it all within easy stride with a stay at Crown on Darby , located in the historic inner-city suburb of Cooks Hill.

the room interior at Crown on Darby, Newcastle — Crown on Darby has rooms spacious enough for families.

Crown on Darby comprises studios and one- to four-bedroom apartments, meaning it’s perfect for longer stays or for families and groups travelling to Newcastle together. The rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with kitchenettes or kitchens; not that you’ll be needing those facilities with the excellent dining scene nearby.

Spend days browsing Newcastle’s art scene, paying tribute to Novocastrian designers and creatives, with a huge concentration of local boutiques and art galleries in the area.

the bedroom studio at Crown on Darby, Newcastle — Get a good night’s sleep before heading off to explore the city.

For more places to stay, read our wrap of Newcastle accommodation and Airbnb stays in Newcastle.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

9 excellent hotels in Newcastle for your next stay