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.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

9 excellent hotels in Newcastle for your next stay