A slew of great new places to stay in Newcastle should inspire a visit to NSW’s steel city.

You would have come up short if you searched for ‘hotels in Newcastle’ or ‘Newcastle accommodation’ a few years ago. But the steel city has undergone somewhat of a renaissance with a roster of new and notable hotels and retreats designed to accommodate a diverse mix of travellers.

Road trippers are now flocking to the city, which is equal parts gritty and glam, for a getaway. Whether you’re in Newcastle for a short or long stint, we’ve got a place to stay that will suit.

Hotels and resorts in Newcastle

Here are our picks for the best resorts and hotels in Newcastle.

1. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Newcastle’s Crystalbrook Kingsley is another glittering jewel in the crown of the innovative Crystalbrook Collection brand, which promotes sustainable and responsible luxury. Newcastle’s first five-star hotel is steeped in history, housed as it is in an iconic former council administration building known as The Roundhouse. The design successfully retains the beauty of the original Brutalist-style building, while also nodding to Newcastle’s history as a coal port with a colour palette that complements the earthy-hued edifice of the original building.

Inside, the structure is softened by warm muted greens and pops of yellow and by the undulating forms of the revitalised building, one of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2021. Conscious travellers will be pleased to hear the brand continues its sustainable stance, with its 100 per cent waste-free bathrooms with biodegradable or recyclable amenities.  The rooms inside the 130-room hotel are super stylish and pay tribute to the building’s bones. Circle back to The Roundhouse for dinner; the rooftop venue is one of the best places to wine and dine in Newcastle.

2. QT Newcastle

Looking for a quirky Newcastle accommodation? The QT Newcastle is the obvious place to start. The brand’s maximalist approach makes this luxury hotel feel more New York than Newcastle. The atmosphere is elevated from the outset thanks to the Director of Chaos, who greets guests wearing a jaunty pill box hat.

The director orchestrates the chaos by leading guests into the foyer, which features terracotta tiles, a gibbous moon glowing down from the ceiling and a pop of colour from a stunning circular sculpture by Sydney artist Ryan Hoffmann. Quintessential QT quirk.

This is not the kind of hotel aimed at minimalists. The rooms here are a carefully curated jumble of textures and colours and places and spaces where you can kick off your shoes and relax. The hotel is housed in the iconic heritage-listed David Jones building, which is central to the newly reimagined East End and features nods to the city’s past and present.

3. Novotel Newcastle Beach

If you’re the type of traveller who prefers the amenities of a hotel, Novotel owns that niche. This premier 4.5-star property is in the East End precinct, right on the doorstep of one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks. The Newcastle hotel commands the corner of its beachside city block location, providing guests plenty of opportunity to explore picturesque walks, galleries, cafes and restaurants.

The rooms feature spacious, contemporary design. For those with a water-facing room, large floor-to-ceiling windows grant panoramic views of the famous East Coast. Book a table at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Bistro Dalby. The contemporary Australian menu showcases local, seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s one of the perfect places to fuel up on coffee in Newcastle or unwind after a long day exploring the city’s main attractions.

4. Quest Newcastle West

The Newcastle West arm of the Quest portfolio goes far beyond the duties of a traditional serviced apartment hotel, opting to showcase a bit of town history along the way. Originally built as a brewery, then subsequently turned into a museum, these one- two- and three-bedroom self-serviced apartments now serve as a premium upmarket venue.

The building retains much of its original charm, housing beautifully restored old beams, window placements and other original fixtures of the 1876 Woods Castlemaine Brewery. The addition of a cosy kitchenette makes the Quest Newcastle West the perfect alternative to a hotel room. Guests can opt to cook inside or at one of the al fresco barbecue areas.

There is also the opportunity to take advantage of Quest’s pantry shopping service and have groceries delivered to your apartment. Want a night off the pans? The lively West Newcastle precinct is home to some of the best restaurants in Newcastle and is just a few minutes’ stroll away. Room service powered by Deliveroo is also available during business hours.

5. Holiday Inn Express

Sometimes it’s hard for city hotels to nail the balance between functional and refined. The Holiday Inn Express is an example of Newcastle accommodation that makes this look effortless. Simple and smart is the motto here, which is tastefully reflected throughout the rooms. No matter which you are assigned, all have the trimmings of a luxe, new build, featuring an abundance of natural light and boutique furnishings.

The robes are plush, and the minibar is well stocked. The geometric façade is beautifully modern, integrating well with Newcastle’s surrounding industrial landscape. You’ll find the property a mere block from the Interchange and Marketown, and only a couple more from one of the city’s favourite Mexican haunts, Antojitos.

6. Rydges Newcastle

Wait till Rydges Newcastle is having a flash sale and then pounce on a booking at this prominent Newcastle hotel located on the iconic Honeysuckle promenade. In terms of Newcastle accommodation, it is well placed to take advantage of the city’s major attractions and beaches where you will be crunching sand beneath your free after a quick bike ride to Stockton Beach. The harbourside rooms are sparse and minimal, which allows the eyes to linger on those waterfront views.

The hotel has free wi-fi, family rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar and bikes for hire. There’s also a waterslide, which underscores the family-friendly nature of this hotel. Carve some time out of your itinerary to visit The Wharf 350 Restaurant and Bar, both simple spaces that frame those waterfront views. Plan your strategy before hitting the hot breakfast buffet the next day.

7. Mercure Newcastle Airport Hotel

Are you flying in or out of Newcastle on business? This airport hotel is just 300 metres from Newcastle Airport. Best of all: it is centrally located between Newcastle and Port Stephens. The hotel’s location adjacent to the runway is what appeals most with the Mercure Newcastle Airport Hotel. It’s for business travellers who want to cut down on their commute.

The spacious rooms here are modern and spacious. And the soundproof windows absorb the noise from the planes roaring down the tarmac. This is not for those looking for a beachside hang. But it’s a perfect hotel for business travellers to Newcastle.

Newcastle holiday homes and Airbnbs

There is no shortage of incredible Airbnb properties and holiday homes near Newcastle, from our favourite inner-urban cottages to waterfront retreats.

8. The Beach House at Merewether, Merewether

The Beach House at Mereweather is mere metres from the ocean. You’ll awake to the sights and sounds of waves crashing and birds chirping. Once you’re up, head to the front deck to enjoy panoramic views of the sunrise and surrounds.

Find modern house facilities accompanied by some fun technologically savvy additions: the key-less entry, sound system, soda water taps and an outdoor shower with hot water. You’ll also find a Jacuzzi out back which you can enjoy during the cooler months. The Beach House is also a short stroll from Mereweather Ocean Baths, the famous Bathers Way walk and a number of seaside coffee shops.

9. Brunswick Mews, Cooks Hill

Brunswick Mews sets an exciting new standard for luxury accommodation in Newcastle. Spend the night in a beautifully renovated 130-year-old classic Victorian terrace, set among the heart of trendy Cooks Hill. By day you can explore the surrounding Darby Street precinct, and all the natural beauty Newcastle has to offer.

Retreat “home" each evening and indulge in this delightful fusion of classic and quirky, yet with a modern and sophisticated design. There’s a barbecue and al fresco deck onsite, which provides the perfect setting for a sunset dinner. The historic terrace has some of Newcastle’s best restaurants on its doorstep.

10. The River Haus, Morpeth

There are lot of things to love about this dinky little weatherboard cottage located in Morpeth, just a 40-minute drive from Newcastle. The pretty little two-bedroom cottage is in the historic inland river port town of Morpeth just a stone’s throw from the Hunter River. It’s also just a short mooch away from the award-winning Boydell’s Cellar Door and Restaurant and a great place to base yourself while exploring all the best wineries of the Hunter Valley.

The River Haus is filled with a lot of fab flotsam and jetsam, such as an old ship’s rope, vintage kitchen scales, a Bentwood chair and weathered oars. It’s also fitted out with a Smart TV, sound bar, wi-fi, ducted heating, wood fire, blackout blinds and Bosch appliances. A rich palette of dark caramel and warm woods invites absolute relaxation. There is no better place for regenerating the soul. Just surrender already.

11. Pappa Sven Apartments

When Libby Helinski took her gap year in Sweden, she knew she wanted to capture some of the magic from her travels and channel it into a space back home in Newcastle. That was in 2014. Since then, Pappa Sven has served as Cook Hill’s authentic Nordic lifestyle store. It’s a place where product craftsmanship reigns supreme, and so does the community-centric in-store experience.

Now you can soak up the design magic in Libby’s upstairs apartment accommodation. Swedish and Scandinavian design principles are beautifully showcased throughout Pappa Sven Apartments. Find high ceilings, exposed brick walls, linen bedding and minimalist furnishing choices. Wake to the comfort of a fully equipped kitchen, and complete the experience with a heavenly walk-in rainfall shower.

The boutique accommodation offering aims to transport you to an apartment in Helsinki, equipped with all the quality products and functional style that you’ll find in the shop downstairs.

12. Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows

You’ll find Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows a little further afield from the hustle and bustle of the Newcastle CBD. It’s located approximately 40 minutes south for the perfect city escape filled with privacy and coastal charm. Choose your beachside staycation from the vast selection of properties; there’s the Hamptons style beach bungalows, charming timber villas, spacious townhouses or the brand new four-bedroom beach house.

The properties come with beach access via a tapestry of timber boardwalks. Or perhaps a poolside beverage is more to your liking? Top this off with a quick trip to the nearby dunes, and a delicious meal at the Caves Coastal restaurant.

Newcastle pubs with accommodation

It’s all log fires, local craft beers and warm Novocastrian hospitality at these pubs with accommodation.

13. The Lucky Hotel

Classic country pubs continue to be transformed into upscale venues and The Lucky Hotel is one of them. Constructed in 2014, each of The Lucky’s 30 boutique rooms are unique. There are modern and tasteful furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, luxury bedding and premium L’Occitane amenities. But the best part? Each suite reveals a unique quote about luck, which has been beautifully hand-painted by local artist Brett Piva.

Visit the pub and restaurant downstairs for live music a few nights of the week, as well as daily food specials from their Mexi-Cali share-style menu. Each dish is packed with Mexican spices, while the meats are cooked low and slow on their imported American Smoker. There’s also a full vegan menu on offer.

14. The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel delivers plenty of nostalgic charm thanks to its status as Newcastle’s only heritage-listed hotel (dating back to 1891). Escaping to a warm, friendly pub that serves food is a great way to get to know a city. Saddle up to the bar and meet the locals enjoying meals that make the most of the local produce.

Downstairs, two great bars serve as the perfect hideaway for a quiet drink. Or if you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat from the bustling bistro and take note of the kitsch memorabilia that dons the walls as you enjoy your meal. The Underground is considered one of the best bars in Newcastle and it’s found tucked away under The Grand Hotel. Head upstairs after the call for last drinks to find large modern rooms with plenty of natural light and space.

Caravan parks and camping in Newcastle

Whether you are the kind of camper or caravanner who has their own composting loo or one that is partial to a bouncing pillow, here are a few places to pull up the caravan or pitch a tent near Newcastle.

15. NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Peg out your campsite, unpack your Thermos, pour yourself a cuppa and kick back watching the haze of the horizon and the endless big blue. This popular holiday park is metres from Stockton Beach, and it’s where you will find a constant stream of families with children who have become firm friends after booking holidays here each year. Explore the nearby Stockton Bite Sand Dunes.

The caravan and camping village is spread out in a triangle and has a range of accommodation, from villas to ensuite caravan sites, powered and unpowered tent sites and slabs to pull up a van. If you’re looking for immersion into the outdoors, this holiday park near Newcastle is in a prime location. Fish, surf, swim, build sandcastles or go sandboarding in the dunes.

16. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park

Park your tiny van near to your powered site at the Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park and give The Wilderness Chef a call to come and cook up the flathead you caught line-fishing in the waters of Lake Macquarie. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park is located on a finger of land that juts out into Lake Macquarie. It’s because of this that staying at the park feels a bit like an island idyll.

Check the weather report and watch the wrinkles in the water undulate away from you as pelicans and shorebirds cause it to ripple. The park’s central location, just a half-hour drive from Newcastle, makes it a convenient proposition as a place to unwind. Hire a dinghy and launch off the park’s boat ramp or challenge yourself by learning a new skill such as windsurfing or kiteboarding. There are dog-friendly areas in the park for you to take your four-legged friend.

17. Arcadia Family Campsite

HipCamp is another great disruptor. And we welcome it to the fold. The Arcadia Family Campsite backs onto both Watagan and NSW State Forests. The emphasis here is on getting back to nature as the private property is home to a resident mob of wallabies, deer, numerous amphibians, native birds, flora and fauna. It’s perfect for an extended family gathering with space for up to 15 vehicles and 15 tents and a maximum of 25 guests (including children).

There’s also a billabong and a flat sheltered camp kitchen and shelter with a BBQ and storage facility. Note: this is not a place for partying. BYO acoustic guitar and marshmallows. It’s old-school camping at its very finest. It’s only an hour from Newcastle in the rural township of Martinsville.