The Best Accommodation in the Hunter Valley, NSW

July 15, 2023

The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in Australia, with plenty of places for you to go wine tasting, as well as a multitude of local producers creating everything from chocolate, cheese and olive oil to bespoke art pieces and top-shelf liquors. During your visit, you’ll want to find somewhere to stay that complements your style, whether it’s a family-friendly apartment, comfortable hotel room or boutique wellness retreat. So without further ado, here’s a collection of 15 of the best places to stay in the Hunter Valley Region.

Elysia Wellness Retreat

Want to reset your mind, relax your body and discover new ways to become healthier and more motivated? If the answer is yes, then Elysia Wellness Retreat might be the place for you! The one, two or three-bedroom suites feature a balcony seating area that overlooks the scenic countryside. There are daily wellness programs to participate in and opportunities to enjoy the 25m lap pool, outdoor resort pool, onsite restaurant, tennis courts, indoor sports centre and gym, yoga and meditation studios, library, day spa and indoor cycling room. By the end of your stay, you’ll be feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on your next challenge!

Spicers Vineyard Estate

Spicers Vineyard Estate offers 12 luxurious suites that are surrounded by acres of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Each suite has a cosy fireplace, relaxing spa bath and comfortable king-size bed, making it your own little haven. That being said, the Spa Anise day spa isn’t far away. For larger groups, the estate also has a spacious four-bedroom house which comes with a private pool. Feeling hungry? Just take a short walk over to Botanica. Popular with visitors and locals alike, the estate’s restaurant proudly showcases Australian produce and products using French cooking techniques.

Spicers Guesthouse

Around 12km from Spicers Vineyard Estate is the Spicers Guesthouse. Offering a similar level of luxury but with a modern farmhouse vibe, the guest house has 45 rooms that all feature a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. There’s a common lounge where guests are invited to sit in front of a crackling fire and meals can be enjoyed at éRemo, the onsite restaurant which serves Italian cuisine with a modern Australian twist. Spicers Guesthouse also has a four-bedroom country home named The Cottage – perfect for larger groups of friends, family or even a wedding party. It has a full kitchen, large living area and a verandah that wraps around the building and overlooks the private gardens.

Grand Mercure Apartments, The Vintage

Located within the grounds of The Vintage are the Grand Mercure Apartments. The one, two or three-bedroom apartments have an open plan dining room and kitchen or kitchenette. This means you can spend a day sampling and sourcing local produce then come back and enjoy a meal or charcuterie board created from the tasty delights you found. There’s also a balcony or outdoor seating area if you’d like to enjoy a sundowner out in the fresh air. Stepping out of the apartment, there’s an 18-hole golf course designed by champion golfer Greg Norman, a range of sporting facilities at the clubhouse and a laid-back yet high-quality dining experience on offer at NINETEEN.

Vintage Drive | Pokolbin NSW 2320 | (02) 4998 2222 | Website | Facebook

Chateau Elan

Also located at The Vintage is Chateau Elan, which offers two styles of accommodation; hotel suites and apartments. The large suites are located in the main building and come with a king-sized bed with plush duck-down pillows, private outdoor area and priority access to The Spa day spa. Meanwhile, the one and two-bedroom apartments are set in the Villa building and have a relaxing spa bath, open plan living area with a cosy fireplace and a designer kitchen. During your stay at the Chateau Elan you can enjoy a quick meal and a drink at Spike Bar, the breakfast buffet and dinner menu at Legends Restaurant, or a round of golf at the Vintage Golf Club.

Hunter Valley Resort

Set on a 100-acre property, the Hunter Valley Resort is surrounded by vineyards and a working farm. It’s been owned and operated by the Helé family for generations – meaning your stay supports a local business. You get to choose between a Hunter or King hotel room, spa cottage room with a spa and kitchenette, or two-bedroom cottage for up to six people. In between exploring the region you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or play a game of tennis on the full-sized court. When you get peckish, 4 Pines at the Farm is just next door. They’ve got everything you need with 12 taps, a wine cellar and menu that changes throughout the day.

Voco Kirkton Park

At Voco Kirkton Park, you can expect a relaxing experience with a touch of country glamour. The hotel rooms and suites have gorgeous views of the Kirkton Park Estate, which can be enjoyed at the end of the day with a glass of local wine in hand. Stepping outside your room there’s plenty to do without even leaving the estate. There are outdoor courts, walking trails and manicured gardens where you can enjoy a picnic and lawn games. Get your sweat on with a workout at the fitness centre or laps in the indoor pool before chilling out in the sauna and spa. To enjoy the produce that comes from the estate, get a table at Locavore Dining and try out their seasonal menu. It uses regional and estate produce to create delicious meals that are paired with local wines.

Oaks Cypress Lakes

If you’re looking for premium accommodation with a huge range of facilities, then Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort could be the place for you. They offer one, two or three-bedroom villas that have a kitchen or kitchenette and a private balcony. If you’re one to stay active there are tennis courts, swimming pools, an award-winning golf course and gym. If you’d rather just relax there’s a jacuzzi, boutique whisky bar and passes to the Elysia Wellness Retreat. At dinner time, either whip up a meal in your apartment using any local produce you’ve discovered or head to one of the onsite restaurants. The menu at Oak & Vine is inspired by Sri Lankan cuisine, while Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar is a more casual experience.

15 Thomson Road | Pokolbin NSW 2320 | 1300 886 091 | Website | Facebook

The Convent

Taking its name from the property’s history, The Convent was once home to nuns from the Bridigine order. Today you can choose from 19 updated rooms and suites, each of which has been individually decorated to create the feel of a grand manor house. During your stay, you can hire a bike to explore the countryside, play a game of tennis or swim in the pool. Wine tasting is available on the estate at Pepper Tree Wines and you can enjoy breakfast or high tea at Restaurant Eighty Eight. It sources as much produce from the estate as possible. For a more premium dining experience, why not reserve a table at Circa 1876, one of the Hunter Valley’s most renowned and award-winning dining experiences.

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

At the Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, there’s something for every traveller with hotel rooms, suites, kids’ suites and villas available. When it comes to facilities, there’s just about everything you can imagine, from an 18-hole golf course, adults-only pool and day spa to an art gallery, boutique store and kids’ water park. When your tummy starts to rumble you’ve got a choice between the casual dining and craft beer available at the Lovedale Bar + Grill or a gourmet breakfast and award-winning fine dining dinner at Redsalt Restaurant. For something lighter, head to the Visa Lounge whisky and cocktail bar, and if you can’t be bothered going out, simply get comfy and order in from the extensive room service menu.

Tonic Hotel

The idea at Tonic is to give you a place to relax with discrete service and no interruptions. There are only eight rooms available; six individual guest rooms and a two-bedroom apartment complete with a kitchen, outdoor BBQ area and two ensuite bathrooms. If you feel like a massage a therapist can be called to the room, or you can head to the nearby Elysia Wellness Retreat or Tea Tree Spa. For special events, guests can also book the Tonic lounge, which has a full kitchen, BBQ and is perfect for accommodating up to 20 guests. If you book all eight rooms you’ll even get the space for free!

251 Talga Road | Lovedale NSW 2325 | Website | Facebook

Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens

At the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens , you can select from a studio room, superior room, deluxe room or king suite. Each comes with a private outdoor area, perfect for enjoying a secluded moment with a glass of wine or morning coffee. As a guest, you’ll get discounted access to the Hunter Valley Gardens and can buy a pass to the Hunter Valley Gym. For breakfast and dinner, visit éléments Bar & Dining to experience a menu inspired by the tastes of Italy and France. The signature dish is duck confit and the meals have been expertly paired with regional wines – delicious!

Corner Broke and McDonalds Road | Pokolbin NSW 2320 | (02) 4998 2000 | Website | Facebook

Wine Country Retreat

At the Wine Country Retreat, you can expect lodge-style accommodation with comfortable beds, an outdoor seating area with views of the property and a mini fridge for storing any treats you buy during your daily excursions. There’s a swimming pool, gym and sauna to enjoy, as well as a BBQ area and fire pit. You can interact with some of the rescue animals who roam freely around the property and collect eggs from the chicken coop. The onsite restaurant, East West Hunter Valley, offers one, two and three-course meals with a full bar to keep you hydrated. After dinner, it’s only a short walk back to your accommodation, where you can relax, rest and get ready for a new day of exploring the Hunter Valley.

Best Western Endeavour Motel

If you’re looking to see a bit more from the Hunter Valley and surrounding areas, then the Best Western Endeavour Motel is one to consider. Located in Maitland, it’s only a short walk to the historic Maitland Gaol. The motel has deluxe spa, executive and family rooms that feature WiFi, a minibar and microwave on request. For a tasty meal just head to the onsite dining option, Endeavour Restaurant. Popular with locals as well, you can select from a range of main meals and seafood dishes including a selection of oyster dishes.

233-235 Newcastle Street | East Maitland NSW 2323 | (02) 4933 5488 | Website | Facebook

Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

At Harrigan’s Hunter Valley you have the choice between a hotel room, suite or apartment with two or three bedrooms. Some feature a rejuvenating spa bath while others have views of the Brokenback Ranges or a cosy fireplace. For a bite to eat why not try the Harrigan’s Bistro. Open throughout the day it has an award-winning beef and Guinness pot pie and runs events on special days including St Patrick’s Day. If you feel like going a little further afield, the Hunter Valley Gardens and Hunter Valley Village Centre are just down the road.

Tags: Boutique accommodation, Day spa, Fine dining, Golf course, Hotels, Hunter Valley, Hunter Valley Region, Resorts, Restaurants, Spa retreat, Vineyard, Weekend Adventure, Weekend retreat, Wineries, Winery

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