As one of Australia’s premier food and wine tourism destinations, the Hunter Valley in New South Wales is blessed with a wide variety of excellent accommodation options.
So, where to stay in the Hunter Valley? Well, it all depends on where, when and what you want to see on your Hunter Valley trip. But no matter what the time of year, your particular food and wine travel desires, or your budget, you can be sure the Hunter Valley will not disappoint. With so much choice our guide will assist with some suggestions and help you figure out your options and make an informed decision.
Staying among the vineyards
Naturally, as a world-famous wine-producing region, staying among the vineyards is a popular option for many visitors to the Hunter Valley. One of the great delights for many visitors is wandering among the vines as they sample the very wines that were produced on the spot from some of Australia’s oldest vineyards.
One of the advantages of staying on a vineyard is the opportunity to enjoy special features and activities, such as private wine tastings, winemaking and wine and food pairing classes, as well private vineyard explanatory tours, and alike. And with more than 150 wineries dotted throughout the Hunter Valley region, you’ll never be short of vineyards to explore.
5 Star luxury in the Hunter Valley
If you like your accommodation ritzy with all the bells and whistles, the Hunter Valley has plenty of options. The region offers a host of 4 and 5-star resort and hotel choices that offer the kind of luxury facilities you would expect, such as swimming pools and spas, tennis courts, beauty spas, child-minding services, and more. A popular draw card for many is the region’s excellent golf facilities. Some resorts, such as the Crowne Plaza, boasts their own 18-hole courses, or you can enjoy a round at many of the other courses in the area including the Greg Norman designed course located within The Vintage.
Some popular choices to consider: Chateau Elan At the Vintage; Mercure Resort; Spicers Vineyards Estate and Guesthouse; Kirkton Park Hunter Valley; Tonic Hotel Rothbury; The Convent.
Top accommodation options to suit any taste and budget
Not matter whether you prefer a relaxed country farm-stay style of accommodation or a more modern, sophisticated style of accommodation, you’ll find the Hunter Valley has a wide variety of options to suit your taste and budget. From cosy country hotels and boutique B&Bs to backpacker-style budget accommodation, you’ll find there’s a welcome mat with your name on it in the Hunter Valley.
Popular options to consider: The Boathouses, Lovedale – just four individual suites overlooking a lily-filled lake; The Longhouse – looks like a rustic woolshed outside, relaxed luxury inside, other options include Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Hermitage Lodge, Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill, Pokolbin Village,
A great place to stay in any season
One of the Hunter Valley’s great attractions as a short-stay food and wine holiday destination is that it has something unique to offer in every season of the year. Whether it’s sipping chilled whites overlooking the vines on a balmy summer’s afternoon, or savouring a rich red by an open fire in winter, every season has its charms in the Hunter.
Summer (December to February) is harvest time in the Hunter. This is the most vibrant time of the year, and perfect if you want to experience where the winemaking process begins. Autumn (March to May) as the temperature cools and the colours change is a beautiful time to enjoy the region’s bounty at a more relaxed pace. Winter (June to August) in the Hunter is known for it’s clear blue skies during the day, and an evening chill ideal for cuddling up by a romantic open fire. Spring (September to November) is when the region bursts back into life again. As the vineyards and pastures turn a lush green, it’s the ideal time for long walks and leisurely alfresco lunches featuring the new season’s produce.
Getting around the Hunter Valley
Getting around the Hunter Valley is surprisingly easy. iHop’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are a great way to experience the best of what the Hunter Valley has to offer, when, where and how you choose. With stops visiting the most popular wineries, craft breweries and distilleries, restaurants and cafes, cheese makers, local providores and attractions of all sorts, you make your Hunter Valley tour exactly how you want it.
You’ll find details of iHop’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour routes and stop information here.
Where to book your Hunter Valley stay
There are many ways you can find and book your Hunter Valley accommodation. Simply search for ‘hotels hunter valley’ or similar on your favourite hotel booking website. Alternatively, if you have a particular resort, hotel, motel, B&B or backpacker accommodation option in mind, visit their website where you can book directly. Suggest we recommend: https://www.winecountry.com.au/ for local accommodation options.
When booking, you’ll find many of the hotels, wineries and facilities are located around Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury being the Heart of Wine Country located in the Lower Hunter Valley.
Getting to the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is located in the state of New South Wales (NSW) and is around two hours drive north of Sydney, and less than an hour’s drive from the city of Newcastle.