Looking for awesome family hotels Newcastle has that are in a central location but won’t blow the budget? Then read on as this guide covers the best hotels in Newcastle for families.
Nestled on the stunning New South Wales coastline, a few hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is well known for its incredible beaches, family friendly parks and gorgeous nature reserves, making it the ideal spot for both a relaxing and active family holiday.
While much of Newcastle’s historical attractions are in the city centre, the beaches and nature reserves are well spread out. This makes it difficult for families to choose the best places to stay in Newcastle.
While some families may want to choose one of the beachfront hotels Newcastle offers, others may prefer one of the central city centre hotels in Newcastle. Other families travelling on a tight budget will be looking for the nicest cheap hotels in Newcastle, regardless of location.
To help you find the best family accommodation Newcastle offers, this guide will help you decide not only where to stay but will also help you choose the best, most appropriate accommodation for your family.
We spent a fair bit of time researching and searching for the perfect Newcastle family accommodation for our recent trip. After carefully comparing a range of areas and properties, we compiled this up to date guide of the top 10 hotels in Newcastle for families.
So, let’s get started and find you the ideal family accommodation in Newcastle.
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Page Contents
Best Family Hotels Newcastle Map
The map below shows the location of all the family hotels in Newcastle, which is covered in this guide.
Zoom in and out for a closer view.
Best Hotels in Newcastle Comparison Table
Below is a quick overview of the top hotels Newcastle has for families, which are covered in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine the best option for you.
For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Name | Location | Distance to nearest beach | Room Facilities | Hotel Facilities | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noah’s on the Beach | Newcastle Beach | 200m | Room with 1 large bed & 2 singles Tea / Coffee | Free parking Bar Restaurant | Check Price |
The Landing | CBD | 600m | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with 2 large beds | Free parking | Check Price |
Terminus Apartment Hotel | CBD | 600m | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with a large bed & 2 singles | Parking | Check Price |
Flagstaff Apartment | Nobby's Beach | 500m | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with a large bed & 2 singles | Free parking | Check Price |
Haven on Hunter | CBD | 2km | 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment with 2 large beds & bunks | NA | Check Price |
Quest Newcastle | CBD | 2.8km | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with 2 large beds | Pool Spa Gym Parking | Check Price |
Northern Star Hotel | Hamilton | 2.7km | Room with 1 large bed & 2 singles | Restaurant Bar | Check Price |
Nouveau On Young | Broadmeadow | 4.3km | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with a large bed & 2 singles | Parking | Check Price |
Hamilton on Everton | Hamilton | 3.8km | 2 bedroom fully self contained apartment with a large bed & 2 singles | Free parking | Check Price |
Commonwealth Hotel | Cooks Hill | 1.8km | Room with 1 large bed & 2 singles Tea / Coffee | Restaurant Bar | Check Price |
Where is the best place to stay in Newcastle?
Firstly, where is the best place to stay in Newcastle?
The most central hotels in Newcastle are in the CBD or Newcastle East. This is where you’ll find most of the city’s main historic attractions, iconic beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants. This location is well serviced by public transportation, making it easy to get around with kids in tow.
For families who want to be close to the beach, consider staying in a hotel in Newcastle East. It is further from the main shopping and dining area, but it’s an easy walk or short bus ride between the two locations.
For those wanting to be in the centre of Newcastle, stay somewhere close to Hunter and Darby Street. From here, you’re close to the city’s main historic attractions and can easily reach the beach on foot or via public transport.
However, the city centre hotels Newcastle offers are among the most expensive in the Newcastle area. So, for families on a tight budget, you’ll probably want to look at hotels a little further from the city centre.
This guide has included some great value options in the city centre. Sometimes, when you factor in the time and money saved on travelling in and out of the city, a city centre hotel can be an affordable option.
The surrounding areas of Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Lambton are good alternative locations if you’re after budget hotels in Newcastle. However, you’ll need to drive or take public transport to reach the city’s attractions and beaches. If you stay in any of these areas, it’s around 20 to 30 minutes by bus into the CBD and an extra 10 minutes to reach the beach.
Staying on the city’s outskirts is best for families wanting comfortable, spacious hotels around Newcastle at a good price. However, if you prefer to be within walking distance of the beach and all the attractions in Newcastle, then you’ll either need to be prepared to increase your budget or lower your expectations in terms of the accommodation you book.
Best family hotel Newcastle reviews
After hours of research and exploring Newcastle myself, I’ve shortlisted 10 of the city’s best family hotels at Newcastle below.
Noah’s on the Beach
Looking for hotels near Newcastle Beach? You won’t get closer than Noah’s on the Beach, which is across the road (or 200 metres) from the beach.
This 4 star hotel offers free on site parking, a bar, an all day restaurant and luggage storage. Laundry is available for an additional fee, as is WiFi.
Light and airy family rooms sleep up to 4 in 1 large double bed and 2 single beds. Each ensuite room has a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, soft chairs and a minibar. It is worth paying a little extra for a room with a sea view and a balcony with seating.
What’s to love?
This family hotel Newcastle offers is right across the road from Newcastle Beach. Plus, although it’s not a cheap hotel, it’s a fair price for the quality of the rooms and the fabulous location.
What’s not to love?
The entire family will have to sleep together in one compact hotel room. This may be fine for families with younger kids, but often, older kids like to have their own space. Plus, there are no self catering facilities available.
Summary
If you are looking for nice hotels in Newcastle to use as a base for sightseeing, Noah’s on the Beach is a great choice for its central location, upscale facilities and fantastic sea views.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
The Landing
If you’re after one of the family friendly places to stay in Newcastle city centre, I recommend The Landing. This 4 star apartment is on a quiet side street in the CBD with city views and just 600 metres on foot from Newcastle Beach. You’re also just 280m from the Queens Wharf light rail station, and restaurants and parks are within a few hundred metres.
The apartment offers free on site parking and sleeps up to 4 people in 2 bedrooms. Each bedroom has a double bed plus an ensuite with a bath and shower. Apartments feature an open plan living area with a dining table, sofas, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. There is also a spacious balcony with seating.
Guests in this residential building can also use a communal rooftop patio, which offers fantastic views of Newcastle city centre.
What’s to love?
This spacious, fully self contained apartment is reasonably priced and is close to the beach and city centre. Plus, it offers useful free parking right in the heart of the city.
What’s not to love?
The kids will have to share beds as there are only double beds in each room.
Summary
If you are looking for where to stay in Newcastle that offers home from home facilities in a central location, The Landing is an excellent choice.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Terminus Apartment Hotel
Looking for good value for money apartment hotels in Newcastle? Check out the Terminus, a modern and stylish aparthotel in the CBD. It is a short 8-minute walk (or 600 metres) from Newcastle Beach, and Queens Wharf Rail station is only 200 metres away on foot. There is a wide range of dining options on your doorstep, and Foreshore Park is 10 minutes on foot.
The spacious 4 star apartments sleep 4 in 2 bedrooms with 1 king size and 2 single beds. There is an open plan living area with a sofa, a satellite TV, a dining table, plus a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, stove, oven, washing machine and microwave. Some apartments have a balcony with seating offering views of the harbour.
Underground fee paying parking is available, but it must be pre-booked before arrival.
What’s to love?
This fully self contained apartment is a reasonable price for its size and quality. Plus, it is close to both the beach and the city centre.
What’s not to love?
There are no on site facilities and parking is expensive at $25 a night.
Summary
If you are looking for good quality, self catering hotels in Newcastle city centre with good public transport links, the Terminus Aparthotel is a good option. However, it is best suited to families travelling by public transport due to the parking fees.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Flagstaff Apartment
The homely Flagstaff Apartment is 400 metres from Nobby’s Beach, plus Newcastle Beach is a walkable 600 metres. The apartment is only 5 minutes on foot from Foreshore Park and 550m to the nearest light rail station. The city centre is a 20 minute walk, although there are many restaurants and cafes within a 10 minute walk or so.
This cosy apartment is one of the best value for money places to stay near Newcastle, close to a beach. It offers free parking and free WiFi and apartments have spacious patios with seating that overlooks the harbour.
Apartments feature 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and can sleep up to 4 people in 1 double and 2 single beds. It has an open plan living area with a sofa, TV, and dining table, plus a kitchen equipped with a stove, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher and oven.
What’s to love?
This fully self contained apartment has a reasonable price tag for families and is close to Nobbys Beach. A wide green space directly in front of the apartment is ideal for families with young children needing a daily run around.
What’s not to love?
There are no on site facilities, and it is a bit of a hike to the city centre, though it’s still within walking distance, especially if you have older kids.
Summary
Flagstaff Apartment is a good option if you are looking for nice places to stay in Newcastle away from the busy city centre and close to green spaces and beaches.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Haven on Hunter
The centrally located Haven on Hunter is one of the apartments to stay in Newcastle in the CBD. It is within walking distance of city centre attractions such as the Newcastle Museum, Honeysuckle Park and playground. There are shops, cafes and restaurants on the doorstep, but unfortunately, it is over 2 km from Newcastle Beach.
The 3 bedroom apartment sleeps up to 6. Two bedrooms have double beds, while the third has bunk beds. There are 2 bathrooms, and free WiFi is available.
The apartment has a living room with a sofa, chairs and a TV. An open doorway leads to a kitchen equipped with an oven, stove, fridge and dishwasher. There is a washing machine in one of the bathrooms.
As no parking is available on site, this large apartment is best suited to families travelling light and by public transport. Honeysuckle light rail station is just 250 metres away, which is convenient for getting around on public transport.
What’s to love?
The 3 bedrooms are perfect for larger families or for families whose kids need their own bedrooms. It also boasts a great city centre location.
What’s not to love?
It’s a long walk to the nearest beach, and no parking is on site.
Summary
If you are travelling by public transport and wondering where to stay in Newcastle city centre that offers plenty of space, check out the Haven on Hunter.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Quest Newcastle
Hotels in Newcastle with pool facilities that also offer self catering are rare. Quest Newcastle in the CBD is one of these hotels.
The waterfront boardwalk, shops, restaurants and a light rail stop are just metres from the hotel. However, the nearest beach is 2.5 km away, taking around 30 minutes by public transport.
Quest Newcastle has a heated indoor pool, a spa and a small gym. Fee paying private parking and free WiFi are available.
The large, light 2 bedroom apartments sleep up to 4 people in 2 double beds. Some apartments allow up to 6 people with additional sofa beds for an extra fee.
There is a bathroom with a shower, a bathtub, and a balcony with seating. The open plan living area has sofas, chairs and a TV. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine.
What’s to love?
Families will love the swimming pool.
What’s not to love?
Due to its amenities, this hotel is pricey. Plus, it is quite far from the beach.
Summary
For families after good hotels in Newcastle with a pool, then the Quest is it. However, for what you get, it is a pricey hotel and not centrally located for families wanting to spend time at the beach.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Northern Star Hotel
One of the most affordable – and character packed – hotels in the Newcastle area is the 3 star Northern Star Hotel. This hotel is a 20 minute walk from Newcastle Entertainment Centre (ideal for families in town for a show). Hamilton rail station is just 500 metres on foot, while the nearest beach, Bar Beach, is 2.7 km away. The city centre is a 9 minute drive or 30 minutes away by train.
Modern, nicely decorated family rooms feature 1 large double bed and 2 single beds, an ensuite with a shower, a TV and a fridge. Some rooms have a shared bathroom, but for families, paying extra for your own facilities is recommended.
The Northern Star Hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a garden and free WiFi.
What’s to love?
The hotel has a low price (one of the cheapest in this guide) for a good quality room in a convenient location.
What’s not to love?
The rooms are small, and they don’t have a kettle for making tea and coffee. Plus, there is no private parking available.
Summary
If you’re looking for cheap hotels near Newcastle with amenities on your doorstep and good transport links, the Northern Star Hotel is a budget friendly option.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Nouveau On Young
If you want to avoid cramped hotels in Newcastle centre, one of Newcastle’s most spacious aparthotels is Nouveau On Young. We recently stayed here with family and found it a great spacious apartment.
The Nouveau On Young apartments are close to the Entertainment Centre (7 minutes on foot) and the Knights’s home ground – McDonald Jones Stadium (20 minutes). However, it is 4.3 km from the nearest beach and a 20 minute train ride from the city centre. On the plus side, Broadmeadow rail station is only 130 metres from the apartment.
The aparthotel offers free WiFi and fee paying parking, although there is plenty of free street parking (we never had an issue parking just outside the apartments.
Each 2 bedroom apartment can sleep up to 4 people in 1 large double and 2 single beds. A fifth person can use the sofa bed for no extra charge. The open plan living room has sofas, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen and a separate laundry. There is a family bathroom and an ensuite with a shower, plus each apartment has a balcony (although ours didn’t have any seating).
What’s to love?
This is a great value for money, well-equipped apartment with plenty of space.
What’s not to love?
The apartment is in an isolated location (unless you are attending a sporting event), and you will need to drive or take public transport to visit nearby beaches or city centre attractions.
Summary
If you’re just looking for the good cheap places to stay Newcastle has for larger families and have your own transport, then Nouveau On Young is highly recommended.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Hamilton on Everton
There are several cheap short stay apartments Newcastle has to offer families. One of the most stylish and spacious is this townhouse in Hamilton, which provides a home away from home. Hamilton on Everton has the added benefit of an enclosed courtyard and a free to use single garage.
These two storey apartments are 3.8 km from Newcastle Beach, 500 metres from Broadmeadow rail station and 20 minutes by train from Newcastle city centre. There are a few restaurants within 200 metres.
Hamilton on Everton offers 2 bedrooms with a 1 king size bed and 2 single beds, a family bathroom and an ensuite. There is an open plan living area with leather sofas, a TV, a dining table, plus a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a laundry with a washing machine, dryer, and a patio with seating.
What’s to love?
These spacious, well equipped townhouses are great value for money and offer large families a cheap stay in Newcastle. Free, lockable parking is a bonus.
What’s not to love?
You will need to drive or take public transport to visit beaches or city centre attractions. On the plus side, free parking and a rail station nearby make this an easy option for families.
Summary
If you are wondering where to stay near Newcastle, which offers lots of space, dining options and good transport links at an affordable price, check out Hamilton on Everton.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
Commonwealth Hotel
The 4 star Commonwealth Hotel is one of the best cheap hotels Newcastle has to offer. It is in Cooks Hill above a traditional style pub. It is 8 minutes on foot from the shops and restaurants of Darby Street and there is a supermarket directly opposite the hotel. Bar Beach is just under 2 km away and Nobby’s Beach is an 8 minute drive.
No frill family rooms sleep up to 4 in 1 large double bed and 2 single beds. The basic but comfortable rooms have a TV, a kettle and a fridge. It is worth paying a little extra for your own private bathroom rather than using shared facilities.
The Commonwealth Hotel has a bar and a restaurant.
What’s to love?
If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Newcastle, you will love the affordable price of the Commonwealth Hotel. It is the cheapest of the Newcastle hotels family rooms featured in this guide.
What’s not to love?
The room is basic and functional and lacks homely touches or character.
Summary
If you’re not planning on spending your vacation in your room and just want to find the best budget hotels Newcastle offers, the Commonwealth Hotel is a great one to consider.
Click here for more information and to check the price.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on where to stay in Newcastle with kids helpful. We also have a guide covering all the fun things to do with kids in Newcastle. We also have guides on the best places to visit in NSW with kids, things to do in Sydney with kids and a guide on the best Sydney family hotels.