The Crystalbrook Kingsley is situated in the heart of Newcastle, opposite City Hall and close to other attractions, as well as being super close to the harbour and beach. It is about 2 hours or 160 km north of Sydney and near to Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and on the way up to Port Macquarie, so you can make your visit part of a broader trip to all of these locations or just for a weekend getaway.
The hotel has been converted from an old council building and thus it’s interesting design in a cylindrical building that means rooms get a good view of the city beyond. Enter into the lobby and you’re greeted by a staff member that we didn’t notice for the lack of uniform, very inconspicuous. We were promptly checked in and given a little wooden discs for the key. We catch the elevator up to the room and met with a room that is bright and colourful with yellow and charcoal tones, and comfortable albeit small.
Settle in, wind down and relax in your room with a super comfy bed and room with all the necessary technology that has tablet control for all the hotel and area info, food and drink menus and more. There’s a 55” Smart TV with streaming and services and access movies. Make a tea or coffee in the room with a kettle and a Nespresso machine, as well as a stocked mini bar if you’d prefer some of the harder stuff.
They’re all about sustainability, with waste-free hotel bathrooms featuring 100 per cent biodegradable or recyclable products.
Whilst you’re at this hotel, be sure to book a table the Roundhouse restaurant. The view is spectacular, of the surrounding port area of the city. At the restaurant you can indulge in a delicious menu using locally produced ingredients and presented in a sophisticated way. We dined at the restaurant for lunch in a large group and had the three course menu designed for Christmas with and entree, main and dessert. Some of the standout dishes included
⁃ the lightly cured line caught kingfish, green apple, celery, lemon balm. This was so delicious, light and refreshing.
⁃ the Roasted free range duck breast, duck leg, beetroot, almond, cherries, a lovely Christmas option.
⁃ Grain fed beef tenderloin, glazed carrot, onion, horseradish, peppercorn jus. Perfectly cooked and decent portion for sure.
For drinks, the roundhouse has an extensive wine list inspired by wines from the Hunter Valley region, but in addition, there’s amazing cocktails. You can have the cocktails at the restaurant or specially visit Romberg’s Bar (next to the restaurant and just at the exit from the lift). You can also grab snacks to eat there too. These carefully curated cocktails are impressive, a real quality list that even presents some theatrics. We had some margaritas but also the coolest whisky cocktail. The Wildfire 26 Chivas Regal 12 yr, wattleseed syrup,Bittered Sling Plum and Rootbeer Bitters, strawberry gum smoke, came in a glass inside a custom made glass cabinet sever with a wood smoke. The wood smoke gave this a really good flavour.
The hotel also has casual dining in Marys on the ground if you prefer to grab a burger or drink or two.
Overall there’s plenty for everyone, right in the heart of the city and great for a little staycation.
Crystalbrook Kingsley
282 King St
Newcastle
2300