Newcastle’s First Five Star Hotel

Newcastle’s first five star hotel, the long awaited Crystalbrook Kingsley opened last month in Australia’s seventh largest city.

Boasting a five-star sustainability program, the sophisticated 130 room and suite hotel was once the city’s iconic council administration centre, and has been elegantly transformed into a modern, light filled, well designed hotel.

The name, Kingsley, is a tribute to Newcastle’s heritage and the city’s earlier name of Kingston dating back to 1804.

The furnishings and even building materials are all recycled and upcycled to ensure a focus on the environment at every turn. Rooms have keyless access, recycled coat hangers, and daily newspapers have been replaced with in-room iPads, plastics are single use and checking in and out is paperless.

All bathroom amenities are biodegradable, making them officially waste free.

The Crystalbrook Kingsley is located in a focal area of Newcastle, a walk from the beaches, with shops and restaurants close by, making it a fabulous place to stay in Australia’s second oldest city.

In line with its extensive sustainability program, the hotel farms their own beef, and 80% of ingredients and produce in the restaurant are sourced within a 3 hour drive of the hotel.

A rooftop restaurant, Roundhouse, is the star of the hotel, and sources its wine list exclusively from the nearby Hunter Valley. Presenting typically fresh Australia cuisine, it has all day dining from 9:30am on weekdays and dinner until 10pm Tuesday through to Saturday. 

Next door, Crystalbrook’s own rooftop bar, Romberg’s (named after Crystalbrook’s architect Frederick Romberg) serves delicious, creative cocktails, beers and wine. Paired with its great view and extensive trading hours, it is perfect for a small bite during the day, or a drink after dinner at Roundhouse. 

Open for breakfast and lunch from 7am-4pm (as well as dinner on Fridays and Saturdays), Ms Mary is a deli and café in one, serving coffee, cakes and meals all created from locally sourced ingredients. 

Outside and a short walk away are a variety of restaurants offering cuisines including Brazilian and Italian.

The Crystalbrook Collection is part of the Ghassan Aboud Group promoted by international entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghassan Aboud, who is based in the UAE.

Paying tribute to Newcastle’s cultural aspects, the hotel incorporates a simplistic and fresh feel through its primarily yellow and charcoal interiors, inspired by the city’s rich coal mining history.

The interiors resonate an energy that is nostalgic yet lively, its rooms are full of charm and cylindrical furniture and designs to mimic the circular shaped architecture.

With urban style brightly lit settings and spacious resting areas, the 130 rooms at Crystalbrook Kingsley feature rainforest showers, blackout blinds, and a choice of breathtaking views ranging from Newcastle’s Civic Park to Newcastle Harbour.

The location is also five minutes from numerous attractions including the Hunter River, Newcastle Museum, and Newcastle Art Gallery.

With rooms starting from $206, Crystalbrook Kingsley makes Newcastle a great place for a weekend away.

Book a room here.