We love the Hunter Valley and have visited so many times, we’ve got to know the area really well. It’s the perfect getaway from the city, with a lot more to offer than just delicious wine. Whilst most people head to the main tourist spots around Pokolbin, there are a couple more villages that have some amazing things to do, great places to stay and far fewer crowds.
We’re going to share our top accommodation picks for each area, as well as take you through what each spot has to offer so you can pick the best location for you.
Here are the best places to stay in the Hunter Valley for every budget.
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley orientation
The Hunter Valley is a region, so when searching online for accomodation, it can be a little confusing to understand where everything is and where the main areas are. Whilst there are many towns around the Hunter you could potentially stay in, there are only three that we would recommend: Pokolbin, Broke and Wollombi. Pokolbin is the most famous, busy and popular of the three - you could call it the capital of the Hunter Valley. Broke & Wollombi are two beautiful areas, which are more off the radar.
Other areas such as Singleton are towns which have little to recommend them, beyond the fact that they tend to have accommodation left when the other areas have sold out!
All three of the areas that we’ll take you through are beautiful and great bases for exploring the Hunter Valley.
If you’re looking for things to do, we’ve got a full guide on the Hunter Valley, including lots of hidden gems.
Insider tips for your stay in the Hunter Valley
Transport: If you are planning on wine tasting, then thinking about transport is essential. You can cycle between wineries in Pokolbin, but in Broke there is nowhere to hire a bike and the wineries are scattered over quite a big distance.
Weather: The Hunter Valley can wildly fluctuate in terms of weather. We sweltered in 45C heat at a wedding in February, and shivered in 5C temperatures in June. There is no bad time of year to visit, but we tend to prefer the cooler months where you can sit by the fire in one of the incredible restaurants.
Tastings: Since the pandemic, a lot of the Hunter Valley have started charging for wine tastings. It’s not unusual to see $10+ to try up to 6 wines. This is more prevalent in Pokolbin, and some wineries in Broke. Wollombi don’t tend to charge yet.
Wifi: By far our favourite places to stay in the Hunter Valley are out on vineyards or in stunning spots just outside the villages. Be aware that they will rarely have wifi, so if that’s a must for you, check before you book.
Pokolbin in a nutshell
The vast majority of people visiting the Hunter Valley will stay in Pokolbin, and we have stayed there several times. It is home to major wineries, tourist attractions and is the place most day trippers from Sydney and Newcastle head straight to.
Your trip will likely involve visiting Pokolbin, but here are the pros and cons of staying here.
Disadvantages of staying in Pokolbin
It is so wildly popular that it can get very crowded
It feels more touristy than other areas
It’s generally a bit more expensive
Pokolbin doesn’t feel like it has a centre, you have to drive everywhere and there is no town as such
Advantages of staying in a Pokolbin
It has the greatest range of accommodation
It is closest to the most famous wineries
It has the most cafes and restaurants
It’s the best place for sip and cycle
The best places to stay in and around Pokolbin
Airbnbs in Pokolbin
Amelie's Cabin, Pokolbin - for a romantic retreat
This one bedroom cottage is the dream. Perched on Pokolbin Mountain with exquisite views, but just five minutes to the wineries, Amelie’s Cabin looks like it should be in a movie. The decor inside is just as gorgeous and there’s even a bathtub with a view. If you’re looking for a private, romantic getaway this is it!
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Handcrafted Cabin in the Vines - on a vineyard
This two bedroom cottage makes use of its beautiful vineyard views with a huge terrace and lots of big windows. You can sit at the outdoor dining table and enjoy another one of those glorious Hunter Valley sunsets as kangaroos hop amongst the vines. The indoors is cute and cosy with a gorgeous fireplace, full kitchen for self catering and modern bathroom.
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Hotels in Pokolbin
Spicers Vineyards Estate - top end
Set amongst the vineyards the rooms here are huge, more like suites, with a living area complete with fireplace, great views and a spa bath. Brekkie is included and there’s also wifi if you need to stay connected. The onsite restaurant gets rave reviews.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
Elfin Hill Vineyard Accommodation - midrange
The rooms at Elfin Hill are comfy and stylish and the whole place has a really relaxed feel. It’s a friendly environment and rooms are immaculately clean. The brekkie gets rave reviews, but unfortunately we didn’t love it (we were staying for a wedding so it could have been different to the usual).
Check out the reviews and prices on:
Hunter Valley Travellers Rest Motel - Budget
If you just want somewhere inexpensive and still fairly close to Pokolbin, this motel in Cessnock is a good bet. Rooms are fairly standard for a motel, but unlike the majority of other motels in the area, they are set back from the road, making it a quieter option. Rooms are clean and it’s particularly good value if you book in advance.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
Broke in a nutshell
Broke is located just a 20 minute drive from Pokolbin but it has a completely different feel. It’s got a really friendly locals vibe to it and it’s our favourite location to stay of all the spots we’ve tried in the Hunter.
Disadvantages of staying in Broke
There are no good cafes and only a pricey grocer in Broke (there are great restaurants though!)
It is further from the famous wineries and other attractions such as the distillery, cheese factory etc
There is nowhere to hire a bike so you have to drive or hire a taxi
There are fewer accommodation options
Advantages of staying in Broke
It’s much quieter and more relaxed than Pokolbin
It has a local rather than touristy vibe
There are many boutique wineries with personalised service
It tends to be slightly cheaper than Pokolbin
The best places to stay in and around Broke
There are no hotels in Broke, but to be honest, we recommend self catering here anyway because it doesn’t have an abundance of places to eat. However, it does have our favourite restaurant in the Hunter, Margan!
Airbnbs in Broke
La Petite Follette @ Fordwich - for a romantic retreat
This one bedroom apartment has been furnished with all the luxuries you’d expect in a top class hotel, think bathrobes and 1200 thread count sheets! It’s also wonderfully private with doors that open up onto a vineyard. Unusually for the area, there’s also wifi and netflix if you want to stay connected.
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Two Doors vineyard cottage - on a vineyard
This two bedroom cabin is located right on a vineyard and the view from the living room is just stunning. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with the option to self cater, this is a great spot. There’s no oven but there is a BBQ on the deck, perfect for warm evenings. There’s no tv or wifi but who needs them with that view?
Check out the reviews and prices on Booking.com.
Blaxland’s Cottage, Broke - for something unique
If you love history then this is a chance to stay in an old pioneer settlers cottage with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. You’d never guess from the outside what it’s like inside. Whilst it won’t be for everyone because there’s a lot of wood, it’s certainly unique and beautifully done.
There’s everything you could want inside for self catering, and the fire place makes it very cosy. The views from the patio are just stunning. It’s a little piece of Hunter Valley history.
Check out the reviews and prices on Booking.com.
Adamae Cottage - for family/friends
This two bedroom cottage (with an extra sofa bed with privacy curtain if you are more than 4 people) is perfect for families or friends looking to self cater in a peaceful environment. The inside looks lovely but you’ll probably be spending most of your free time in the hot tub in the garden if you’re anything like us!
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Wollombi in a nutshell
Wollombi is a wonderful village with some fab wineries, just a 40 minute drive from Pokolbin and less than 30 minutes from Broke. I would recommend Wollombi to those that are interested in doing a mix of activities as well as wine tasting, as whilst it has several fantastic wineries, it doesn’t have anywhere near the number that Pokolbin and Broke have.
To give you a better idea on all the activities in the area, we’ve written a detailed guide on what not to miss.
Disadvantages of staying in Wollombi
It has a lot less wineries if you’re primary interest is in wine
It doesn’t feel like the Hunter Valley, in the sense that it feels like a village, rather than wine country
You don’t have the same fabulous dining options you’ll find in Pokolbin and Broke
Accommodation options are more limited
Advantages of staying in Wollombi
There’s a lot to do in Wollombi besides wineries, including the wonderful historic village centre, which is an attraction in its own right. It’s great if you don’t want your whole trip to be about wine.
It is generally cheaper than both Pokolbin and Broke
It is more relaxed and less touristy than Pokolbin, with more to do than Broke. Wineries still feel like they used to before they became more commercial - you won’t find tasting fees here, yet!
You can hire bikes in the village and the roads
are quiet, so sip and cycle is easy
The best places to stay in and around Wollombi
Airbnbs in Wollombi
Cowboy's Cabin, Wollombi - for a romantic retreat
This one bedroom cottage on the edge of Wollombi village has blissful countryside views from every window. The decor inside is incredible, all the pieces have been hand selected and look in keeping with the heritage of the area. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, huge bathtub and a cosy fireplace.
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Maggie's cottage on 100 acres - great for families/friends
This three bedroom cottage is perfect for those seeking a digital detox because there’s no wifi or phone reception! What you will find is a lovely fully equipped kitchen, lounge with fantastic rural views, a wrap around verandah and both indoor wood burner and outdoor fire pit. Cosy up with a glass of wine, a board game or two and look out for the resident kangaroos on your doorstep.
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Settlers Cottage @ Undercliff Wollombi - on a vineyard
This historic cottage built in 1847 is right on the grounds of our favourite winery in Wollombi. The cottage is full of rustic charm, with a full kitchen for self catering, an open fire, a fab bathtub and of course those sensational vineyard views. It’s feels completely rural but you can still walk into town.
Check out the reviews and prices on Airbnb.
Hotels in Wollombi
Wollombi doesn’t actually have any hotels but it does have a well regarded guesthouse.
Capers Guesthouse, Barn and Cottage
Capers Guesthouse is completely in-keeping with the village and offers character in spades. Each room has a balcony and there is free wifi which you won’t find in all of the self catering options. The owners get rave reviews, which doesn’t surprise us because Wollombi is such a friendly town.
Check out the reviews and prices on:
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