This was just what I needed!…read more I had to get escape Sydney for a bit, and was amped to check out the sand dunes in Newcastle for the weekend. So I took the train 3 hours up, and walked the 2 blocks from the station to the YHA. And talk about prime real estate! As soon as I walked in, I almost see the house's history seeping through the walls. After a quick tour, it was pretty obvious that this was an old gentlemen's club back in the day. It had that look about it - the old dancing hall, quaint private rooms, and of course a beautiful grand stairwell pouring into the front room. Due to its classic Victorian architectural design, it was easy to get lost in a nice, relaxing perch just about anywhere. The old dance hall, however, has been declared the main room for eating and social gathering. In this room you can join one of the many circles of travelers around the TV, the small library and book exchange, or any of the tables spread all over the room. I went up to Newcastle alone, but instantly made friends at the YHA. There were quite a few backpackers looking for work in the area, thus becoming leaders of the next night's random pub crawl through town! The hostel staff were great as well. One of the guys on staff at the time admitted that they didn't coordinate many events until last minute since the travelers kind of predicted how the nights went. And it makes sense really. Unless you're an obsessed fan of Silverchair, people come here mainly to check out the sand dunes; therefore forcing their nights to be cut short for the next's morning's early outing. But if you're night is free, the nightlife is well worth the time. Oh and fyi, If you ARE a Silverchair fan, you are in luck! I've been told that no matter what there's always someone in the hostel who can tell you where to go to find any of the native band members. Btw I love that people actually still care about this. Woo! 1990s! Silverchair yeah! Anyway stay here. This hostel is rocks. There's no way a place this grandiose could let you down.

Roomy and friendly backpackers occupying an interesting historical building with lots of character…read moreand original features. As the name suggests it's close to the beach, there are also many bars and restaurants nearby and the bus terminus is a short walk away. For supplies, there's a convenience store (Foodworks) just a few minutes walk across to the opposite corner of Pacific Park or there are supermarkets (Marketown and Coles) if you travel west across town on the bus. We stayed in a large dorm for the first night before moving to a private room once one became available for the rest of our stay. The shared dorm accommodation we stayed in was basic and comprised of four sets of bunk beds (it was a large room though, they weren't packed in), lockers and ensuite facilities, and was situated just off the main reception area and hallway. There are other shower and toilet facilities located throughout the building if one of your roommates is taking too long in the shower! The private room was upstairs and comprised of two single beds, bedside table and wall mounted TV with built in DVD player which was a bonus we weren't expecting. No frills but perfect for the price for the budget conscious traveller. The one drawback from our stay here was the lack of air con - the summer heat was stifling at night, and opening the window just let the mozzies in as there are no insect screens. The kitchen is in the basement of the building and does get busy at certain times, but I was always able to grab a space to prep my meals. There are gas hobs, one countertop mini oven, fridge and freezer space plus lots of shelf space. There's a dining area just off the kitchen, and there are coin operated laundry facilities on this level too. There's a large common room on the ground floor which used to be a ballroom in the days that this building was home to a gentleman's club, and it still evokes its grand past with wood panelled walls and leather couches. Comfortable and with lots of space to chill out and socialise. There's a TV and DVD player with a large selection of DVDs, board games, books, table tennis and pool table, and access to the small outdoor space with BBQ. The staff here were very friendly and welcoming and the hostel felt like more than just a bed for the night, there was a good community feel and I enjoyed spending a bit of down time here too. The boards were updated every day with weather forecasts and events and suggestions of things to do in Newcastle. You can also get free hire of surf boards and body boards from the staff at reception as well as book day trips (we did the Hunter Valley wine tour - would highly recommend!).

The team and I were here for two weeks. Excellent accommodation and the staff was absolutely…read moresuperb. Hands down one of the best venues for us. Being able to walk to town and wharf foodie and beverage places was great. Convenient to all Newcastle has to offer and by my count that is a lot! We'll be back and this is where we will stay!

We decided to have a break away from Sydney so I booked the hotel as its right on the harbour with…read moredirect access to the boardwalk. The room was a harbour view suite the view wasn't as good as expected as we were on the first floor. The room it self was quite nice and well equipped with 2 tvs good bed etc. The parking is a bit of an issue as self parking is made difficult as you need to have a staff member go with you every time when you want to park so the only viable option is valet parking at $29.00 per day. The onsite restaurant is quite reasonable for an evening meal (but there are also a lot of other restaurants nearby) the restaurant is also where you have breakfast which is very pleasant with a good range of food options. All in all it's very pleasant hotel.

Disgusting! I…read morearrived at 10pm after. 4 hour train trip to discover the room was completely filthy! It hadnt been cleaned from the previous disgusting tenant. I could even use the toilet! No one answered the multiple emergency after hours calls. No on answered my 3 emails the following day. I had to walk myself and 4 bags at 11pm to the nearest hotel. On speaking with the Manager he didn't even apologise! In fact he won't even offer me a refund, and wants to charge me the cancellation fee! Never stay here!

Location is decent, right in the heart of the strip. Views…read morefrom windows not too good, but it's not exactly by the water but close enough. Staff are friendly and nice. Parking is decent

Wow. Just wow. This place is defined by detail…read more I am a former Investment banker, I acknowledge this with the hopes that you won't (although probably should) hold it against me. It's relevant because I've had many opportunities to extensively travel, globally with unusually luxurious consideration, cuisine and accommodation. Kim's is a member of a very rare class. Their staff, the details are absolutely world class. Simply world class. They have NAILED (the ever elusive) CHARM (FAMILY OWNED AND Operated), SERVICE, hospitality, staff, cuisine, owners (Peter)- all exemplary of what hospitality aspires to be. Special credit for library, bar, piano- Dorian, and the bar staff, Liam, Rhys, Tara - legends. Bravo Kim's! Can't wait to come back!

I took my wife here for our 20th anniversary. We hired Treetops. The whole experience could not…read morehave been better. The food was fabulous and staff extremely obliging. I highly recommend a stay. Also if you have time there is a nice cycle track around the lake.

These apartments are situated in the heart of The Entrance within a 2 minute walk to abundant…read morerestaurants and drinking spots. The staff were friendly and efficient upon checkin and check out. The rooms are dated but still very well equipped for a longer stay than ours. The balcony had a nice view out over the inlet. We would definitely stay here again.

Very modern hotel connected to the West Lambton club. The lobby was very modern and welcoming …read more Very modern rooms, great pool and atmosphere in that area for kids and families and even with the ability to order food and drinks beside the pool is awesome. A lot of underground parking, which is great. The only issue we had with it it filled up quickly and had to get back early each day to make sure we could park undercover. Restaurants, we're all located next-door in the club and there was a huge variety to choose from. If I came back to the area again, I would likely stay here

Great bed, terrific service at front desk, prompt service at Bar. Shower down a little on water…read morepressure. Sensational continental breakfast.

No problems staying here at all. Staff at front desk on check in and check out were friendly,…read moreprofessional and helpful. Rooms are small, bathrooms are tiny... Sure, but that's the Ibis way and if you've stayed in one before you'll know how it works. Parking is $12 per night, but lots of free parking on the street. Hotel is clean, breakfast is good, but menu for dinner is over-priced for a budget hotel. Good option if you just want a convenient place to sleep for a night or two with a minimum of fuss.

Comfortable, clean, handy, cheap. I've stayed in smaller, messier hotels than this for twice the…read moreprice around the world

We stopped here recently for an overnight stay and were pleasantly surprised!…read more ++ Check-in was relatively painless, and staff even offered little bottles of milk for "coffee or tea" Very clean room and ensuite bathroom that looked recently renovated All basic appliances and supplies provided in the room, including a mini fridge, coat hangers, heater, and flat screen TV - - Bathroom had a fan that worked well but came on everytime the light was on, and it was absolutely freezing in the shower on this cold winter night All in all a great stay, and we'd consider a revisit!

Just had lunch at the gateshead tavern i got the battered fish and it was superb and only $10.90…read moreand my husband got the steak sandwich and he said it was the best he'd had in a long time and the service was fast and staff were friendly