The Best Hotels and Places to Book in Arcadia, New South Wales

Not finding Calabash Bay Lodge when searching hotels in Arcadia? Check the dictionary under the word “escape” instead. It’s accessible only by boat or plane – and yet not even an hour from Sydney – allowing you to surrender to the sublime sensations of nature. Clear rivers and lush coastal bush are perfect backdrops for morning rooftop yoga and afternoon paddleboarding. Share this four-bedroom lodge only with your closest friends – but claim the riverside soaking tub for you and you alone.

The risk-reward play on the Bungool Course is the only hazard you’ll encounter at Riverside Oaks Golf Course. Both the deluxe and the executive suites come with views, so you’ll have ample opportunity to read the greens before you even whip out your clubs. A lazy lunch of seasonal Aussie classics awaits at the Brasserie. Don’t worry about the sun setting before you can get your round in – you can get your 18 in during twilight golf.

Blue Mountains National Park is beautiful beyond comparison – but the Crowne Plaza sure does give it a run for its money. A stunning white marble lobby – adorned with milky furnishings and offset by the blaze of colours in the black fireplace – welcomes you with wonder. Your hosts will show you to your room, but not without granting you a peek at the indoor pool first. The blue sky winks down at swimmers from the skylights in the wood-panelled triangular roof features – while the half-dozen thresholds let the green manicured grounds invite guests who want to dry off under the sun.

When your name is Relaxin, you’ve got some pretty big expectations to meet. Thankfully, this aptly named hotel checks off all of our boxes when it comes to a little roadside R&R. Don’t believe us? We’ll help you reserve the executive suite where you’ll find a double shower, spa bath and steamy sauna. Can it get any better? We failed to mention that this hotel is sprawled out on 5 acres (2ha) with Blue Mountain views.

When your engine’s running hot and you’re looking for places to stay in Arcadia that have plenty of shade, Arcadia Motor Inn won’t steer you wrong. Breakfast is brought right to your room, so you’ll be free of the sunlight for however long you desire. When the cool comfort of your twin room starts tempting you to lose the afternoon to a nap, let the outdoor swimming pool perk you up.

Despite being on the grounds of the Hawkesbury Race Club and having pet-friendly rooms, the Hawkesbury Race Club Motel, sadly, does not permit your mustang to share your king-sized room. No matter – they’d probably be jealous of you eyeing all of the thoroughbreds at the racetrack. You’ll just have to make do in the room without them – might as well upgrade to a deluxe spa suite with a private balcony, then.

Mercure’s joined at the hip with the Fiddler Hotel, a storied pub hosting everything from milestone receptions to mid-week ragers. Regardless of which occasion brings you to Rouse Hill, you’ll appreciate the easy walk from your deluxe room to the barkeep. All you need to know prior to opening your tab is that there are in-room coffee and tea machines – and the swimming pool is worth the elevator ride downstairs.

Adina’s decked out in so many creature comforts that you’ll be saying “home sweet hotel” within minutes of dropping your luggage. Unpack your clothing and stresses in a two-bedroom apartment, which gives you and your travel companions separate spaces to wind down. Each has its own toilet and shared laundry facilities to get those carry-on wrinkles all ironed out. The fully equipped kitchen comes in clutch when getting all dolled up for barbeque at TwentyTwo Cafe sounds like way too much work.

When it comes to indulgent hotels in Arcadia, we’re bringing our stretchy pants to Rydges. The sticky date pudding isn’t all we’re sticking around for, either. If you need us, we’ll be kicking back in the Superior King Spa Room with a pair of sweats waiting for room service to deliver that oh-so-tasty treat. Not hungry? Go ahead down to the lap pool for a spell, and we’ll meet you at Rebellion Bar for happy hour.

Need a vacation from your vacation? Sydney Hills is one of the places to stay in Arcadia where you can truly relax. A modest cabin or equipped campervan site won’t empty your wallet, and the Vicar next door will keep your glass full of flavour. Downtown Sydney is a half-hour away for an instant city break, but the Dural Golf Driving Range is across the street if you don’t want to bother with traffic.