The Best Hotels and Places to Book your Stay in Bowral, New South Wales

Don’t be deterred by the word motel – this smart and stylish little property offers 12 affordable rooms, an easy stroll from town with cafes and restaurants – there’s no dining on-site. Simple rooms have contemporary decor, while a shared microwave and washing and drying facilities are available. Common spaces include a peaceful, leafy garden with seating areas – while parents with little ones will appreciate the children’s play area.

This refurbished retreat is centrally located a few steps from a few of Bowral’s best restaurants and a 15-minute walk to the centre of town. Guests will appreciate the self-contained units from studios with kitchenettes – to one and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, washing facilities, fireplaces and balconies. The decor here throughout is fresh and contemporary. Walk through the pretty grounds and find a quiet nook – or enjoy the heated indoor pool and fitness centre.

History is at the core of this centuries-old country estate with a spa, tennis court and nine-hole golf course. Two wings house 72 refurbished rooms with muted tones and modern amenities. After a golf lesson or picnic, enjoy traditional High Tea beside the fireplace or outside overlooking manicured gardens. Many guests stay for dinner at Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar – which serves mains like housemade potato gnocchi with kale pesto.

This family-owned property has just two suites named after blooms found onsite: Jasmine and Wisteria. No surprise, they mostly attract couples who seek a quiet respite near Bowral. Each suite has a king-size bed with wooden floors, a separate entrance and a private verandah with garden views. In addition to daily breakfast, guests have 24-hour access to a goodies bar with tea and coffee, as well as hammocks and yoga mats. Keep in mind there is a two-night minimum stay here, though.

Contemporary rooms have exposed brick walls and affordable rates at this refurbished motel walking distance to town. The real draw is the on-site bistro serving burgers, steaks and seafood, while a wood-fired pizza oven – heated at the correct temperature – whips up authentic Neapolitan pies including vegetarian options. There’s also a popular sports bar with 20 local and imported taps, live music and a fireplace during cold weather.

This upscale property feels further from town than it really is, thanks to a setting of forests, fields and gardens. The highlight is the challenging 18-hole golf course with views over Bowral and Mount Gibraltar. Guests also get access to a luxury day spa, gym, yoga classes and an indoor swimming pool. Relax at night with live music at the bar and fine dining at the restaurant with items like tempura zucchini flower with goat cheese and salsa verde. Elegant rooms have spacious windows – and most have balconies with views over the golf course or gardens.

You can’t miss the lime green exterior of this hotel – which also has exposed wood and gravel accents. Renovated rooms in this former motel are identical but chic with floor to ceiling windows, timber floors, Breville coffee makers, marble bathroom vanities and ceramic tiles with bronze fixtures. Hang out at the traditional pub on-site where you can order roasted pumpkin salads or choose between a range of burgers, steaks and seafood dishes. The location is within walking distance to town for more dining and drink options.

A 15-minute drive from Bowral, this elegant country manor has 43 rooms and suites. Spacious grounds offer a range of outdoor activities like badminton, croquet, boules and nature walks — best enjoyed before traditional High Tea on the terrace. Or, simply kick back at the pool. Katers Restaurant serves an upscale menu with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that are grown on-site – while a sommelier is happy to help suggest wines from the Southern Highlands region. Rooms are bright and airy with large windows that open to allow fresh air and picturesque views.

History buffs will appreciate the stories from the Fitzroy Inn. Opened in 1836, this restored building offers a glimpse of the country’s colonial roots, having once served as a convict for prisoners and later, an educational centre. It’s even known as having the first tennis court in Australia, circa 1875. Today, rooms are located in two areas including the School Masters Cottage. The property also boasts an expansive area of terraced gardens and courtyards making this a popular choice for weddings and events. Breakfast is served on-site – and it’s a short drive to restaurants in Bowral.