The Best Hotels to Book in Nowra, New South Wales

A dunk in the pool at Berry Village Boutique Motel is a great way to cool off in the afternoon | © Berry Village Boutique Motel / Expedia

Nannette Holliday

17 November 2021

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Settled in 1852, Nowra is an impressive place, hugging the banks of the Shoalhaven River. Approximately 160km (100mi) south of Sydney, it’s a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of stunning beaches, awesome hinterland panoramas and photogenic rivers – come to fish, kayak, boat or walk and picnic. The surrounding vineyards are remarkable, and the freshest coastal oysters are served in local restaurants. Its history lives on – as certain buildings are now welcoming places to stay. Check out the best hotels in Nowra and book here with Culture Trip.

Marriott Park Motel, for easy access to town

A guestroom at the Marriott Park Motel with a dark-grey sofa and double bed

Surrounded by suburban greenery, the Marriott Park Motel has good old-fashioned comfort and snugness in light and fresh, unobtrusive motel rooms. All the daily necessities are laid on, including a microwave and a mini-fridge. Alternatively lie in, order breakfast and have it delivered to your room. This is a social place – you’ll meet other guests on the fern-lined, open-air terrace as well as the barbecue picnic area. And if you fancy stepping out, you’re just a minute’s drive from all the historical delights, shops, cafes and restaurants in town. The nearest beach is also around 20 minutes away.

Quest Nowra, for luxury serviced apartments

Balcony rooms overlook a nearby park and provide a table and chairs where guests can relax with a glass of wine

The deal here is either sleek serviced studios or one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments, purpose-built and all superbly furnished: picture spaces that are Ikea bright and bold, with stylish wood effects and Scandi-chic tables and chairs. How best to spend your time? Keep fit in the gym, invite new friends over for a cooked dinner on the barbecue, or treat them to a meal in a nearby restaurant. Top tip: choose a balcony room and end each day with a cold beer or wine, taking in the peaceful views. It’s five minutes on foot to the town centre, where you’re spoilt for choice in terms of shopping, dining and nightlife.

Pleasant Way River Lodge, for bikes and hikes

A guestroom at Pleasant Way River Lodge has a bed with a timber headboard and boldly coloured walls and furniture

Restored to exude vintage charm, this eccentric red-brick motel is a slice of luxury and modern comfort, just moments from the peaceful Shoalhaven River. You might hire a bike and/or stroll the riverside Ben’s Walk before breakfast or later in the cool of the afternoon. There’s plenty laid on for active guests – swim laps of the indoor pool, cook up a sizzling storm in the barbecue area or work through an array of quality teas and top locally sourced coffee with breakfast in the quaint Tin Shed Coffee Bar. Looking for more action? Take a hike to the town centre – it’s just 20 minutes away and full of life.

Parkhaven, for spa indulgence

A spacious family room at Parkhaven with three beds, a flatscreen TV, desk space and lounge area

It’s all about supreme comfort, rest and relaxation in these centrally located king (and family-configured) ensuite rooms – crisp, neutral toned and spacious. Once you’ve risen, cool off in the outdoor pool before sprawling on your balcony, taking in the treetop views; or book a spa room and spend an idle hour or two sipping champagne, neck-deep in bathtub bubbles – there’s even a canopy bed for romantics. At on-site Southern Stones Bar & Rockgrill they do decadent cocktails so enjoy a woozy glass or two before dining on the juiciest, most flavourful volcanic rock-seared steak for miles around.

Nightcap at Archer Hotel, for socialising with locals

A bedroom at Nightcap at Archer Hotel with soft lighting, wood-effect wall panels and two beds

With a complimentary drink on arrival and premier, crisp bedding to sink into, you have everything you need and nothing you don’t at these delightful contemporary rooms in the middle of town. Choose from stylish studios to spacious three-bedroom self-contained apartments. Perfect your backhand on the tennis court, do laps in the 20m (66ft) pool, fuel up on fresh local fare in the restaurant and meet the locals over a refreshing ale and friendly game of pool in the bar. There’s even a bottle-o here.

The Pines Bed and Breakfast, for luxury linens

A living space at The Pines Bed and Breakfast with hardwood floor, high ceiling and glass doors

This is a lovingly renovated heritage-listed farmhouse from the 1850s. It stands on Princes Highway, just 1km (0.6mi) from the town centre and a ball’s thwack from the golf course. It’s a tribute to the early immigrant farm families and the unpretentious comfort of the architecture of that era, which comes in the form of flowing Victorian verandas, high ceilings and striking floors made of locally milled ironbark hardwood. Play Lady Jane in the claw-foot bathtub with lotions and potions by MOR, or snuggle beside the fireplace before enveloping yourself in the luscious, luxury linen sheets of the king bed.

The Balan Village Motel, for family outings

A bedroom at The Balan Village Motel with bedside lamps highlighting the painted brick walls

North of the river and the town centre, these contemporary rooms are well placed for excursions to Bomaderry Creek National Park and Cambewarra Range Nature Park – you’ll be there in about 10 minutes, so they’re snapped up quickly by nature lovers and hikers. The large rooms – decorated in soothing neutral tones – feel fresh and spacious, thanks to the soft furnishings and smart desks. Top tip: book the spa queen room for a restorative wellness bath after a long day spent out and about walking. Got the tribe in tow? Grab a family room or a three-bedroom self-contained apartment – parking is free and outside your door, so you’ll all be able to explore easily.

Berry Village Boutique Motel, for funky four-star living

This chic four-star boutique motel is slap bang in the heart of Berry, the cutest historic village along the south coast, just 19km (12mi) north of Nowra. The 25 enormous rooms are decked in country-meets-city styling: expect fruity-sharp bed throws, cushions and sofas contrasting with serene oatmeal walls. Start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast on your balcony while taking in the tranquil treetop views. At the end of an afternoon of hiking and biking, relax by the pool on the terrace, or on a comfy sofa beside the fireplace in the informal restaurant and bar – pure home from home.

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