The Best Places to Stay on a Budget in Newcastle, Australia

Newcastle has an array of great budget-friendly places to stay
Newcastle has an array of great budget-friendly places to stay | Courtesy of Backpackers Newcastle / Expedia
Paris Donnatella Callan

Not far north of Sydney is Newcastle, a harbourside city with stunning beaches and coastal walks along waterside suburbs. It has much historical significance, is home to many former penal sites and is the most prolific coal-exporting harbour in the world. Attracting a steady stream of backpackers, city-breakers, tourists and business people, Newcastle is laden with culture, nightlife and undeniable beauty. Here are the top cheap hotels in Newcastle, Australia – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Burwood Inn

Budget Hotel, Inn

An outside view of the brick building painted white and green at Burwood Inn
Courtesy of Burwood Inn / Expedia

This hotel in Newcastle offers pub-style lodgings over a lively local watering hole. The family-owned and managed Burwood Inn is simple and stylish. After renovations in 2010, there are now eight boutique rooms with four shared designer bathrooms. There is complimentary breakfast with each stay as well as a buzzing pub downstairs offering some of Newcastle’s best brews, all but a stone’s throw away from the city centre.

2. The Criterion Hotel

Hotel

A rustic seating area at The Criterion Hotel with wooden tables and chairs, plants hanging from the ceiling and a TV
Courtesy of The Criterion Hotel / Booking.com

Criterion Hotel in Carrington, Newcastle is traditional pub-style digs at its best. No fuss, no frills – just clean, quality accommodation. Set in a harbourside suburb just outside of the Central Business District (CBD), Criterion Hotel assures a laid-back local stay in Newcastle, still only moments from the city. There are nine recently renovated rooms of queen and single beds, all with shared bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, and a common room.

3. Oriental Hotel

Budget Hotel

A light bedroom with two beds, a wooden bedside table, a black leather sofa, a TV, white walls and windows at Oriental Hotel
Courtesy of Oriental Hotel / Booking.com

This little local pub is the perfect place to stay if cool and casual is what you’re after. Downstairs is a buzzing neighbourhood venue with beers and banter galore; and upstairs you’ll find straightforward quality accommodation. For backpackers or those on a budget, this is the perfect place to stay if trying to take a break from the hostel scene.

5. Backpackers Newcastle

Budget Hotel, Hostel

An outdoor pool with sun loungers, flowers and palm trees at Backpackers Newcastle
Courtesy of Backpackers Newcastle / Booking.com

Set just a few blocks from all of the city’s main transport links is Backpackers Newcastle, a fun and friendly budget and backpackers’ option in Newcastle. Offering free pick-ups and drop-offs to and from the nearby train and bus station, this hostel also features social common areas with a pool table, a swimming pool, and hammocks for relaxing.

6. The Albion Hotel

Budget Hotel, Hotel

This cosy pub offers sweet and simple accommodation for those on a budget in Newcastle. Super affordable without scrimping on quality, the Albion has straightforward, no-fuss twin-single or queen rooms fitted with TVs and comfy beds, as well as a common area for residential guests. They also serve 24-hour continental breakfast with harbour views.

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