6 Stylish Seaside Hotels in New South Wales

Raes on Wategos© Raes on Wategos

Boasting a superb stretch of Pacific coastline, New South Wales is a magical destination for a seaside holiday. Our Gurus have gathered together six stylish seaside hotels from across the region, highlighting beautiful boutique boltholes in Byron Bay and Mollymook, as well as in Sydney itself.

Choose one hideaway for a rejuvenating romantic escape, join family and friends at a cool clifftop hotel, or embark upon a memorable road trip along the Great Pacific Road, stopping in at some of the best places to stay in New South Wales over the course of a longer trip. Famed for sensational surf, superb seafood and golden beaches, this part of Australia is enormously popular. Expect cracking cuisine and stacks of style — as well as a warm Australian welcome.

For a Sojourn in Sydney

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

  • Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel, a white-and-blue gem on the water's edge in Sydney, has the feel of a classic yacht club. Individually decorated guest rooms feature original artwork, patterned quilts and light blue-painted wood panelling. Savour cracking craft cocktails and superb seafood at the popular beach bar, which also hosts live music on weekend evenings.
  • Hotel Ravesis has a cool, coastal vibe with pale pink, yellow and blue textiles and striking views of the iconic Bondi Beach. With three trendy bars and a nightclub onsite, this is a top spot for sociable partygoers. Enjoy live music, marvellous Mediterranean cuisine, and days of strolling, swimming and surfing on Sydney's east coast.

For Contemporary Cool

Bannisters by the Sea

  • Bannisters by the Sea, tucked on the cliffs at one end of Mollymook Beach, has chic white-on-white guest rooms and suites, with indigo accents and striking sea views. Gather at the buzzy bar for sundowners, sink into the refreshing swimming pool with friends, or tuck into terrific seafood at Rick Stein's acclaimed onsite restaurant. A fresh, fun ocean-facing hotel.
  • Bangalay Luxury Villas, a collection of understated suites and villas in Shoalhaven Heads, also have a cool, contemporary feel. Expect crisp, clean lines in minimalist white-on-white spaces with pale wooden floorboards, wood burning stoves and floor-to-ceiling windows facing private decks and the ocean beyond. The award-winning Bangalay Dining will delight foodies, whilst multi-room villas are ideal for families and groups of friends.

For Retro-Inspired Romance

Halcyon House

  • Halcyon House, between Byron Bay and Gold Coast, fuses contemporary cool with a romantic dash of retro style. The interiors are a dream of blue and white textiles, with bold patterned wallpapers, modern artwork and views towards unspoilt Cabarita Beach. Enjoy flavoursome lunches and dinners at easygoing eatery Pepper Daisy, which specialises in quirky cocktails. One for surfers and sun-seeking couples.
  • Raes on Wategos, a glamorous party pad from the 1960s, has been reimagined as a seaside haven, with pale textiles, handmade tiles, cane details and dazzling views of Wategos Beach. The sensational spa and acclaimed gourmet restaurant add to the appeal of this retro-inspired Spanish Mission-style villa. A favourite Byron Bay hideaway.

STILL NOT SURE?

  • Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in New South Wales.
  • Alternatively, check out our list of three top hotels in Bondi, Sydney.
  • Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
    • Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel Sydney (Australia) 31 rooms from £242

      Romantic Break  -  Spacious blue and cream-clad suites are wonderfully romantic, perfect for couples' weekends away
      Local exploring  -  Brilliant for exploring the Watsons Bay area, with its beach, cafes, bars and restaurants
      Great walks  -  Follow the lovely coastal paths along The Gap for gorgeous views and a fresh sea breeze
      Hotel Entertainment  -  Enjoy live music on weekend evenings at Watsons
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

      On the beach and recently restored, this hotel boasts panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and a lively Yacht Club atmosphere. Each of the rooms has a unique beachside feel. The hotel Beach Club bar is a local hotspot, serving cocktails and quality seafood. A real vibrant seaside atmosphere. See More

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    • Hotel Ravesis Sydney (Bondi Beach) 16 rooms from £124

      Beach Life  -  A hip coastal hotel across the road from the iconic Bondi Beach, this is a top spot for surfers, foodies & stylish beachgoers
      Hotel Entertainment  -  The hotel has its own club, perfect for late-night boogies with cracking cocktails & live music
      Romantic Break  -  Chic rooms & suites are ideal for romantic couples, who will love the cool, understated vibe
      Surfing  -  Ride the waves at world-famous Bondi Beach, borrowing a board or taking expert-led classes
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

      A collection of 16 stylish guest rooms & apartments facing iconic Bondi Beach. Spaces have a cool, coastal vibe, with floor-to-ceiling windows, pale pink, yellow & blue textiles & ocean views. With three hip bars & a cracking Mediterranean menu with superb seafood, this is a trendy seaside spot. See More

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    • Bannisters by the Sea Mollymook (New South Wales) 31 rooms from £202

      Beach Life  -  A gorgeous sea-facing hotel with a cool, contemporary feel and a real sense of fresh, nautically inspired style
      Weddings  -  A beautiful venue for coastal weddings, with sensational cuisine, dazzling views & plenty of space
      Restaurant  -  Savour superb seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters, or modern Australian fare at the relaxed Rooftop Bar & Grill along the bay
      Kayaking  -  Try your hand at kayaking and paddle boarding amidst lush vegetation on Burrill Lake
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

      A cool coastal hotel with chic white-on-white interiors & blue textiles reflecting the brilliant hues of the ocean beyond. Suites are spacious & airy, with balconies, sitting rooms & sometimes plunge pools. Craft beers & wine are served at the pool bar & Rick Stein's seafood restaurant is fabulous. See More

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    • Bangalay Luxury Villas New South Wales 16 rooms from £317

      Foodies  -  The fresh seafood & mouth-watering seasonal fare at award-winning Bangalay Dining will delight keen foodies
      Families  -  Suites with sofa beds & multi-bedroom villas are ideal for those travelling as a family
      Great walks  -  Hike along striking trails through the Seven Mile Beach National Park and the Budderoo National Park
      Restaurant  -  Bangalay Dining promises fabulous regional cuisine in a relaxed, family-friendly setting
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

      Understated suites & villas surrounding a refreshing swimming pool & award-winning restaurant in Shoalhaven Heads. Villas are characterised by crisp, clean lines, with white-on-white interiors, pale wooden floorboards, wood-burning stoves & floor-to-ceiling windows. A design-led, eco-minded escape. See More

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    • Halcyon House Cabarita Beach, New South Wales 21 rooms from £531

      Foodies  -  Foodies will adore award-winning Pepper Daisy restaurant & bar, with its easygoing seaside feel, superb cuisine & quirky drinks
      Cycling  -  Hop on the hotel's bicycles to follow the Northern Rivers Rail Trail or take scenic coastal trails to Kingscliff Beach or
      Beach Life  -  A hip little hotel overlooking beautiful Cabarita beach, ideal for surfing, strolling or soaking up the sunshine
      Surfing  -  Borrow one of the hotel's surfboards and hit the waves at brilliant Cabarita Beach, right in front of the hotel
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

      A place of calm & tranquility overlooking the scenic Cabarita Beach. Perfectly styled throughout with a chic beachy vibe; think patterned wallpapers, blue and white textiles, contemporary art and a mix of antique and modern furniture. The ideal spot to simply unwind within sight of the sea. See More

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    • Raes on Wategos Byron Bay (New South Wales) 7 rooms from £405

      Honeymoons  -  Hide away in a luxe penthouse for a glamorous seaside honeymoon, complete with soothing spa, striking design & gourmet fare
      Foodies  -  Executive Chef Jason Saxby cooks up a storm in the gourmet Dining Room
      Local markets  -  Fill your bags with craft pieces at the Byron Community Markets, or speak to the artist in residence about top creative spots
      Landmark  -  A Spanish Mission-style hotel built by Ruth Harris in the 1960s, and reopened after a restoration in 2017
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

      A striking Spanish Mission-style villa perched on Wategos Beach, this glamorous hotel has its roots in the swinging '60s. Reimagined as a seven-suite gem with pale textiles, handmade tiles, soft curves & beautiful views, it's now a Byron boutique favourite. The spa & gourmet eatery are sensational. See More

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Written by Saskia Walker

posted Tuesday, 13th August 2024