At the end of last year, Californian Andrew Smith was awarded the title of Destination NSW’s “Chief Funster”, a duty that sees him travel around the State for six months, creating digital content that shows off New South Wales in all its splendour. I had the opportunity to join Andrew for two days of his adventure, which saw us in Newcastle to take in the annual SURFest and the launch of the city’s Craft Beer Week. But first, I needed to check into the hotel.
I headed north from Sydney via train; a two-and-a-half hour journey via one of Transport NSW’s more express services, heading straight to my hotel, the Novotel Newcastle Beach – an easy 500 metres walk from the station. The 6 floor hotel – which seems to be part of a larger apartment complex – offers guests water views and easy access to said water. They were even kind enough to entice me with a couple of Toohey News on arrival. Being in town for the Craft Beer Week, however, I opted to save my energies until later that evening and some *cough* better better. But thanks to the hotel for the kind gesture!
The room was comfortable and the bathroom spacious. Including a desk, wardrobe space, massive King size bed and a area for your tea, coffee and minibar. The LCD screen was propped up against the top corner of the room, and the popular “choose your pillow” option was inclusive. In addition to this, the hotel was committed to ensuring you had everything you need for a trip down to the beach, a run in the gym… even offering a personal trainer and a masseuse should your relaxing weekend warrant it.
With my time with the Chief Funster occupying my evening and then early the next morning, there was honestly little time spent in the hotel to explore the facilities, but it was clear that – with the exception of a pool (which is unneeded this close to the beach, let’s be honest), this Novotel had everything one might need and then some.
I did fit in a sampling of the breakfast buffet before heading out to the surf in the morning though, and the selection was standard – scrambled eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausages, baked beans, bacon etc. alongside fresh fruit, juices and cereals. Not the most extravagant selection we’ve come across (but then again, when we say this we compare to Las Vegas, and that’s not fair!), but certainly all you need to get the day rolling. And a must say the croissants were a particularly delicious way to start the day after a superb (if all too brief) sleep.
Wi-Fi/Internet was available but not tested.
For more holiday options for your visit to Newcastle, visit http://www.visitnsw.com/ and you can head HERE to learn more about the hotel!
Larry stayed as a guest of Destination NSW and Novotel.
