Crystalbrook Kingsley

Newcastle, Australia

You won’t find many straight lines in the striking new Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel design. Newcastle’s former Council Administration Centre – built in 1977 and nicknamed ‘The Roundhouse’ – has always been known for its brutalist-style of architecture.

Now it has morphed into a sustainably considered, 130-room luxury hotel achieved by local firm EJE Architecture, who have preserved the original facade and infused both the exterior and interior with warm appeal.

The plush yellow and charcoal decor by Melbourne-based Suede Interior Design offers glimpses of birds, footprints and feather motifs telling the story of the city’s mining past. It’s based on a canary set free from its cage that links to the safety of early mining, and is immortalised in subtle hints throughout, from bed coverings to cushions and carpet.

My park-view room features soft curves, reclaimed timber furniture made by a local carpenter, environmentally friendly sheep-yarn carpet and earthenware crafted by a nearby potter. Like other Crystalbrook properties, the bathroom is completely waste-free (no mini amenity bottles), and there are no single-use plastics throughout, including the mini-bar.

Dining options include a sophisticated rooftop cocktail bar – named Romberg’s after the building’s original architect – where artisanal cocktails take centre stage. The Riverside and Coastal Margarita taste even better than they look, plus there are delicious light bites – think chilli-caramel pork bao and tempura Balmain bug.

The adjoining Roundhouse restaurant boasts 360-degree views of the city. Soon, olive trees will create a natural canopy over tables, reminiscent of dining in an orchard. Chef Natalie Bolt offers an innovative menu where 80 per cent of produce is grown within a three-hour radius of the hotel.

Situated in the heart of Newcastle, opposite Civic Park, the hotel is ‘culturally connected’ – near the Newcastle Art Gallery and War Memorial. It takes its name from the city’s earlier moniker of Kingston from 1804. It’s a grand reimagining that pays tribute to the past while setting a high bar for the future.

Rates start from $275 per room, per night. crystalbrookcollection.com

Australia’s own Crystalbrook Collection reveals Newcastle’s first five-star hotel.