The heritage Roundhouse building, home to the former Council Administrative Centre, was so precious to Novocastrians that the Crystalbrook team had to tender for it. They softened the brutalist architecture and evened out the proportions with the glass-walled rooftop which boasts incredible views of the city and its harbour.

You’re within easy walking distance of entertainment, food and beaches including the Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and War Memorial. Wander along the foreshore footpath to take in the Hunter River, catch the tram up Hunter Street to get to the beach and the bustling East End or walk up Darby Street and check out inner city Cooks Hill. The monthly Olive Tree Market, which showcases the work of local artisans and designers, is just steps away in Civic Park.

Yellow and charcoal is a theme throughout the hotel, from the cushions on the bed to the bathrobes and the décor in the lobby. It references the Black Canary, a homage to the area’s history as a coal mining centre. There are also cute, birdcage-shaped chairs in the lobby.

It feels like stepping into an olive grove when you enter Roundhouse, with its green leather banquets and olive trees as table centerpieces. Matt Smith came onboard as executive chef mid-April and his mod-Oz menu showcases native ingredients, such as riberries with Borrowdale pork belly and fried saltbush with Pukara estate lamb back strap. Sip from a wine list that champions local drops from the nearby Hunter Valley.

Romberg’s is a slick rooftop cocktail bar and the signature drinks showcase native ingredients such as Davidson plum, lemon myrtle and waratah mix. The Coastal Margarita may not have a salt rim, but the blend of Altos Plata tequila, wattle seed syrup, lime, saltbush, samphire and sea grapes has enough briny native ingredients for that salty hit.

Ms Mary is the lobby bar that serves coffee during the day and stronger drinks at night. The all-day menu spans snacky plates such as charcuterie boards to more substantial hamburgers. There’s also a high tea with everything from sandwiches to dainty macaroons.

The bathrooms are 100 per cent waste-free, with all amenities being biodegradable or recyclable. There are recycling bins in the rooms and the hangers are made from recycled material. Romberg’s makes zero-waste cocktails from leftover spoilt fruit and the hotel is a member of EarthCheck, tourism’s sustainable advisory group.

Darby Street in Cooks Hill is where you’ll find hipster coffee galore. Grab a bike from the hotel, complete with cute wicker basket, and check out Three Monkeys, Baba Yaga and Wil&Sons. Light Years is an Asian bar and diner on the bottom end of Darby St, near the hotel. Travel a little further up Hunter Street to get to Humbug, a wine bar that specialises in minimal intervention drops, snacks and pasta.

Crystalbrook Kingsley 282 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300 For bookings and more info visit crystalbrookcollection.com/kingsley