Newcastle’s first five-star hotel opens its doors today. Crystalbrook Kingsley is the new luxury resort by sustainable hospitality company Crystalbrook Collection. The June 9th opening marks a transformative moment for Australia’s seventh largest city and gateway to the Hunter Valley.

Located in the city’s iconic former Council Administration Centre — known by locals as ‘The Roundhouse’ — Kingsley Newcastle is home to 130 sophisticated five-star rooms and suites. The name Kingsley is a tribute to Newcastle’s heritage and the city’s earlier name of Kingston, which dates back to 1804.

The multimillion-dollar redevelopment preserves the original façade of the Roundhouse building, which is ideally situated just moments away from City Hall, the Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and War Memorial.

In an Australian first, Crystalbrook Kingsley will have 100% waste-free bathrooms, with all of the hotel’s amenities either biodegradable or recyclable. Upcycled and recycled materials were also used in the hotel’s construction. Kingsley will be single-use plastic free, with keyless room access and completely paperless check-in and check-out.

The opening also brings several new dining options to Newcastle, including rooftop bar Romberg’s and Roundhouse restaurant, both of which offer expansive 360-degree city views. In true Crystalbrook Collection style, 80% of the produce on the menu is grown within a three-hour radius of the hotel.

The interiors, by Suede Interior Design, make use of curves and rhythm to mimic the linear structure of the existing building, with a colour palette inspired by the Black Canary, a subtle homage to the region’s coal mining history.

“The opening coincides with an explosion of interest in the Hunter Region just two-hours north of Sydney” says Crystalbrook Kingsley General Manager, Carl Taranto. “The design and personality of the hotel, as well as the restaurant, bar and café offering [is] what Newcastle is all about: vibrant energy and nostalgia in one moment.”

Crystalbrook Kingsley (282 King St, Newcastle NSW 2300) opens today Wednesday, 9 June 2021. For bookings and more info visit crystalbrookcollection.com/kingsley