5 Best Hotels in The Hunter Valley Wine Region, New South Wales

On 36 acres at the end of a quiet country lane, this rustic-looking but winsome guesthouse, set on a small vineyard, is all about privacy. The picturesque double-gabled mansion has a main house and nearby gatehouse. The first has eight suites, each with antique country pine furniture and a large sitting area with comfy sofas. The two more expensive suites in the Gatehouse also have hot tubs and share a lounge with full kitchen facilities. A continental breakfast basket is delivered each morning to your door. 

This serene property nestled in the hills above the valley offers tranquil ambience, filled with the soothing sounds of birds and rustling eucalyptus leaves occasionally interrupted by a passing kangaroo. Each of the accommodations—four one-bedroom villas ideal for couples, and a cottage accommodating four to six people—features a modern open-plan layout and floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive valley views. All are luxuriously appointed yet exude comfort, boasting fine bed linens, in-room hot tubs, large TVs, iPod docking stations, wood-burning fireplaces, and gas barbecues on the outdoor decks with reclining lounges. Upon arrival, a generous breakfast hamper awaits, stocked with free-range eggs, bacon, orange juice, assorted breads, and a selection of teas and coffees, complemented by a welcoming bottle of wine.

This former convent, built in 1909 and transported 605 km (375 miles) from its original home in western New South Wales, is ideal for those who love traditional guesthouses. Rooms, decorated in a "shabby chic" style with cream and brown tones, have French doors that open onto a wide veranda. All rooms have LCD televisions with movies. The house is surrounded by Pepper Tree Winery's vines and is a short walk to Circa 1876 Restaurant. The guesthouse has a variety of package deals when booked via the website. There's a minimum two-night stay on weekends.

This lovely B&B is in the heart of Kelman Vineyards Estate, a working vineyard with a cellar door just a stone's throw from the rooms. There are three guest-room options: the peaceful rooms in the main house are best described as rustic chic, with north-facing windows overlooking the vineyards. For more privacy, there's a small Scandinavian-style studio apartment tucked out back (called "the Retreat"). Alternatively, the Champagne Suite is decorated with Asian and Turkish collectibles and has an entire wall of glass doors, opening out onto a deck with wonderful views over pear trees and Shiraz vines. Owners Gay and Warren Cooper are the perfect hosts and fantastic cooks—ask for their famous ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter at breakfast. The B&B has a small private home cinema if you want to relax with a movie.