Ask us anything.
These are the questions guests actually ring up and ask — about arriving late, the pool, the parking, whether we take dogs and how far the cellar doors really are. Straight answers, no small print.
Before you book
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 2:00pm, with reception staffed until 8:00pm. Check-out is by 10:00am. Early check-in and late check-out are both often possible — ask when you book and we’ll do our best. Both are subject to availability and may attract an additional charge.
What is your cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your arrival date. Cancel later than that, or don’t turn up, and the first night is charged. Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days. Peak periods and group bookings can carry different conditions, so check when you book.
How do I get your best rate?
Book direct. There are no booking fees, you keep free cancellation up to 48 hours, and you’re dealing with the family who own the place rather than a call centre. If you’ve seen a better price elsewhere for the same dates, ring us on (02) 4991 4197 and ask. More on booking direct.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, EFTPOS and all major cards — Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Full payment is taken on arrival, and we may ask for a security deposit at check-in to cover incidentals. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received.
Is there a minimum stay?
Not usually. Minimum-stay requirements can apply over peak periods — long weekends, the Christmas Lights season, big concert dates — but for most of the year you can book a single night. Ask us if you’re unsure about your dates.
Can I change my dates, room type or guest numbers?
Yes, as long as you let us know in advance. Changes are subject to availability. If your group grows, tell us early — the larger rooms go first, and we’d much rather move you than turn you away.
Arriving
What happens if we arrive late?
No problem at all. Reception is open 2:00–8:00pm, but if you’re running behind just call (02) 4991 4197 before you get here and we’ll leave clear instructions for collecting your key. Guests arrive late all the time; it’s the not telling us that makes it hard.
Is parking free?
Yes — free off-street parking right outside your room, with no fee and nothing to book. You can pull up at your door and unload, which matters more than it sounds when you’ve got children, golf clubs or a boot full of wine.
Where exactly are you?
43 Shedden Street, Cessnock NSW 2325 — in the middle of town, a five-minute walk from the shops, pubs and cafés. From Sydney it’s roughly two hours, about 165 km, via the M1 and the Hunter Expressway. Directions and a map.
In the rooms
What is in every room?
Every room has an ensuite, air-conditioning, a TV and free WiFi, plus tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge, a microwave, a toaster and wine glasses. Cutlery is available from the office on request. All seventeen rooms are smoke-free.
Do you serve breakfast?
No, we don’t do breakfast. Every room has tea and coffee, a fridge and a microwave, so a simple start is easy enough, and Cessnock’s cafés are a five-minute walk away — generally a better breakfast than a motel would give you anyway.
Is there a kitchenette?
Not a full kitchenette, no. You get a fridge, a microwave, a toaster, a kettle and wine glasses in every room, and cutlery from the office if you ask. It’s enough for breakfast, leftovers and a glass of something — not for cooking a roast.
Do you have free WiFi and TV?
Yes. Free WiFi and a TV come standard in every room, along with air-conditioning and an ensuite. There’s no charge and no daily limit on the WiFi.
Can we get an extra bed or a cot?
Extra beds and cots are available on request and may incur an additional charge — ask when you book rather than on the night. Every room has a maximum occupancy, so if you’re a larger group it’s worth telling us the numbers early.
How many rooms are there, and what types?
Seventeen rooms over two floors: Queen, King, Twin, Family, Deluxe Family, and a 2 Bedroom Family room with a door between the two rooms. The Family Room sleeps six across four beds. Compare them all here.
Do you have accessible rooms?
Yes, accessible rooms and facilities are available. Tell us in advance what you need and we’ll have things ready before you arrive — it’s much easier to prepare than to improvise at check-in. Full guest policies.
The property
Is there a pool?
Yes, an outdoor pool, open daily through the warmer months from morning until dusk. Towels are provided. Children must be supervised at the pool. Everything else that’s included.
Are pets allowed?
No, we’re not able to accommodate pets. Registered assistance animals are welcome — please let us know in advance so we can prepare for your arrival.
Is the motel smoke-free?
Yes, Aussie Rest is one hundred per cent non-smoking indoors. Smoking is permitted only in the designated outdoor areas, and a cleaning fee may apply if a room is smoked in.
Is it a good place for kids?
Very — families are our specialty. Tell us you’re bringing children and we’ll have extra towels and linen waiting. There’s the pool, free parking at the door, and larger rooms that keep everyone under one roof and on one bill.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes, 10:00pm to 7:00am, out of respect for other guests. Outside visitors need to be approved by reception. It’s a small motel and sound carries, so we do ask people to keep it in mind.
Getting around
Is there a train to Cessnock?
No. Cessnock lost its passenger rail service long ago. The nearest stations on the Hunter Line are Branxton, about 22 km away, and Maitland, about 28 km. Almost everyone drives, and parking here is free. Distances to every nearby town.
How far are the wineries, gardens and golf courses?
Pokolbin’s cellar doors and Saddlers Creek are both about ten minutes. Roche Estate is thirteen and the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park nine. Hunter Valley Gardens, Cypress Lakes and Hunter Valley Golf Club are all around fifteen, and The Vintage about twenty.
Can you recommend a winery tour?
Gladly — it’s one of our favourite things to talk about. Tell us what you’re after and we’ll point you at the cellar doors and courses worth your afternoon, and how to book them. Ask about a guided tour with pickup at our door.
Still stuck on something?
We answer our own phone, and there’s no question we haven’t heard before.