HI - Hunter Valley YHA - Wine Country Lodge Hostel

Situated two kilometers outside the town of Cessnock and on the edge of the Hunter Valley wine making region, the Hunter Valley YHA - Wine Country Lodge is a peaceful and relaxed hostel. Although not right next to any attractions, the hostel does have bikes for hire and the tour buses drop you right off at the hostel. There is a pub and small brewery within walking distance and the nearest wineries are only a bit past that. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, then the Hunter Valley is an ideal location to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The hostel has a few eight-bed dorms, four-bed dorms, and private rooms. The kitchen is basic but the lounge does have satellite TV and two pre-pay internet terminals. There is a small pool and sauna, and in an out-building there is a pool table and darts board. The laundry is very basic but there is a clothesline near the pool. The hostel is quite sociable but as the building is a lodge with thin walls, any noise after hours does carry and any wild parties would wake the whole hostel. The hostel reception can organize a range of activities for you (horse riding, flying lesson, hot air ballooning) and they run their own wine tasting tours taking you to a number of local wineries (normally four wine tasting sessions, lunch, and cheese-making shop).

The owner Mike runs the hotel – he lives right next to the hostel and takes some of the wine tasting tours himself. He appears to have worked in tourism for a long time and is normally able to help out with any requests. The hostel reception also sells food for making your own breakfast and its own wine (which Mike makes himself). There is also a bbq and pizza oven for pizza making nights on site. One or the other is usually held each night when the hostel is busy. In terms of value, the food and internet are not really cheap but not ridiculously overpriced either. The hostel is pretty clean but at night there can be a lot of insects about as you would expect in the country.

In summary, it's a nice friendly hostel if you want to relax and enjoy the wine of the Hunter Valley, but don't expect everything to be right on the doorstep.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review