REVIEWS
POWERHOUSE HOTEL TAMWORTH BY RYDGES ELISA ELWIN checks out the family rooms at this recently refurbished five-star hotel THE LOWDOWN
After undergoing a multimillion dollar refurbishment in 2020, this hotel has emerged as a luxurious accommodation option – the only five-star offering in the NSW New England region. Located on the original site of an 1888 power station, it pays tribute to its heritage through its design influences and art. Compared to a city hotel of a similar calibre, it’s great value for money.
LOCATION
A 4.5-hour drive north-west of Sydney along the New England Highway and 7 hours’ drive south of Brisbane, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges is a great place for a pit stop on a family road trip. It’s also just a few minutes’ drive from Tamworth Regional Airport, and 5 minutes’ drive from the town centre.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotel has 61 rooms and suites, and 20 luxe serviced apartments including King Rooms, which can accommodate up to two adults and two children, through to two-bedroom apartments 112
with kitchens. Our Powerhouse Family Room on the second floor had a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. We loved the premium pillow-top king beds, wall TVs in each room and coffee machine and pods. The rooms are stylish and sumptuous, with a homely feel. Eco-conscious practices include the ‘Green Choice Decline’ – decline the daily housekeeping service and receive a $10 food and beverage credit. Make sure to book in advance as this updated property is creating quite a buzz, and family rooms are booked out well in advance of the school holidays. Join the Priority Guest Rewards loyalty program for free benefits and extras, including dining discounts and room rate discounts.
A room with twin beds
POWERHOUSE HOTEL TAMWORTH BY RYDGES
248 Armidale Rd, East Tamworth, NSW (02) 6766 7000 rydges.com/accommodation/regional-nsw/ powerhouse-hotel-tamworth/
ACTIVITIES
The pool is the centre of all fun. With the heated spa open until 10pm, a soak in the bubbles before a dip in the cool pool is a great way to let off steam and prepare for bed. The Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum within the hotel complex is a motorbike lover’s dream.
The hotel pool