As the largest inland city in New South Wales, Wagga Wagga is an important hub for the Riverina region.
People from across this part of the state come here for business, for the hospital, for the university, for the races, and all sorts of other reasons.
Often, the best accommodation in Wagga Wagga is aimed at this kind of travel… which is why there are a lot of hotels that offer self-contained options. Pure tourism is sometimes just an afterthought.
But this is great news for travellers. It means there are lots of good places to stay in Wagga Wagga and a wide variety in budgets and styles.
When you’re looking for where to stay in Wagga Wagga, you’ll find great motels, comfortable apartments, and trendy heritage hotels.
A lot of the best accommodation in Wagga Wagga is in (or very close) to the centre of the city – and I would probably recommend staying here. Being walking distance to restaurants, for instance, will make your stay a bit easier.
But you will also find some good hotels relatively close to the hospital, especially ones offering self-contained facilities for longer stays.
And in the more residential suburbs of the city, you’ll find some lovely apartments and houses that give you even more of a local feel.
Although it’s not the most famous tourist destination in NSW, there are quite a lot of attractions in Wagga Wagga, and it’s also a good base to explore the region’s nature.
I would suggest staying in Wagga Wagga for a couple of nights, if you have time.
You may be interested in my story about the best things to do in Wagga Wagga.
Anyway, with all that in mind, let’s now have a look at some of the best places to stay in Wagga Wagga.
Best overall
For my top recommendation of where to stay in Wagga Wagga, I’ve chosen a relatively small boutique hotel because of its serenity, comfort, and heritage value.
There are some other great larger hotels, as well as good apartments and motels in Wagga Wagga, but I love The Houston because it offers something really special that stands out from more generic options.
The Houston
The first thing you’ll notice about this beautiful boutique hotel is the building. The historic home, called Belmore House, is from 1868 and was once described as “one of the most elegant structures in the colony out of Sydney”.
With a fantastic modern renovation, the interior of The Houston has been turned into 11 individual suites, each of which feels private and homely. With different sizes (and prices), you can choose the one that suits you best.
Although the modern makeover gives the space a contemporary atmosphere, the furniture and fittings sit feel harmonious with the heritage significance of the property.
The suites all have enough facilities to make coffee and breakfast yourself, while most also have kitchenettes for some simple cooking. Perfect for longer stays or if you just want to spend a night in.
Even though The Houston is on a wide tree-lined street that feels suburban, you’re walking distance to shops and restaurants. There are a few car parking spots on the property, otherwise there is plenty of space on the street outside.
Because there are only eleven suites, The Houston can fill up quite quickly, especially during busy periods, so I recommend booking well in advance.
Best motel
A popular road trip destination, there are quite a few motels in Wagga Wagga. The top ones are all good but there’s a range of prices.
BEST: Wagga RSL Club Motel
For a motel, the Wagga RSL Club Motel is really nice, with a heated swimming, free breakfast, and a large outdoor area.
Lincoln Cottage Motor Inn
Along with the comfortable and spacious rooms, Lincoln Cottage Motor Inn has a saltwater swimming pool and bbq facilities.
The Lawson Riverside Suites
With a traditional design along the water, The Lawson Riverside Suites offer good value and a lot of useful amenities.
Best apartment
For a large city, there aren’t as many modern apartments in Wagga Wagga as you might expect. But if you want a bit of space or are planning a longer stay, there are some good apartments that feel delightfully homely.
BEST: Baylis Boutique Apartments
Stylish and modern right in the city centre, Baylis Boutique Apartments offer 2-bedroom or 4-bedroom options.
94Best Apartments
Clean and comfortable, 94Best Apartments are good value and offer plenty of space in a quiet neighbourhood.
Apartments on Morrow
Although they’re close to the centre, the Apartments on Morrow are nice and quiet with a residential feel.
Best boutique
Although there are not a lot of boutique hotels to choose from, there are some lovely places to stay in Wagga Wagga that fall somewhere between a motel and a luxury hotel.
BEST: The Charles Boutique Hotel
Charming and sophisticated, The Charles Boutique Hotel has lovely rooms and a swimming pool, but the highlight is its excellent restaurant.
Carlyle Suites & Apartments
You’ll get a bit more space at the nicely-appointed Carlyle Suites & Apartments, with light breakfast items included.
Townhouse Hotel
Quite a large property, Townhouse Hotel has great executive suites and one of Wagga’s best restaurants on site.
Best luxury
At the luxury end of Wagga Wagga accommodation, you’ll find some beautiful small properties offering a peaceful stay, as well as larger hotels full of amenities.
BEST: The Houston
Within a grand historic house, The Houston has eleven stylishly renovated suites with incredibly comfortable beds and off-street parking.
St Hugh Hotel
In a small building with some art deco touches, St Hugh Hotel has delightful design elements and very cosy rooms.
International Hotel
A large upmarket property, International Hotel is very popular for business and conference visitors, with free parking and on-site restaurant.
