Best. Experience. Ever! I travelled a fair distance to have…read moremy vintage pinup and boudoir session with Pearl Davies after loving her work for years. She was living in the United States so it was difficult to book in but now she's back it's easy. I stayed at her new retro revival themed short stay The Atomic Hideaway at the time of my session so did t need to worry about accommodation. This is the complete package. Her photo prints and products are to die for and I just highly recommend her and all she does. I went on a pre-session payment plan which got me bonuses too and I just love the way in which she operates. Book yourself in today!

A friend of mine is a singer, and she used Trema to produce her first couple of music videos. The…read moreresults were ridiculously good (google Erin Marshall "Turn It Around" to see what I'm talking about). On the strength of this work I booked Trema to film and edit a video for a huge, multi-faceted party - no easy feat as this bad boy was a monster, with tons of different areas and footage requirements - but they came, they saw, they shot the hell out of the event, and a fortnight later delivered an video that kicked so much A I had to sit down after seeing it for the first time. You're never quite sure how people will interpret a brief, but these guys were bang on, so much so that only one single, solitary super change was the only amends required. Go you good thing!

Mark James Photography is an excellent choice! He produces very high quality images and offers…read moreaffordable options. Mark conducts all aspects of his practice with a warmth and professionalism which really helped us relax. We knew we didn't need to worry about a thing- he'd though of everything. Mark appreciated how special and intimate the day was for us and he allowed us to be ourselves, while snapping all the best parts! He caught our vision for our big day with open arms and captured this beautifully in his work. As an artist I'm keenly aware of colour and form and I felt he really respected the original moment even in his editing. We were ecstatic with the shots and instantly go back to our special day every time we look at them! Years after the wedding it is so wonderful to know that our photographs are safe and archivally sound and will stand the test of time because they were taken with such care. Thanks Mark, you captured our day perfectly! - Gavin and Amelia

Take a woman who for the past 15 years has collected photo booths, vintage photography bits and…read morebobs and general retro paraphernalia. Introduce it to the Renew Newcastle project which offers such endeavours a temporary shop frontage or office to make use of empty spaces and you have yourself Strip of a Lifetime. I'd read about this vintage darling on a recent Design Files blog article and when visiting Newcastle knew I had to stop in. Amongst Paula's collection is a fully-operational photo booth which she gladly opened up for us to see the in-built dark room for processing of those important moments in time. For $8 you get a photo booth strip of 4 photos and plenty of laughs in the creation of said photo strip. There's also a makeshift shelf wall (made of old draws) that contains various vintage finds like an old bible, spectacles, cameras, stove-top espresso makers and much more. I think you can hire these out (as well as the photo booths) for events. They also host regular events in the space for photographers and artists alike. It's a store with a story and Paula is so warm and friendly I really felt like taking advantage of the kitchen table in the middle of the room, buying her a cup of tea and just having a chin-wag with a new friend.

One of the few independent, professional photo labs in Newcastle. The pricing is good and you'll…read moreget much better quality than at one of the labs in a big retail store.

I'd like to thank the staff at The Mercure for doing such a good job for my wedding. My check in…read moreand out was a breeze. The breakfast both mornings was delicious (so too was the 3 course wedding dishes) and our late reservations were accommodated with no fuss as well as a last minute late check out request. Table service for drinks appeared to go off without a hitch and our drinks at the bridal table were promptly refilled. The wedding coordinator changed hands a few times but I was taken care of very well by Caroline who saw it through to the end. She was professional, always immaculately dressed, calm and easy to talk to; by phone, email or in person. It was a COVID wedding to which Caroline was amazing at outlining any limitations and providing alternatives to make our wedding as safe and close to our desires as possible. I'd also like to thank Jade who showed maturity well beyond her 21 years. Never seemed concerned by the pressures I could imagine feeling catering for a wedding. To top it off we were allowed to leave everything as it was (floral arrangements, hired items etc). After a massive day it was a relief not to worry about that and be allowed to pick the items up the next day at our convenience. I will say that the pathways beyond the hotel room terraces could use some TLC. But.... I had to eat my words after commenting to my photographer that it was "a bit overgrown and viney out there". He got some amazing photos and the lush greenery added amazing contrast to the dress. Well done everyone!

I don't normally stay in hotels on vacations much preferring a friend's house or a B&B but in a…read morepinch, like Christmas holiday and 9 people to sleep, we opted for the Mercure and I'm glad we did. This hotel is centrally located to all the best restaurants and wineries in the Hunter. The rooms are very comfortable. Best of all, they have a pool: the perfect way to relax between cellar door closing hours and your restaruant reservation.

They have experienced writers on board who actually walk extra miles to fulfil your expectations.read more

Ok stay for a w/end, not sure i would want to stay longer…read more Apartments all a bit tired, beds reasonably comfortable. No servicing at w/ends which was a let down. Lovedale bar and restaurant was more like a canteen and needs cleaning and updating!

Meeting place for Beyond Ballooning hot air balloon experiences…read more I did not stay here and can only comment on the breakfast that came included with my balloon flight. Buffet breakfast with a pancake making gadget and an omelette station where the Chef makes to order. Hot selection of scrambled eggs, bacon (normal or crispy), beans, sausages, tomato and mushrooms. Cold selection of fruit, cereal, pastries and juices. Whilst never one to turn down an all-you-can-eat breakfast, I'd heard great reviews and unfortunately it fell short of my expectations. It just didn't taste like the real thing. The sausages and meatballs in particular were bland and the eggs and bacon were nothing like you could make from home. The egg station is probably your best bet as it's made fresh and any way you want them. The pancake machine was slow to make just two. I'd much rather a chef made them fresh or just had them pre made in the hot selection range.