Mayfield Motel

Mayfield Motel is the practical end of dog friendly travel: a single level budget motel from 1962 on Maitland Road, where the rooms sit at ground level, the car park is free and right outside your door, and dogs are genuinely allowed rather than grudgingly tolerated. For travellers working a dog through Newcastle on a budget, it does the important things well.

Dogs at the Mayfield Motel

Dogs of any size are generally accepted, and specific ground level rooms are allocated for pet stays, which makes getting a sandy or muddy dog inside refreshingly easy. The published fee is 30 dollars per pet per night plus a refundable 100 dollar deposit per stay, and service animals are exempt. Some booking sources indicate dogs only, no cats, so check when you ring. The one firm rule: contact the motel at least 24 hours before arrival to confirm your pet room, because walk ins with dogs are not a safe bet. Rooms are simple and clean, with air conditioning, a fridge and microwave; the motel does not provide in room pet amenities, so pack your own bowls and bedding.

Worth knowing

Beyond the pet logistics there is an outdoor pool, a garden, and a BBQ and picnic area for an easy dinner in with the dog at your feet. The setting is a working suburban stretch of Maitland Road rather than a postcard, but Mayfield West shops are close and the location earns its keep on access: the Hunter Wetlands National Park is about 2 kilometres away for a proper walk, Allowah Street Reserve is roughly the same distance for a quick leg stretch, and Newcastle's CBD is a 10 to 15 minute drive.

Max: Call at least 24 hours ahead to lock in a pet room. Ground level access with free parking right outside makes arrival easy.

Close by with the dogs

Start the morning with coffee at Tallowood Espresso or The Pocket in Mayfield, then let the dog run at Purdue Park before heading in to town. On a sunny day, Newcastle Dogs Beach is worth the 20 minute drive. See what else is around in Mayfield West or browse more pet friendly stays in NSW.