Two men have been charged over an alleged attempt to rob a hotel in Lake Macquarie overnight.

Three men entered the hotel on Main Road at Cardiff about 11.40pm (Tuesday 5 May 2015), allegedly armed with a knife and sledgehammer.

They allegedly threatened a staff member but were unable to get cash from the safe and fled when police arrived.

Two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested a short time later by police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.

They were taken to Toronto Police Station where they were each charged with assault with intent to rob while armed with an offensive weapon.

They were refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court today (Wednesday 6 May 2015).

Police are looking for a third person.