The Best Hotels in the Blue Mountains, Australia for Every Traveller

In the quaint township of Katoomba, Lilianfels Resort and Spa offers unrivalled views across the Jamison Valley. Follow the stairs behind the hotel, and you’ll find a bushwalk that leads you past the Three Sisters, an iconic Blue Mountains landmark. After a day spent lounging in both the outdoor and indoor pools, make a reservation at the Gatsby-esque, in-house Darley’s Restaurant for the best meal in town.

A heritage-listed hotel steeped in old-world elegance, the Carrington is a lush base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Opt for one of its Colonial Rooms for art deco bathrooms and stained-glass windows or the Lord Carrington Suite for a balcony with views across the Jamison Valley. Pop into the hotel’s Old City Bank Bar to sample local ales from the on-site Katoomba Brewing Company when you’re feeling parched.

Plonked between the villages of Leura and Wentworth Falls, Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains is one of the best spa destinations in the area. The Ubika Day Spa Leura Blue Mountains boasts 16 treatment rooms, and the hotel has a sauna, an indoor heated lap pool and an outdoor pool, among other facilities. When you’re not being pampered, check out the adjacent Leura Golf Club, or explore the clifftop walks straight from the hotel, passing the Empress and Wentworth Falls.

As the name suggests, Nesuto Leura Gardens sits among perfectly manicured lawns. Find a quiet spot and ask the team to make up one of its high tea or picnic hampers for you to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Feeling parched? Take part in one of the fortnightly wine-tasting classes – cheese and nibbles provided. The rooms here are neat, and many of them have private balconies to take in the fresh mountain air.

At the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Spicers Sangoma Retreat is named after the Zulu word for “healer”. The all-inclusive retreat is home to just six intimate suites, each completely immersed in the surrounding eucalyptus canopy – best viewed while submerged in the room’s standalone tubs. If you’re feeling flush, opt for the Chief Suite, and take delight in the private plunge pool and cosy wood-burning fireplace.

Set in the village of Blackheath, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges is just a 15-minute walk from Govetts Leap, one of the prettiest vantage points in the Blue Mountains. The property itself is dotted with pine and maple trees. Inside, the palette is all soft greys and cream – expect rustic decor with art from local creatives adorning the walls.

Perched atop the dramatic escarpment of Echo Point, Echoes is a luxury boutique hotel with just 14 minimalist rooms – the real star here is the view. While the rooms, named after local explorers, have terraces, make a reservation at the in-house restaurant for sunset, as there’s no better spot to watch the pink hues envelop the Jamison Valley.

Just before the entrance to the Blue Mountains, Mercure Penrith makes a fantastic choice for travellers who want a sleek option not too far from the city (it’s just 50 minutes by car from central Sydney). When the Aussie heat becomes too much, take a dip in the large outdoor pool before retiring to your polished room. If you fancy watching a game of rugby, the Panthers Stadium is right across the street.

If a bit of pampering is your idea of a holiday, you’ll be well taken care of at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley – it boasts the largest day spa in the Sydney area. When you’re not booked in for a well-earned massage, check out the 8ha (20 acres) of landscaped gardens, dine on pressed lamb belly at Harvest Restaurant or relax in your stylish room, refurbished to excellent standards.