The Best Hotels to Book in Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Built in 1882, this awesome building was called the Grand Old Lady of Katoomba, and tt’s been welcoming swinging visitors from Sydney for decades. Oozing class and elegance from a bygone era, this beloved local landmark specialises in romantic overnight stays, with a great central location on the main street in Katoomba. The 60-plus spacious rooms and suites accommodate all tastes and budgets. Pull up a stool and order a cold beer in Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar, or dine in-house at the Grand Dining Room: pan-fried duck breast or stuffed eggplant?

They built this beauty right on the edge of the Echo Point escarpment overlooking Jamison Valley. And no wonder – time stands still as you take in the majestic views of the Blue Mountains from this three-storey boutique hotel, with its 14 laze-the-day-away rooms. There’s not too much to do apart from hoover up the fine food at the restaurant, which has won prizes. Following a day of exploring, you owe it to yourself to book a treatment at the Echoes Day Spa. Play a round of tennis or take a dip in the outdoor or indoor pool. And make sure you set your timer as you catch the molten sunsets on the terrace.

The acres of manicured gardens are the first pull – but Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa also has amazing views over Echo Point, where you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. Listed as a World Heritage site, the Blue Mountains National Park is the great backdrop to this historic homestead, now a five-star resort with about 90 spacious guest rooms and suites. Attention to period detail is all here: notice the Wedgwood wallpaper themed in pink, green or lilac. And laze in your full-size bath inside your marble bathroom. Our advice? Book a deluxe room – that way, you’ll get a view over the resort or glimpse of treetops and the photogenic Jamison Valley beyond

Right on the cusp of the Blue Mountains National Park is this great spot, in the picturesque town of Leura. It was developed in 2014 as a Chinese language and cultural centre, hence the fusion of Eastern and Western style today. Check in – there are 24 rooms – and you’ll like the updated looks, although the much-loved rural exterior is still cool. Think oriental Chinese heritage meets the Australian bush. Chinese rock gardens and slender bamboo plantings contrast against a backdrop of banksia and eucalyptus.

In the centre of Katoomba, just three minutes’ drive from the Three Sisters rock formation, the Blue Mountains Heritage Hotel is your stylish, rural home from home. Check in for classic heritage features including high ceilings – and be sure to Instagram the timber staircase, which is so distinctive and charming. Air conditioning in each room keeps temperatures just right throughout the year. Head down to socialise in the games room or barbecue area. Or stroll to Echo Point, Scenic World and the Edge Cinema – and leave the car at the free on-site parking.

Head to the heart of Katoomba and soon enough you’ll find this affordable and elegant historic guesthouse, which dates from the 1930s. It’s close to the local train station as well as the photogenic Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls and Scenic World. The charming Metropole Guesthouse is ideal for couples, families or groups. Read up on the region’s rich history in the library before dinner in the elegant dining room. And before you bed down, stroll through the pretty village of Katoomba.

Not even 10 minutes’ drive from Echo Point and the Scenic Railway, the Sky Rider Motor Inn is a great base, with clean, comfortable and affordable rooms. The Three Sisters are a 10-minute drive away, and you can be at Katoomba Railway Station in 20 minutes. After a day hiking the trails, it’s dinner time – chuck a few sausages on the barbecue, then kick back and relax in the garden area. Or head back to your room for a cup of tea or coffee. Check the temperature of the outdoor swimming pool before jumping in as the climate can be cooler in the mountains. In the morning, enjoy a cooked breakfast.

Make the 3 Explorers your base and you’ll be spoilt for choice, activity-wise: a short stroll gets you to the beautiful Three Sisters rock formation, a regular feature on Instagram and which you can capture at different times of the day. Keep the camera handy if you go for a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway incline in the world. Back at the motel, the garden views come free when you book one of the four star motel’s 15 individually decorated guest rooms, including superior family rooms and superior spa suites.