Top 5 Stays in the Blue Mountains for a long weekend away

In need of a holiday? We've got the perfect spot right in Sydney’s backyard.

 As Blue Mountains locals and hospitality professionals, we’d like to let you in on tips for when you visit our beautiful corner of NSW. The Blue Mountains is one of Australia’s most visited attractions. With its stunning views, incredible bush walks and beautiful stays, that’s no surprise. Here are some of our top picks for a long weekend away in the Blue Mountains that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and revitalised. 

Emirates Wolgan Valley

The Emirates One&Only Resort is one of Australia’s most sought-after, high-end, luxury rural accommodations. Situated in the breathtaking Wolgan Valley, the One&Only is surrounded by gentle slopes of grass, acres of conservation bushland and dramatic views of mountain escarpments. The resort was beautifully and sustainably designed by Turner and Associates, and awarded with a CarboNZero certification.

The hotel features a luxury spa and steam room with a wide range of wellness treatments and exclusive Sodashi products for use. Guests enjoy a suite of activities, including guided nature walks, a wildlife safari with sunset drinks, horse riding, archery, tennis or stargazing tours. The hotel restaurant serves a delightful menu curated by Executive Chef Nancy Kinchela, and all the staff from bartenders to room attendants provide an exceptional level of service. A stay here is a truly special experience.

Leura House

Although there are some incredible luxury hotels here, there are a lot of options for affordable accommodation in the Blue Mountains, too. Leura House is one of the best you can get.

This historic guest house is a cultural institution in Leura. Built in 1880, the gorgeous Victorian building is brimming with old world Blue Mountains charm. However, suites have been renovated to provide all the stylish modern comfort you could ask for, and the guest house comes with a charming restaurant and event facilities.

Nestled among manicured English gardens, the house sits on one of the highest points in Leura, offering some sweeping views of the surrounding valleys from the expansive upstairs balconies. At just $140 per night for a double room with ensuite, Leura House is incredibly reasonably priced and located close to the historic main street.

Lillianfels Blue Mountains Retreat and Spa

Dreaming of an idyllic romantic getaway?

A little further up the price scale, Lillianfels Blue Mountains Retreat and Spa is a popular choice for those who want a historical, luxurious getaway that’s still modestly priced, ranging from $250 to $500 per suite. Originally built in the 19th century as the summer home of Sir Frederick Darley, the rambling building and manor grounds are full of old fashioned charm and style.

Lillianfels boasts a day spa with massage and treatments, an English-style tea house serving high tea, and no less than four different restaurants. Each presents a variety of cuisines, beverages and views of the astonishing mountains surrounding the hotel.

Darley’s Restaurant is one of the resort’s finest offerings. Situated within the original 1888 homestead, the main dining room of Darley’s features opulent, antique furnishings, two ornate fireplaces, leadlight windows, crystal chandeliers and a collection of artworks.

The one-hat restaurant offers an award winning, fine dining experience featuring modern Australian cuisine made using local produce, served a’la carte or degustation.

Old Leura Dairy

If you’re after something a little quirky that oozes charm, we’ve got just the place for you.

The Old Leura Dairy offers a delightful Blue Mountains accommodation experience like no other. A guest house consisting of old farm buildings renovated using recycled materials, each of the six suites is completely unique in its interior and exterior design.

Ranging from a small shed studio, to a large straw-bale house, workers cottage or a spacious barn that can sleep up to eleven people, the Old Leura Dairy has something for everyone. Rooms come with basic kitchen facilities, and there is an outdoor hot tub on site so you can relax and gaze at the stars while you bathe. With prices starting at $210 per night for a two-person self-contained studio suite, it’s gorgeous and playful accommodation that’s very reasonable.

The Carrington Hotel

Another great option for those on a budget, the Carrington is a grand, historic hotel centrally located in the heart of Katoomba. Originally opened in 1883, the hotel was given a complete historical restoration in the 1990s, preserving its Art Nouveau features and reviving its opulent, 19th century charm. Rooms are comfortably furnished in the Art Nouveau style, to match the stunning leadlight windows and turn-of-the-century architectural details.

The Grand Dining Room at the Carrington Hotel is a must-see for any visitor to the Blue Mountains. The enormous, columnated ballroom has hosted weddings, galas and dances for Sydney society for over a hundred years. The room has been lovingly preserved as close to the original as possible, featuring the original crystal chandeliers and replicas of the original furnishings. You can even see some original silver serving pieces displayed in a famous cabinet.

For meals, you can enjoy a seasonal a’la carte menu designed by Executive Chef, Stefan Klaunzer at the Grand Dining Room, or casual pub fare at the Old City Bank Brasserie. Enjoying a drink, coffee or devonshire tea at the famous Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar is also a must.

Would you love a career in hotels? We pride ourselves on being leaders in the hotel industry and expertise of hotel operations. Be sure to visit us if you’re passionate about starting a career in hospitality, we’d love to help you.S

See here for information on courses at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.