Base yourself at one of these incredible Katoomba stays as you discover the stunning Blue Mountains beyond.
The Gateway to the World-Heritage Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba has long been a magnetic mountain town. With her elegant Art Deco buildings, undeniable originality and bounteous natural assets, such as those drama-filled Jamison Valley vistas, this historic destination offers some of the region’s most character-filled stays. From five-star luxury to centenarian cottages and cool cabins, our pick of Katoomba accommodation will fulfill your mountain hideout needs.
1. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa
Best for: Special occasion stays and moments of opulence.
$$$$
This Echo Point-adjacent resort occupies the historic summer homestead of a former chief justice of NSW and unfurls across two acres of splendid English gardens. This elegant, five-star beauty has set the standard for luxury in the Blue Mountains and is an iconic experience for those who appreciate bygone grandeur.
Lilianfels channels old-world elegance. (Image: Destination NSW)
The 85-room hotel makes a fine base for outward exploration, but guests are well-entertained onsite with the Lilianfels day spa, swimming pools, tennis court, library and games room. Darley’s Restaurant is the resort’s fine-diner occupying an ornate, chandelier-illuminated room with views toward the Jamison Valley escarpment.
The heritage-listed homestead oozes glamour and comfort.
2. Palais Royale
Best for: Everyone looking for a little charm.
$$$
Built in 1896, this grand, old building once housed a boarding school for young ladies but now caters to visitors touring the Blue Mountains. With 40 comfortable suites and rooms, including family rooms, the Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. While not wildly opulent, the hotel possesses inherent grace and is a lovely base for relishing Katoomba’s many attractions.
The grand Palais Royale brings a touch of charm to mid-range accommodation. (Image: Destination NSW)
3. Sable Mae
Best for: Design boffins on a weekend away.
$$$
Just a seven-minute drive from Katoomba will see you in Medlow Bath and checking into this mountain luxe cabin. Beautifully designed and appointed, this ranch-style stay is positioned for bushland fun, from wandering historic towns to following trails frolicking in waterfalls and ogling the landscape. Raw materials, minimal tones and swoon-worthy details, such as a breakfast window and fire pit, make for a cosy base year-round.
Settle into this ranch-style stay at Sable Mae.
4. Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Best for: Dramatic vistas and enjoying the perks of Lilianfels for a smaller price tag.
$$$
Each room at this 4.5-star Jamison Valley-perched hotel gazes upon the unrelenting beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. Angled specifically to take in the splendour that plays out with varying colours throughout the day, this spot, set within manicured gardens, allows guests to absorb it all without ever having to put boot to trail.
Every corner has panoramic views over the scenic Blue Mountains landscape.
Onsite there’s the fine dining Echoes Restaurant and a day spa, while you’ll also have access to a range of leisure activities next door at sister resort, Lilianfels.
Dine at Echoes Restaurant and Bar for incredible views.
5. The Carrington
Best for: Anyone and everyone who’d like a side of handsome history with their stay.
$$–$$$
Set at the highest point of Katoomba, this iconic darling of the mountains is much more than a hotel. Housing the Katoomba Brewing Co, Carrington Cellars and Deli, Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie, Champagne Charlie’s and live music venue, The Baroque Room, this grand old dame is the centrepiece of the town’s nightly action. With suites and rooms restored to their former glamour, The Carrington caters to everyone from families to flashpackers.
The Carrington is considered the iconic darling of the mountains.
6. Eden Farm Escape
Best for: Horse lovers and families with furred friends.
$$$
An hour’s drive from Katoomba, you’ll find five luxury cabins on the lush, groomed meadows of a working equine farm in Bilpin, where idyllic white fences keep well-groomed horses from galloping into the national park beyond.
Bring your dog, kid or both and enjoy some bucolic serenity, swims in the dam, horse rides and egg-collecting from Cluckingham Palace. Sleeping from two up to eight guests, the cabins are curated with loads of style and well-appointed with fireplaces, coffee machines and bespoke kitchens.
Venture further up the mountains to Bilpin for this idyllic farm stay.
7. Megalong Lookout Cottage
Best for: A little rest and relaxation.
$$$
Enjoy your morning meditation or coffee on the balcony here overlooking the dusty green eucalypts of Megalong Valley.
Admire the cotton candy sky over Megalong Valley.
A lofty and restful escape, the three-bedroom cottage has a calm demeanour and is equipped with everything a comfortable stay requires, plus a few little luxuries, such as Smeg appliances, coffee machine and Aesop products.
Expect to feel like you are sleeping in the trees at Megalong Lookout Cottage.
8. Cosy Bush Cabin
Best for: Couples who appreciate timber.
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Taking style cues from Hobbiton, this rustic cabin is a cute little stay hewn from recycled materials. Surrounded by bush and backing onto the national park, this is a cosy spot to retreat to after a day spent in the great outdoors. With just a kitchenette, you may need to take a 10-minute drive into Katoomba for dinner or supplies.
Cosy Bush Cabin is a cosy spot to retreat.
9. Traveller’s Treehouse
Best for: Two couples on a restorative stay and twitchers.
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Poised for a treetop aspect, this charming stay is bright, open and frequented by colourful birdlife. Tucked privately in Katoomba, but close to town, the two-bedroom treehouse is close to the big attractions of the area, such as the Three Sisters and Scenic World yet feels perfectly isolated as you watch the sun dip behind the gums.
Hide yourself away in this modern-day treehouse in Katoomba.
