The 12 best places to stay in the Blue Mountains (whatever your budget)

Perfect for: A special occasion, traditionalists, self-pamperers.
Situated within the manicured grounds of the grand Victorian summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley, the sixth chief justice of NSW, Lilianfels encapsulates the golden age of the Blue Mountains, when it was a fashionable escape for wealthy Sydneysiders “taking the air”. Three-hatted restaurant Darleys occupies the original mansion, while the resort’s 85 suites are delightfully frou-frou, with canopy beds, sumptuous soft furnishings and Wedgewood wallpaper themed in pink, green or lilac.
From $399 a night. 5-19 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba. Phone: (02) 4780 1200. See lilianfels.com.au

Hotel Etico, Mount Victoria

Perfect for: Socially conscious ethical travellers, couples or solo.
Australia’s first “social enterprise” hotel, Hotel Etico provides hospitality training for young people with intellectual disabilities, offering them a nurturing environment to learn and adapt to life away from their families. The hotel occupies the former Mount Victoria Manor, built by John Fairfax in 1886. It retains many of its beautiful old features and furnishings in 16 guest rooms, multiple lounges and hidden nooks, with a bar and restaurant featuring live music on weekends.
From $219 a night. 11 Montgomery St, Mount Victoria. Phone: 0438 511 352. See hoteletico.com.au

Woolshed Cabins, Kanimbla Valley

Perfect for: Nature lovers, sunset dreamers, horse-loving families.
The Kanimbla Valley is the Blue Mountains’ best-kept secret, a bucolic glen of rolling pastures flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs. Tucked into this remote location are the Woolshed Cabins, two architecturally designed, well-appointed two and three-bedroom cabins next to an original woolshed. Your only company on misty mornings will be grazing ’roos, horses and cows, and the sunsets that set the escarpment aglow.
From $650 a night. Kanimbla Drive, Kanimbla via Blackheath. Phone: 0404 474 304. See woolshedcabins.com.au

Kurrara Historic Guest House, Katoomba

Perfect for: Yogis, couples, wellness groups
The gracious Kurrara was built in 1901 as a health retreat by Dr Hall of Randwick to offer his patients respite in the fresh air of the Blue Mountains. More than a century later, the current owners have restored the property and refined its place as a wellness centre, offering yoga classes and retreats in a gorgeous light-filled custom-built yoga studio. With nine guestrooms, it’s ideal for groups on a weekend or mid-week retreat, while individual travellers will also appreciate its historic vibe.
From $195 a night. 17 Coomonderry St, Katoomba. Phone: (02) 4782 6058. See kurraraguesthouse.com.au

Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath

Perfect for: Antiquarians, romantics and drama queens
Opened in 1904 as a wellness retreat by flamboyant retailer Mark Foy, the Hydro Majestic became the fashionable place to stay during the 1920s, when outrageous parties and absinthe-fuelled theatrics echoed through its eccentric hallways. Brought back to life after extensive renovation in 2014, The Hydro still lures those with an appreciation of grandeur. While the rooms may be small by modern standards, the views across the stunning Megalong Valley never fail to impress.
From $289 a night. 52/88 Great Western Hwy, Medlow Bath. Phone: (02) 4782 6885. See hydromajestic.com.au

Mountain Heritage, Katoomba

Perfect for: Chionophiles, families, location
If you dream of curling up before an open fire in a sprawling historic mansion, Mountain Heritage is calling. Another one of Katoomba’s original guest houses built in 1908, this beautifully restored property has the convenience of a Katoomba hillside location, with stunning views across the district to the Jamison Valley. One whole wing of the complex features flame coal-gas fireplaces, while the Mountain View Villas have wood-burning fireplaces as well as a spa bath.
From $199 a night. Corner of Apex and Lovel Streets, Katoomba. Phone: (02) 4782 2155. See mountainheritage.com.au

Logan Brae Retreats, Kanimbla

Perfect for: Style mavens, aesthetes, romantic couples
From a former apple orchard machinery shed reinvented as a stylish New York-style loft, to three secluded self-contained cabins in a hidden valley, this collection of luxury retreats offers sublime accommodation in perfect harmony with their very beautiful locations. Open fireplaces, outdoor bathtubs, full chef kitchens, fairy lights and bowls of farm-fresh apples all add to the ambience, but nature is the real star of the show, with kangaroos and black cockatoos your companions as the setting sun paints the expansive horizon.
From $800 a night. 139 Shipley Rd, Blackheath, and 43 Megalong Place, Kanimbla. Phone: 0421 959 758. See loganbraeretreats.com.au

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura

Perfect for: Families, busy bees, corporate groups
The largest and most comprehensive resort in the Blue Mountains, Fairmont is chock-a-block with facilities and things to do on-site: an adventure park, horse riding, ice skating, a dedicated kids’ zone, billiards room, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a golf course and a day spa. There are dining options from casual Italian to fine dining, while the Two Doctors Whiskey Tavern adds a touch of city speakeasy sophistication.
From $249 a night. 1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura. Phone: (02) 4785 0000. See fairmontresort.com.au

Parklands, Blackheath

Perfect for: Gardeners, recluses, Europhiles
Set within 11 hectares of manicured lawns, gardens and century-old pine groves, Parklands is reminiscent of a grand European estate, centred by a pretty historic summer house dating to the turn of the century. The grounds are a delight to wander through, with a duck pond and verdant vegie garden, while just down the road is the wonder of Govetts Leap and the endless canvas of the spectacular Grose Valley. Accommodation is in modern garden suites and loft rooms, all with views of the gardens.
From $349 a night. Govetts Leap Rd, Blackheath. Phone: (02) 4787 7211. See parklands.com.au

Galong Cabins

Perfect for: Bushwalkers, adventurers, groups of nature-lovers
Hidden in remote Gundungurra Country in the Megalong Valley, two recently opened rustic cabins owned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service each sleep up to four people, with full kitchens, hot showers, air-conditioning, wood heaters, outdoor fire pits and shady verandahs for watching the sun go down over the surrounding Kanangra bushland. The cabins are near the Six Foot Track and the Coxs River, and offer a genuine wilderness experience.
From $250 a night, minimum three-night stay. Megalong Rd, Megalong Valley. Phone: 1300 072 757. See nationalparks.nsw.gov.au