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 fulfil your mountain hideout needs.

1. Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains

Best for: Special occasion stays and moments of opulence.
Price: $$$$

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. An elegant, five-star beauty the hotel has recently emerged from a guest room refresh and while it has long set the standard for luxury in the Blue Mountains it is entering a new era as Ardour Lilianfels Blue. It remains an iconic experience for those who appreciate bygone grandeur. The 85-room hotel makes a fine base for outward exploration, but guests are well-entertained onsite with the Lilianfels day spa (currently undergoing a refurbishment), 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, while Miss Lilian is a more casual, Asian-inspired restaurant.

2. Palais Royale

Best for: Everyone looking for a little charm.
Price: $$$

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 Boutique Hotel 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.

3. Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

Best for: Dramatic vistas and enjoying the perks of Lilianfels for a smaller price tag.
Price: $$$

Each room at this luxury 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. 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.

4. The Carrington

Best for: Anyone and everyone who’d like a side of handsome history with their stay.
Price: $$–$$$

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.

5. Eden Farm Escape

Best for: Horse lovers and families with pets.

Price: $$$

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 are well-appointed with fireplaces, coffee machines and bespoke kitchens.

6. Megalong Lookout Cottage

Best for: A little rest and relaxation.
Price: $$$

Enjoy your morning meditation or coffee on the balcony here overlooking the dusty green eucalypts of 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.

7. Cosy Bush Cabin

Best for: Couples who appreciate timber.
Price: $$$

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.

8. Traveller’s Treehouse

Best for: Two couples on a restorative stay and twitchers.
Price: $$

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.

9. Kurrara Historic Guesthouse

Best for: Yoga with a touch of history.

Price: $$$

This charming guesthouse has functioned as such since 1901. While it costs a little more than the opening cost of six shillings these days, its hospitality and warmth remain intact. The eight suites (all named after flowers) have been sensitively restored over the years, as has the library and guest lounges. A true bed and breakfast, you can actually enjoy the morning meal here as part of your stay and prepare to be delighted by complimentary port and chocolates. The guesthouse also hosts yoga retreats throughout the year, so check the website for dates.

10. Lurline Villa

Best for: Easy access to Katoomba’s best.

Price: $$$

Set on Lurline Street between Katoomba town centre and Echo Point, this Art Deco-era stay can sleep up to four guests, making it perfect for a couple of couples. It has a fully equipped kitchen, heating and free wi-fi, and plenty of cottage-style charm all within easy reach of shops, restaurants and bushwalks.

11. Bisham Cottage

Best for: Hot tub time.

Price: $$$

This two-bedroom fully renovated cottage is just 500 metres from the Katoomba shops, but perhaps its biggest drawcard is the outdoor spa – perfect for stargazing on chilly nights. It has sweet street frontage with its indigo-hue and pastel pink front door, while inside it’s all modern cottage vibes.

12. Magnolia Guesthouse

Best for: Groups that like their own space.

Price: $$$

The four-bedroom, semi-detached Magnolia Guesthouse is well-positioned to town, Echo Point, Katoomba Falls and bushwalks. Its size makes it perfect for families or groups with each of the generous bedrooms directly adjacent to its own dedicated bathroom – a great bonus if your group doesn’t like to share. It’s styled with a heritage lens that makes sense with the house’s original character.

13. The 4th Sister Cottage

Best for: Escaping the grind.

Price: $$$

A five-minute walk to town, this sweet and leggy pale-blue cottage is undeniably adorable. It’s the sort of mountain hideaway you daydream about when stuck at work midweek. When you finally do get to abscond here, you’ll enjoy a beautifully styled home with a dining area that opens out to a leafy courtyard, two bright bedrooms and internal oil heating.

14. Three Sisters Lodge

Best for: Gazing at the Sisters.

Price: $$$

Those attention-seeking Three Sisters are just steps from your door when you stay at this two-bedroom, Californian bungalow-style cottage. But that’s not the only reason to click book on this retro lodge, it’s also very well put-together with the interiors a study in modern mountain elegance. A wonderfully cosy fireplace beckons for past-hike relaxing and while you’re on the edge of the Jamison Valley, you’re still only 10 minutes’ drive from Katoomba.