The Hydro Majestic is the Blue Mountain’s Most Iconic Stay

As far as legendary hotels go, the Hydro Majestic is one of the best known, with accommodation that blends history and glamour.

When you look up grand historic hotels in the Blue Mountains, chances are the Hydro Majestic will be high up on the list. This historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1904, initially offering weird and wonderful hydropathic treatments as the first health retreat in Australia and attracting famous guests such as Dame Nellie Melba and Sir Edmund Barton.

The following century saw it repurposed as a hospital during the war, destroyed by fire and rebuilt with buildings added, and then it fell into disrepair. The once famous Blue Mountains hotel lay dormant for a while until a multi-million-dollar refurbishment restored the glamour of its heyday, and in 2014 the Hydro Majestic reopened to much fanfare.

Aerial view of Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — The hotel is positioned in the picturesque Blue Mountains.

Location

The Hydro Majestic has one of the Blue Mountains’ best views, sitting on the edge of an escarpment in the town of Medlow Bath, a name that nods to the hotel’s history as a health and wellness resort.

The hotel affords panoramic views over the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park and Megalong Valley. Medlow Bath is located between the towns of Blackheath and Katoomba (home to the Three Sisters and Scenic World), an easy five- and 10-minute drive respectively.

an aerial view of the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — The hotel sits on the edge of an escarpment with commanding views of Megalong Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Style and character

A stay at this historic Blue Mountains hotel will transport you to the early 20th century through a mix of architectural designs, from Victorian to Art Deco, and opulent interior styling. The Hydro Majestic was originally built in 1903 for Australia’s rich and famous, with the ornate domed ceiling of the Casino Ballroom shipped in from Chicago, gilded features and artworks collected from all over the world.

When the Hydro Majestic reopened in 2014, much of these original features had been restored by a team of heritage experts, its grand façade painted a fresh white, and its public spaces filled with velvet furniture, bespoke pendants, decorative carpets and wallpapers, and touches of gold.

the exterior view of the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains — The art deco-inspired Hydro Majestic Hotel is rich in heritage. (Image: Destination NSW)

Facilities

The Hydro Majestic features four dining and drinking venues, the Hydro Majestic Pavilion, which doubles as a history space for Hydro Majestic memorabilia and a providore that sells gourmet Blue Mountains food and wine.

The hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool, spa or other fitness facilities, however its sister hotels do – Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, which are part of The Escarpment Group.

The Hydro Majestic reception is open from 7 am to 11 pm daily and complimentary parking is available onsite.

the Hydro Majestic Pavilion in the Blue Mountains — Explore the interactive living history on display at the Hydro Majestic Pavilion. (Image: Destination NSW)

Rooms

The Medlow Bath hotel has 67 guest rooms, all designed with a monochromatic palette, Appelles bathroom amenities, free wi-fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

In the Belgravia Wing, accommodation ranges from the Heritage Rooms, which feature a queen bed or two singles and a walk-in or shower over bath and the cosy Heritage Valley View Rooms that have views over the Megalong Valley.

The Belgravia Rooms are larger with views of either the gardens or valley. The Belgravia Valley View Suite has a corner spa and sitting area, and The Belgravia Deluxe Room features a bay window and a separate shower.

the hotel reception at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — Step into the elegantly refurbished Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

In the Hargravia Wing, there are Hargravia Valley View Rooms that have a more traditional heritage style, which continues in the Majestic Wing where an extra touch of glamour is added with chandeliers and gold trimmings.

The Majestic Valley View Rooms feature a marble bathroom, while the Majestic Valley View Suite is the largest on the property at 38 square metres and features a king bed, spa bath and separate living area.

The Delmonte Wing was the last section of the hotel to be renovated and sits adjacent to the Hydro Pavilion. The rooms in this section are styled in an Art Deco aesthetic and feature a king bed, with shower over the bath.

Food and drink

Full buffet breakfast is served in the Belgravia Lobby Lounge; also a cosy spot for an aperitif.

The light-filled Wintergarden is the Hydro Majestic’s premier restaurant. With lavish interiors and panoramic windows capturing views over the Megalong Valley, the setting can’t be beat for fine dining with a set menu of modern Australian cuisine. It’s one of the Blue Mountain’s best high teas too, with an eastern, western and children’s version served daily, with tea, cocktails or sparkling.

a couple looking out the panoramic view of Megalong Valley while enjoying high tea at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — Take in panoramic views while enjoying a remarkable high tea experience at the light-filled Wintergarden. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Salon du The is a tearoom and bar that runs along a corridor of the hotel that was infamously once called Cat’s Alley – named for the mistresses who would linger here. It has a rich red colour scheme and oriental design, views over the valley, and serves bar snacks and beverages.

The Boiler House Restaurant is a casual dining spot, serving pizzas, pastas, fish and chips and the like. As with most of the public areas, it also boasts incredible views over the Megalong Valley.

Cat's Alley at Hydro Majestic — The tearoom and bar was formerly known as Cat’s Alley.

Experiences

The Hydro Majestic Pavilion is described as a ‘living history space’ and is where you can enjoy or take home unique food and wines from the Blue Mountains and surrounding regions.

There’s also a display of the Hydro Majestic’s fascinating history, featuring old photos and stories of the hotel, as well as memorabilia including tableware, art, furniture and even bizarre hydropathic instruments used during the early days.

the casino at Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains — One of Hydro Majestic’s highlights is the ornate domed ceiling of the Casino Ballroom. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are daily history tours that run at 11 am and 3 pm from the Casino Lobby. Learn about the hotel’s history, hear about its eccentric founder Mark Foy, and see its grand rooms and spaces. The guided tour runs for 45 minutes and costs $10 per person; bookings are essential.

There are also packages available, which include touring around the Blue Mountains in a vintage car to really immerse yourself in yesteryear.

Accessibility

Accessible rooms are available in the Delmonte Wing, which has lift access. Contact the hotel to enquire about booking one of these rooms. The Wintergarden, Belgravia Lobby and Boiler House are located on the ground level and are suitable for people in a wheelchair.

Family-friendly?

The hotel is family-friendly, with children’s menus available at the restaurants, however, the rooms are very small and can only accommodate two people.

Details

Best for: A luxurious escape in the Blue Mountains

Address: 52/88 Great Western Highway, Medlow Bath NSW

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

A stay at the Hydro Majestic Blue Mountains is one for the books