2 Best Hotels in The Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Established in 1880, this is one of the grande dames of the Blue Mountains, a Victorian-era relic that, in its heyday, was considered one of the great hotels of the British Empire. Its public areas are a reminder of its glorious past—the bar contains a mezzanine balcony where the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother)—visited in 1927. A permanent conservation order stipulates that 10 of the 59 rooms be kept in their original 1880 style, so they do not have private bathrooms, but at A$195 a night they're a cheaper option. The other rooms (added in 1927) are a mix of colonial-style rooms, and the deluxe rooms have access to the terrific balcony on the first floor where you can take in the great valley views. The enormous, chandelier-lighted grand dining room serves modern Australian and traditional dishes every night except for Sunday. Carrington Cellars, open in the hotel's former boiler room at the rear, opens every evening from 5:30 pm except for Sunday, and has a wonderful wine collection and delicious deli items.

Parklands is a four-star sophisticated stay surrounded by manicured gardens. Each of the 28 rooms has views of the well-kept grounds. There are also separate stand-alone suites with private gardens and lounge areas with open fires. There's a luxury spa on-site and the location has easy walking access to Blackheath's main attractions. It's a popular hotel with newlyweds.