A luxe stay at Echoes in the Blue Mountains delivers unbeatable views

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Drop your bags and absorb the incredible Jamison Valley views from your room at the luxe Echoes Blue Mountains.

From watching the rich sandstone of the Jamison Valley illuminated at sunrise and sunset to gazing at the mist drifting across the forest below on rainy days, Echoes Blue Mountains offers guests more than a luxury stay, it also showcases the magnificence of the Blue Mountains in high definition. Rooms with views, refined dining and elegant amenities all add to an escape that heavily suggests re-booking.

Location

Dramatic valley vistas await guests at this boutique hotel where the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park unfurls from dawn to dusk in a parade of shifting colours and light.

the view of Jamison Valley from Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Echoes Boutique Hotel looks out over the Jamison Valley.

Set on the escarpment at Echo Point in Katoomba, you’ll find averting your eyes from the landscape a hard task, but once you do, your close proximity to the charming mountain town places fantastic eateries, bushwalks and entertainment close at hand.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel at dusk
Check into the elegant Echoes Boutique Hotel.

Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney but totally immersed in nature, Echoes Boutique Hotel makes slipping into a relaxed state of mind entirely attainable for weekend jaunts.

the garden steps at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Relax in the gardens that overlook the sprawling valley below.

Style and character

The incredible site at Echo Point has been occupied since the 1940s, when it was built as a retreat for Christian Nurses. Falling into disrepair in the ’80s, the homestead was eventually demolished and the three-storey Echoes guesthouse built in its place, embodying a contemporary style with Federation flourishes.

the cliff top gardens at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel, Katoomba
The three-storey boutique hotel embodies contemporary style with Federation flourishes.

Since then, there have been a handful of iterations of the guesthouse until it evolved into the luxurious 4.5-star boutique hotel it is today. Each room is bequeathed vast panoramas of the Jamison Valley beyond and the onsite restaurant and function room also make the most of the hotel’s extraordinary position on the precipice of the escarpment. 

the corner view suite balcony overlooking the Blue Mountains
Every corner boasts panoramic views of the scenic Blue Mountains.

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Facilities

Hedonistic pleasures are catered for here at the onsite day spa, where weary limbs can be indulged in massage therapy, soak therapy and other treatments to enhance wellbeing.

the couples treatment room at the day spa in Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Get yourself pampered at the spa.

Naturally, with its boundlessly beautiful location, Echoes also caters to weddings, where the views may threaten to upstage the bride. There are also conference facilities for discerning corporate events.

the lobby and staircase at Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
The lobby features a majestic staircase.

While the hotel doesn’t have its own pool or gymnasium, guests are welcome to complimentary access to the facilities of next-door sister hotel, Lilianfels Resort & Spa.

Rooms

There are no bad rooms at Echoes, with each opening out onto that scene-stealing Blue Mountains panorama. Whether you’re in a Corner View, Suite or Cliff View, Deluxe View or Grand Deluxe View room, you’ll awake to serenity beyond.

scenic views of the Blue Mountains from the Cliff View Room Balcony, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Take in the sweeping views of the Blue Mountains from your Cliff View balcony.

Elegantly styled in a contemporary aesthetic and mountain charm, every room is named after a notable Australian explorer and differs slightly in colour palette and furnishings.

a look inside the Corner View Suite, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
The Corner View Suite comes with contemporary furnishings.

All enjoy the expected mod-cons of a 4.5-star hotel, including wi-fi and Appelles bathroom products, marble bathrooms and rainhead showers.

the bathroom at the Cliff View Room, Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel
Complete with marble bathrooms, the Cliff View Room is a luxe lover’s dream.

Food and drink

Although Echoes’ attention-seeking vistas are an undeniable drawcard for a stay here, it’s not the only reason to check-in. The hotel is also home to the wonderfully worthy fine dining Echoes Restaurant and Bar, where guests and day-trippers can sit down to well-executed modern Australian fare, such as grass-fed Riverina lamb backstrap and five-spiced duck breast.

the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace
Dine at Echoes Restaurant and Bar for incredible views and food to match.

Of course, meals are backdropped by that eye-drawing view and served alongside a fine wine list. Also open to non-guests, the popular restaurant can quickly fill up, so make sure you book ahead.

a close-up shot of the Echoes Blue Mountains Boutique Hotel restaurant terrace
Eye-drawing views provide scenic entertainment during your meal.

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Experiences

Stays here are often aglow with the aura of a special occasion, be it a honeymoon, babymoon, event birthday or engagement, so to make the experience as special as possible, Echoes has a range of packages to lean into the moment. From an Indulgence Package to a Babymoon Package and Gourmet Getaway Package, these bundles ensure you don’t miss out on any of the best bits. 

Access for guests with disabilities?

Unfortunately, there’s no access to rooms, suites or the restaurant for those with limited mobility.

Family-friendly?

The suites and grand deluxe rooms can sleep up to two adults and two children, however, while the hotel is family-friendly to a point, there’s not a lot to entertain young kids, making it more of a couple’s escape.

the external view of Echoes Boutique Hotel
Echoes Boutique Hotel is the perfect couple’s escape.

Details

While check in time isn’t until 3pm, on the flipside, you have until 11am to check out, which means you can enjoy those views from your bed with a lazy sleep in.

the corner view suite bedroom with a window
Enjoy the views from your bed.

Address: 3 Lilianfels Avenue, Katoomba; echoeshotel.com.au
Contact: (02) 4782 1966
Cost: Rates for the Deluxe View Room start at $386 per night.

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Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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9 of the best Sydney hotel bars for a local adventure

(Credit: Nikki To)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.

    If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.

    1. El Vista, Circular Quay

    bar tender at El Vista, Circular Quay sydney hotel bars
    Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)

    This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.

    2. Bar Allora, CBD

    Bar Allora, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Settle in for a taste of Italy.

    Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.

    3. Percy, Pyrmont

    Percy Sydney hotel bars
    Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)

    Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.

    4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD

    The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD Sydney hotel bars
    Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)

    Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage in Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.

    5. Mee So, Sydney Central

    Mee So sydney
    Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.

    For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky, and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.

    6. Bar Morris, Haymarket

    Bar Morris sydney
    Settle into old-world European glamour.

    Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.

    7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour

    Pumphouse sydney
    Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.

    When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial-style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and is a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.

    8. Wentworth Bar, CBD

    Wentworth Bar sydney hotel bars
    Drink where the celebrities once did.

    Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.

    9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington

    Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington sydney
    See the city skyline, drink in hand.

    Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place; it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.

    For more information on how to enjoy Sydney for a long weekend, visit ALL.com.