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 the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

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