The Hydro Majestic
Exquisitely refurbished and perfectly positioned along the Great Western Hwy at Medlow Bath, the Hydro Majestic Hotel’s status as the grandest of the grand hotels of the Blue Mountains is the stuff of legends.
Stretching 1.1km along the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Megalong Valley, it was opened in 1904 by the legendary retailer, sportsman and globetrotter Mark Foy, whose outrageous antics have been incorporated into national history. Since then, the fortunate, the famous, the fabulous, even the infamous, have flocked to the Hydro Majestic from around the globe, with the likes of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and opera divas Dames Nellie Melba and Joan Sutherland staying at the hotel. Australia’s first Prime Minister Sir Edmund Barton even died there in 1920. Today, it is one of the genuine hotel icons of the world. Guests experience the opulence of the original Blue Mountains party palace from the moment they walk into the spectacular Casino Lobby and elegant Wintergarden Restaurant. The stylish Delmonte conference and dining rooms are available for up to 50 people, while the famous Shanghai chic Salon Du Thé and sumptuous Cat’s Alley bar/gin palace offer decadent spaces for jazz and sunset cocktails. Decorated in rich Oriental reds, far eastern murals and luxurious furnishings, guests can rediscover the understated decadence of the Empire with a refined Asian-inspired menu and a range of cocktails and wines. Visitors can lounge in high-backed chairs while nibbling on Eastern fare such as dumplings, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and Chinese twice-cooked pork belly and sipping delicately flavoured tea or a fragrant drop from the regional wine and popular beverage list. One of the grandest ballrooms in Australia, the Majestic Ballroom boasts vaulted ceilings, open fireplaces and the glamour of yesteryear for weddings and formal events. A modern addition to the Hydro Majestic property is the providores pavilion showcasing quality regional gourmet food and wine and interpretive history displays. Visitors can also picnic on the lawn at the Majestic Point Lookout while gazing over the best views of the Megalong Valley or recharge over a casual meal seven days in the Boiler House Cafe, which hosts regular Saturday evening live music events. The Hydro Majestic Hotel is part of the Salter Brothers Hospitality collection of luxury indulgent escapes in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area which also includes Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, each steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views unique of the Blue Mountains region. Go to www.hydromajestic.com.au for more dining, event and accommodation details and bookings.