This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains comes down to three villages: Katoomba for the lookouts and transport, Leura for gardens and boutiques, and Blackheath for food and cheaper rooms. Hotels range from A$35 hostel bunks to five-star resorts at A$450 a night, and most are within a 20-minute drive of each other. This guide, part of our Blue Mountains travel guide, picks three hotels in each area across luxury, mid-range and budget.
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: Katoomba
Katoomba is the practical base: the train station, Echo Point and Scenic World are all here, and the town has the widest range of hotels, from heritage grand houses to a hostel. Stay here if you are visiting by rail or want the lookouts on your doorstep, listed in our things to do guide; check the weather by month guide before you plan a hike.
Suggested Hotels in Katoomba
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa
This five-star country house on two acres of gardens sits 1.8 km from Katoomba’s centre, with an indoor pool, day spa, tennis court and the fine-dining Darley’s Restaurant. Best for couples and spa-focused travelers who want a luxury base near the Three Sisters.. Check rates and availability
The Carrington
A restored 1882 heritage hotel on Katoomba Street, 200 metres from the train station, with a grand dining room, cocktail bar and free parking. Best for history lovers and first-time visitors who want to be in the centre of town.. Check rates and availability
YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba
A former guesthouse turned hostel at 207 Katoomba Street with a shared kitchen, lounge and garden, plus private rooms and dorms from around A$35 a night. Best for backpackers and budget travelers who want to meet other hikers.. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: Leura
Leura is the quieter, prettier alternative, a short train ride or drive from Katoomba, with boutique shopping on the Mall and the Everglades gardens. It suits couples and anyone who prefers garden streets over a busy high street; the neighborhoods guide compares the villages.
Suggested Hotels in Leura
Fairmont Resort and Spa Blue Mountains MGallery by Sofitel
A large four-star resort on the edge of the Jamison Valley with indoor and outdoor pools, a day spa, tennis courts and six restaurants. Best for families and groups who want resort facilities close to the lookouts.. Check rates and availability
Leura Gardens Resort
A four-star property at 20-28 Fitzroy Street with a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness room and family apartments about 1 km from Leura Mall. Best for families and longer stays that want self-catering space in Leura.. Check rates and availability
Leura House
A classic mountain guesthouse with garden views, free parking and a continental breakfast of muesli, fresh fruit and organic breads served 8:00 to 9:30. Best for couples on a mid-range budget who want a quieter Leura base.. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: Blackheath
Blackheath is the foodie and budget option, the highest of the main villages, with the Govetts Leap and Evans lookouts nearby and rooms that undercut Katoomba and Leura by 20 to 40 percent. The town’s November rhododendron festival is in our events and festivals calendar.
Suggested Hotels in Blackheath
Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges
A four-star lodge at 132 Govetts Leap Road set in eight acres of gardens, with fireplaces in the rooms and a day spa, rated 8.9 by recent guests. Best for couples and romantics who want garden quiet in Blackheath.. Check rates and availability
Kyah
A fully renovated motel on two acres with a hot tub, sauna, tennis court and the Blaq restaurant and bar, rated 8.7. Best for design-focused couples and groups who want modern comfort in a village setting.. Check rates and availability
Gardners Inn Hotel
A three-star pub hotel on the Great Western Highway in central Blackheath with a restaurant, bar and free parking, with doubles often under A$100. Best for budget travelers and hikers who want a cheap, central base.. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains: Other Options
Beyond the three main villages, Wentworth Falls and Mount Victoria have guesthouses and self-catering cottages from A$120 a night, and cabins and camping at the Katoomba Falls and Blackheath caravan parks suit campervans. To match a hotel to the season you are traveling in, see best time to visit, and for the train journey, see travel tips.
