Best Blue Mountains luxury hotels

First published on 23 May 2012. Updated on 24 May 2012.

1 Echoes
3 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba 2780. 02 4782 1966. www.echoeshotel.com.au. 
How about a room that looks out directly onto the jaw-dropping Jamison Valley? That’s what most of the 14 suites at Echoes offer, along with balconies, ensuites and superior styling. The boutique hotel has a piano bar and restaurant, spa, open fireplaces and terrace garden for taking in more of that incredible view. This is the place to really splurge in Katoomba. Rooms start at $550 per night.

2 The Mountain Heritage Hotel & Spa Retreat
Cnr Apex & Lovel Sts, Katoomba 2780. 02 4782 2155. www.mountainheritage.com.au.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel sits high above Katoomba, offering guests mind-boggling panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. And if you’re heading up in winter, stay toasty in one of the Heritage's exclusive Fireplace rooms. Rooms start from $198 twin-share for one night.

3 Fairmont Resort
1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura 2780. 02 4785 0000. www.fairmontresort.com.au.
The Fairmont offers a helicopter tour of the nearby Jamison Valley, with a wine-tasting event at a local vineyard included. If you’d rather stay on terra firma while taking the views, Sublime Point lookout is a just short stroll up the road. Oh, and no need to leave your furry friends at home – the hotel features a room just for pets. Twin share rooms begin at $199 per night.

4 Lilianfels Resort & Spa
Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba 2780. 02 4780 1200. www.lilianfels.com.au.
If living the country life in an historic mansion's more your thing, Lilianfels has you covered. That is, of course, if your idea of the country life includes manicured gardens, amazing cliff's-edge views, an exhaustive variety of leisure activities and indulgent spa sessions. Miss the city yet? Twin room rates range from $295 to $495 depending on the day.

5 The Carrington
15-47 Katoomba St, Katoomba 2780. 02 4782 1111. www.thecarrington.com.au.
Recently restored, the heritage-listed 1880-built hotel is renowned for elegance and late-Victorian style. With a variety of rooms and a multitude of activities on offer, the Carrington exudes old-world class amid new-world luxury. Rooms range from $129 to $760 midweek, and more on weekends.