The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba
When I stayed in Katoomba at the end of last year, I booked a room at The Carrington Hotel, not really knowing what it was like. My reasons for booking were that it wasn't a backpackers and it was close to the train station and the main street of Katoomba. I was overwhelmed by how much more The Carrington was in reality. It is a striking, beautiful property that has been restored internally to art deco style, although it was built in 1883. The Carrington is indeed a grand old lady. Rather than give you a potted history of the hotel, you can read about it on the hotel website here . Looking at the hotel now, it is hard to believe that it was left vacant and derelict between 1985 and 1991. At the sweeping entrance way, you are greeted by these lovely art deco style lamps: I was lucky enough to book a balcony room (without any idea of what that entailed), but here are the wonderful views across the township and the Blue Mountains from the top floor balcony: