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:



Here is a close up of the doorway to demonstrate the wonderful detail in the woodwork and the stained glass features:


This is the waiting room come parlour behind reception: 


This is a view of the downstairs hallway which leads to the breakfast room and the grand staircase to the rooms upstairs:


Here is the staircase (there is an old fashioned lift if stairs are not your thing):


These are the stairs leading to the former baths (now they are bedrooms):


Here is the downstairs bar (sadly shuttered for the night by the time I got there):


I loved this old fashioned drinking fountain in the hall: 


This is a close up of the magnificent stained glass in the door of the former baths:


There are artworks liberally scattered throughout The Carrington.  Many of them are Norman Lindsay sketches or etchings, like this one over my bed: 


As you know from a previous post, Norman Lindsay lived for a good deal of his life in a property at Faulconbridge in the Blue Mountains, which you can visit, so it is fitting that his art decorates the Carrington.

The Carrington features beautiful gardens that guests can enjoy:


Here are some lovely poppies that were blooming in the garden during my stay:


This is an exquisite rose residing in the garden:


If you travel to Katoomba and love art deco or old worldly places, I highly recommend that you stay at The Carrington.

15-47 Katoomba Street
Katoomba NSW 2780
Ph: 02 4782 1111

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