Where to stay in the Blue Mountains

I know that the Blue Mountains seem close enough to Sydney to get there and back on the same day. And, if that’s all the time that you have, then you can do a great day trip to the Blue Mountains.

But you know what’s better than a day in the Blue Mountains? More than one day in the Blue Mountains!

Part of the charm of this gorgeous natural region is exploring the small towns properly, seeing the epic views at sunrise or sunset, or being able to relax at a local restaurant/pub after a day of hiking.

And these are all things that are so much easier to do if you’re staying overnight.

The big question, though, is where to stay in the Blue Mountains?

When it comes to accommodation in the Blue Mountains, pretty much everything is in the towns along the main highway that runs from east to west.

This 60-kilometre stretch of winding road has about a dozen towns, most of which offer some kind of accommodation. But there are a few key places to stay in the Blue Mountains that most people would choose.

There are a number of factors that might influence which one is right for you. For instance, there’s the distance from Sydney, whether you want somewhere quiet or busy, and whether you’re coming more for cultural or natural activities.

From east to west, these are the areas to stay in the Blue Mountains that I recommend.

• Eastern towns: Including towns like Glenbrook, Springwood, and Woodford, they offer convenient travel from Sydney but are further away from the mountains’ top attractions.
• Wentworth Falls: Closer to Sydney than many other options, you’re right amongst some of the best scenery… but there are limited accommodation and food options.
• Leura: One of the most popular areas with lots of things to do, it’s quite upmarket and attracts a slightly older crowd.
• Katoomba: The main town of the Blue Mountains, it’s a good hub for first time visitors with lots of accommodation and restaurants, but lacks some of the charm of the quieter areas.
• Blackheath: Quieter than some other places because most day-trippers don’t come this far, it has a relaxed atmosphere but still quite a lot to offer.
• Mount Victoria: Small and with limited places to stay, this is a gorgeous heritage village that’s great for a peaceful escape.

You can see my suggestions for where to stay in the Blue Mountains on the map below:

Because these towns are all relatively residential, there are lots of houses where you can stay, or guesthouse-style offerings within houses.

But you’ll also find every other kind of accommodation throughout the mountains – from backpacker hostels, to cheap motels, boutique hotels, and even some excellent luxury resorts.

There are a lot of visitors who aren’t too concerned with exactly which town they stay in, they’re more interested in staying at the right kind of style, so that’s also something for you to consider as you look at my detailed recommendations.

As I’ve mentioned, some of the towns are better if you just want to hang around and explore the local heritage or restaurants, while some are better if the nature is your focus.

But, of course, you can do a mix of activities, which is why I’ve put together some tips for what to do in the Blue Mountains.

Now, though, let’s have a look at my top recommendations for where to stay in the Blue Mountains.

Eastern towns

The gateway to the Blue Mountains, the eastern towns like Springwood, Hazelbrook, and Woodford offer a laid-back suburban vibe with easy access to Sydney.

You’re not in the heart of the mountains so you won’t get the epic views, and the nearby hiking options aren’t as spectacular. But there’s still quite a lot to see, including Glenbrook Gorge.

The accommodation here ranges from cozy holiday homes to modern motels, so it’s definitely a good option if you just want a break from the city without the extra drive. It’s a bit quieter than further up and can be good for families.

However, for the true Blue Mountains experience (especially for international travellers), I would recommend continuing a little further up the road so you’ll have more options of things to see.

• Sydney View: A three-bedroom modern house that incorporates local natural elements, with gorgeous views from the balcony and an outdoor dining area.
• Grey Gum Lodge: This two-bedroom house in Woodford puts you right amongst the nature, in a beautifully designed space full of light.

• Storey Grange: A secluded B&B in the national park with views of the mountains, access to a barbecue area and a games room, as well as yoga and massages.

Wentworth Falls

A tranquil retreat with a strong connection to nature, Wentworth Falls is getting closer to what you imagine the Blue Mountains to be.

There’s more of a village feel here and the spectacular scenery is not far away. One of the most popular hikes, the Grand Cliff Top Walk, starts/finishes here, so if that’s your priority then it may make sense to use this as your base.

The accommodation in Wentworth Falls includes charming cottages and boutique stays, often surrounded by gardens. But there is a limited choice for places to eat and drink, which might be an issue if you’re staying for more than a night.

Although Wentworth Falls is a great place to stay in the Blue Mountains, if you’ve made it this far, you may want to consider going a little further so you can be right in the action in Leura or Katoomba.

• Perfect Holiday Home: Although it’s a bit more dated, this spacious house is clean and comfortable and offers a good value piece of serenity.

Leura

Known for its elegant village charm, Leura offers the most upscale experience in the Blue Mountains.

Boutique guesthouses, luxury retreats, and heritage homes dominate the accommodation scene – and although there is lots here, it doesn’t feel overdeveloped.

Leura is one of the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains, particularly if you’ve come more for the culture than the nature, with great cafes, antique shops, and local galleries.

On the downside, Leura’s popularity means it can get crowded on weekends. It can also be more expensive than the neighbouring towns – both for accommodation and for restaurants and shops.

• Ammu Lodge: Beautifully styled, bright, and clean, this house has a quiet location with garden, sauna, balcony, and patio for outdoor dining.
• Alleura House: A spacious holiday home with lots of windows, it’s also bright and airy with modern amenities in a peaceful location.

• Sinofield Edu-Retreat: Great for families, it has rooms of different sizes and a peaceful setting surrounded by lush gardens with stunning views of the mountains.

• Leura Gardens Resort: In a peaceful location just minutes from key attractions, there are amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, garden chess, and an onsite restaurant.

Katoomba

The heart of the Blue Mountains, Katoomba feels like a large town, with lots to do and lots of accommodation options.

Vibrant and eclectic, there’s a mix of art deco charm and bohemian flair, but not too many chain stores (other than the big supermarkets, for instance).

This is one of the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains, with lots of accommodation options from budget motels to historic hotels, as well as lots of houses.

If it’s your first (or only) visit to the mountains and you’re not sure what you want, then I would recommend Katoomba as a good option.

The upside is that you’re conveniently located for lots of different attractions and walks, including the iconic Three Sisters. There are also lots of shops and places to eat.

The main downside is that Katoomba gets quite busy and feels like a town, If you’re looking for charming villages or a more secluded natural experience, you won’t get that here.

• No14 Lovel St: Warm and cozy, this hostel feels like a family home with a peaceful atmosphere and a large well-equipped country kitchen.
• Flying Fox Backpackers: Offering comfortable shared dorms and private rooms, there’s also a fun common room, BBQ area, hammocks, and even a log fire.

• The Blue House: Quirky and cozy with lots of character, there’s good heating for winter and a well-equipped kitchen.
• Blue on Cooper: Clean, tidy, and spacious, the house has a great kitchen, outdoor dining, and bbq facilities.

• Hotel Blue & Cottages Katoomba: With its original 1920s architecture and décor, the hotel has retained the building’s historic charm – plus it offers a free breakfast.
• La Maison Boutique Hotel: The hotel has a lovely heritage vibe, the rooms are cosy and warm, and there’s also a scenic garden view.

• Echoes Boutique Hotel: Offering rooms with a private balcony and panoramic views, you also have access to the 5-star facilities at the neighbouring Lilianfels Resort.
• Mountain Heritage Hotel: A historic hotel with breathtaking panoramic views of the wilderness, you can also enjoy a range of amenities including a day spa, restaurant, and outdoor pool.

Blackheath

Blackheath exudes a rugged, authentic charm where you get a good mix of shops and restaurants even though it’s definitely a small town.

Fewer people visit Blackheath than the towns closer to Sydney, but the area around here has some of the best natural attractions and hiking, particularly the stunning Govetts Leap or the Grand Canyon Walk.

Outside of the main shopping area, Blackheath is very residential, and there are some gorgeous houses where you can stay, as well as a couple of cool hotels.

There are even some amazing luxury options, including the famous Hydro Majestic (which I’ve included in my specific suggestions below of where to stay, even though it should be noted it’s technically in Medlow Bath).

One of the reasons a lot of people like Blackheath is because it is much quieter than Katoomba and Leura. But that’s, in a large part, because it’s further away from Sydney.

It’s only another 15 minutes’ drive (or 12 minutes by train) but that seems to be enough to discourage many day-trippers. If you don’t mind that extra travel time, you’ll escape a lot of the tourists who visit the Blue Mountains.

• Delamarele: A lovely holiday home with a balcony and garden views, a peaceful and serene location, and a cozy interior.
• Scarlett’s Place: Spacious and comfortable with fantastic views across the quiet golf course from the floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace.

• The Boutique Hotel Blue Mountains: A charming restored boutique hotel set on two acres of landscaped gardens with elegantly decorated rooms with period furniture.

• Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges: A secluded luxury retreat within 28 acres of beautifully manicured grounds offering a peaceful escape with picturesque views, day spa, and private lake.

Mount Victoria

And finally there’s Mount Victoria, the last area where you can stay in the Blue Mountains before heading downhill and towards the NSW Central West.

Small and quiet, Mount Victoria feels like a bit like a village where you’ve stepped back in time. It’s also the highest point of the mountains so can often be the coldest.

Although there isn’t a lot of accommodation, there are some quaint B&Bs and heritage inns offering charming places to stay, away from the busier parts of the mountains.

The history in the town itself is one of the main drawcards and a good reason to stay. If you’re coming more for the hikes and general mountain attractions, you’ll probably be better off in a more central location.

Having said that, there is also a lot to see on the western side of the Blue Mountains, like Hartley and Jenolan Caves, and it can be a good base to explore those sights.

• The Bank House: Clean, tidy and beautifully presented, the home is full of character and old-world charm.