The Carrington Hotel

With Australia's only operating Victorian pub, the 1882-built Carrington is a heritage-rich property drawing locals and leisure travelers alike. Creaky floorboards and winding stairwells are part and parcel of an immersive stay here -- don't expect much from the 1904-built elevator, and note that steps stagger levels throughout. Guests come for the atmosphere of an era gone by. Expansive lounges and dining rooms have carved or vaulted ceilings, original stained glass, and leather Chesterfield sofas around open fires. Diamond-patterned carpets in deep blues or greens are tired-looking, but cozy nooks are great for afternoon teas, and breakfasts in the chandelier-clad Grand Dining Room are quite an experience. The property has its downsides, however, including the fact that it can get overrun by wedding and function groups. 

Quietly set back between Katoomba's two main streets, the hotel's central location is great. Shops, cafes, and restaurants surround it, and a Coles supermarket and Target are within two blocks. Travelers choose the Blue Mountains region for its natural beauty, which is easily reached from the property: Its heritage-listed national park is a 10-minute drive, with lookout Echo Point, Three Sisters, and caged railways at Scenic World three minutes closer. A bus stopping outside runs to all of the above in 17 minutes. The Edge movie theater is eight minutes on foot, while Leura shopping mall is a five-minute drive, or 28-minute walk. Sydney CBD is just under two hours by car, with Sydney Airport slightly closer.

Classic rooms come in many categories, from entry-level Traditional Rooms with shared bathrooms and unfortunate wall or parking lot views, to upgraded Premium, Colonial, and Suite Rooms. Old-fashioned rooms have royal blue carpets, drapes, and bedskirts that contrast pale-yellow walls, gold bed runners and throw pillows, and traditional wood furniture with brass handles. Travelers will either find the look charmingly nods to its history or is dated and in need of a modernization. A downside to the history here is that only Colonial Rooms have conditioning, and Traditional Rooms have shared bathrooms.

Some quaint features include stained glass or bay window seats overlooking Jamison Valley in upgraded rooms. Additionally, Suites with four-poster beds and elegant living rooms up the ante, and some have furnished terraces. Bathrooms have showers or jetted tubs with showerheads in higher-category units, as well as hairdryers and toiletries. Standard amenities include satellite flat-screen TVs, desks, kettles alongside coffee and tea, and mini-fridges, plus ironing facilities. No safes are provided, although reception can store valuables. Note that there's a fee for cribs, some rooms require walking up stairs, and while in-room Wi-Fi is free, it can be slow.

A bit surprisingly, this hotel lacks wellness facilities of any kind, as there are no pool, spa, or gym. On the upside, dining and drinking options are extensive. The Grand Dining Room serves free continental breakfasts consisting of breads and pastries with homemade jams, cereals, yogurt, and fruit, plus tea, coffee, and juice. Cooked options are available for a fee. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, its restaurant serves refined modern Australian fare. The City Bank Brasserie requires walks to the end of the driveway, but this more-casual eatery offers popular grilled dishes and wood-fired pizzas. A small terrace here provides al fresco dining. Champagne Charlie's cocktail bar and the Harp and Fiddle Victorian pub get busy, but local presence here is testimony to great drinks, and pints pulled old-school style are authentic. Three-tiered scone and cake stands make for popular afternoon teas in the lounge, and fireplaces here are cozy. A big pro is the on-site brewery, which provides tours and tastings, and can be booked for weddings. A billiards room has three pool tables, and there are dedicated conference rooms. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.