Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains

28/07/2024

Resplendent sunsets over the Megalong Valley are best enjoyed with a three-course meal, good company and a glass of wine or two.

23/07/2024

The majestic Belgravia Wing, built in 1936.

18/07/2024

High Tea at the Wintergarden Restaurant is perfect for any occasion...or no occasion at all. Available 7 days a week, 11 - 3:30pm (last orders at 3pm). Bookings are highly recommended.

15/07/2024

Thank you for joining us in our concise journey through The Hydro Majestic's 120-year history. We conclude with a focus on one of the hotel's most distinguished elements - the renowned Casino dome.

Purchased in Chicago and shipped to Australia, the dome was then transported to the Blue Mountains by bullock train and reconstructed on-site, a process that took place between 1900 and 1904.

We have searched far and wide for images of the dome throughout its history. It has withstood the test of time for 120 years, and we are confident it will do so for another 120 years.

Reading your comments on Instagram and Facebook over the past week about what the Hydro means to you and its role in your personal histories has been a joy. The Hydro still welcomes tens of thousands of guests annually, and we look forward to you possibly being one of them very soon.

14/07/2024

Renowned for its distinctive blend of architectural styles, such as Art Deco and Edwardian, the Hydro Majestic has been a source of inspiration for artists and designers for over 120 years. Our archives contain numerous examples of various art styles, of which we have chosen only two to showcase in this post.

The first poster, dating back to 1990, was likely designed as a keepsake for guests to remind them of their stay at the hotel.

The second poster commemorates the 1913 Centenary of the Crossing of the Blue Mountains. Extracted from a scan in 'Pictorial Memories Blue Mountains' by John Low, published in 1991, the specifics are hard to discern, but most notable are the tariffs for the summer and winter seasons:
---
"THE NEW TARIFF"

SUMMER SEASON.
Breakfast: 2 6 (two shillings and sixpence)
Lunch: 3 6 (three shillings and sixpence)
Dinner: 4 6 (four shillings and sixpence)
Bed: 5 6 (five shillings and sixpence)
Per day: 18 shillings
Per Week: £4/17/6 (four pounds, seventeen shillings, and sixpence)
Double Room: £8
Occupied by one person: £5/10 (five pounds, ten shillings)

IN WINTER (1st June to 1st October)
Breakfast: 2 - (two shillings)
Lunch: 3 - (three shillings)
Dinner: 4 - (four shillings)
Bed: 5 - (five shillings)
Per day: 14 shillings
Per Week: £3/3 (three pounds and three shillings)"

"The Hydro Majestic was under the personal management of Mr. George Raffell, formerly of the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo."

Third image: Charles Henry Hunt Contributed By National Library of Australia.

12/07/2024

The original hotel driveway and entrance of the Belgravia Hotel which was lost to fire in August 1922 (102 years ago). The second image reads: "Guests outside the Hydro Majestic preparing to depart for a drive around the mountain sights."

12/07/2024

One of hundreds of guest registers discovered in the archives. This one is dated from 1 December 1946 to 19 May 1948.

11/07/2024

The Belgravia Wing of the Hydro Majestic was initially the former Belgravia Hotel (pictured). After being destroyed by fire, construction started on the new Belgravia wing in 1922 and was completed in 1936.

We discovered a clipping reporting the events around the fire from The Age dated Sauturday August 19, 1922:

"FIRE AT MEDLOW BATH -- Hotel Majestic Destroyed.

SYDNEY. The Hotel Majestic at Medlow Bath, one of the most noted resorts in the Blue Mountains, was early on Friday morning the scene of the biggest fire in the history of the mountains. Practically half the building was destroyed. The damage is estimated at £40,000.

At about 2:30 a.m., one of the staff noticed an unusual glare, and upon going to his window, saw that the central portion of the huge building was in flames. The alarm was given, but it was some time before the fire brigade at Katoomba arrived in action. The fire fighters were faced with a big task, for the flames, [fanned] by a stiff wind, had a strong hold of what was known as the Belgravia portion of the building.

The conflagration was visible for miles around. It took an hour to definitely cut off the flames from the eastern block, and it was not until four hours later that the fire was really beaten. The flames, however, had taken a heavy toll, and the whole of Belgravia, with its renowned picture gallery, was a smouldering mass of ruins. The picture gallery was one of the features of the Hydro. It contained works by well-known artists such as Lister, Julian Ashton, Tebbutt, Gladstone, Avre, and Cayley.

The Hydro Majestic had been closed for several months. It was built about twenty years ago by Mr. Mark Foy and was under the control of the Joynton Smith trust. The whole of the buildings and contents were insured."

09/07/2024

The true significance of these shoes may have been lost to time, but it appears that someone made an effort to at least leave behind a few basic clues for us. They were discovered hidden in the ceiling of the Hargravia wing, coated in a thick layer of dust that had solidified like mud, possibly due to moisture or rainfall seeping into the ceiling. Notably, they are a size 38, probably women's shoes.

Were they the footwear of a past guest, or a staff member? How did they end up in the ceiling? We put the question out to our followers - is anyone missing a pair of shoes? 🥿

08/07/2024

"This photo ca. 1904 shows a Chinese waiter with guests in the long gallery (Cat's Alley) at the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath. An early newspaper reported that when the Hydro was opened, 'Chinese waiters waited on each table and Turkish waiters dressed in their national costume poured coffee in the lounge.'"*

This long elegant corridor was a purlieu for waiting wives and mistresses who used their time conversing in whispered tones about fashion, marital indiscretions and general societal gossip. If you've walked along the corridor of Cat's Alley before, you would've noticed it is built on a slope. The tough ironstone below was too hard to level back when the hotel was constructed, so the plans were adjusted to fit to the landscape.

*From 'Pictorial Memories Blue Mountains' by John Low, 1991.

05/07/2024

Hidden beneath the grand hallways of Hydro Majestic lie a labyrinth of corridors and cupboards. These nooks and crannies house a treasure trove of artifacts—some mundane, others steeped in history.

Among them, we stumbled upon a collection of hand-written letters from the spring/summer of 1987. Guests would send cheques following a phone reservation with a deposit to secure their room, specifying their preferences.

The first letter in this collection of images reads:
"Please find enclosed a cheque for $168. This weekend is a very special one for them it's there [sic] 30th wedding anniversary. Could you look after them in a very special way, as they are very special parents. Thank you, Louise."

Do you recall the way reservations for hotels used to be made?

04/07/2024

Today marks 120 years since The Hydro Majestic opened. Founded by Mark Foy in 1901, this pioneering health retreat blazed a trail with cutting-edge facilities. By 1904, it had become a haven for celebrities like Dame Nellie Melba and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As early as 1901, Mark Foy, the dashing retail baron, world traveler, and sportsman, sold shares in Mark Foy’s Department Stores to finance Australia’s first health retreat.

Over the next week, we’ll be sharing images from the hotel’s archives on social media. Join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone!

Read more about the history of The Hydro Majestic: https://brnw.ch/HistoryofHydro
______

Images:
1) Aerial view of the Hydro Majestic hotel, Credit: Destination NSW
2) Mark Foy ca. 1910
3) Man in a suit and a swagman outside the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, New South Wales, ca.1910, National Library of Australia digitised item

24/06/2024

Let the crisp, clean mountain air reinvigorate the senses. Treat yourself to a Hydro Majestic escape this winter.

Learn more about winter at Hydro Majestic: https://brnw.ch/IntoTheBlue_Hydro

21/06/2024

'Ivoire 35% mousse, inspiration almond crumble, blood orange coulis, 23 carat gold.'

18/06/2024

"This one is going straight to the pool room." In love with this beautiful image captured by Rachel Gutierrez Photography + Starr Photography of Charlie and Katrina.

Congratulations ♥️

13/06/2024

Soak in the warmth from the sun setting over the Megalong Valley as you take a seat at The Wintergarden restaurant.

09/06/2024

'Chargrilled Octopus | Miso & gochujang glaze, smoky potato espuma, pickled daikon, preserved lemon gel.'

Entree at Wintergarden Restaurant

04/06/2024

Indulge in the Christmas in July spirit with a dining experience at the award-winning Wintergarden Restaurant.

Our team of chefs have prepared a special 6-course Yulefest-inspired degustation menu to delight and surprise your senses to help get you into the festive spirit. A complimentary glass of mulled wine is served on arrival on arrival.

Booking is essential: https://brnw.ch/HydroYulefest2024

27/05/2024

A unique bed to rest your head each time you stay.

16/05/2024

Take a stroll through Salon du Thé. Our casual dining option is open Friday to Sunday from 3pm to 8pm. Reservations are not necessary as we happily welcome walk-ins.

14/05/2024

The Hydro looking particularly majestic in the afternoon sun.

08/05/2024

Wandering the grounds of the Hydro Majestic at magic hour is our idea of an afternoon well spent. The Megalong Valley looks its best in this light.

02/05/2024

Indulge in a variety of options with three restaurants spread throughout our property.

1) The 'Salon du Thé' in Cats Alley boasts an Oriental influence, with a Shanghai chic tea room and bar. Enjoy light snacks on Fridays to Sundays from 3-8pm.

2) For a stunning view of the Megalong Valley, head to Wintergarden's dining room. Our famous High Teas are served daily for lunch, while dinner offers a sophisticated fine dining experience.

3) For a more casual dining option, stop by the Boiler House Café where you can savour traditional pizza, pasta, and Australian cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the Blue Mountains. While we do welcome walk-ins, to avoid disappointment, we highly recommend making a reservation.

Explore our menus and learn more about our restaurants: https://brnw.ch/HydroMajesticRestaurants

24/04/2024

The Wintergarden will be open for lunch (High Tea) and dinner this Thursday 25th April. Likewise, the Boiler House and Hydro Majestic Pavilion will be open for lunch.

Bookings recommended.

23/04/2024

Mother's Day is just around the corner (less than three weeks away), so we've crafted the perfect event to help you say 'Thank you, Mum!'

Our Mother’s Day high tea will tempt your tastebuds with a selection of petit pastries, finger sandwich delights, homemade scones and jams all accompanied with a touch of luxe with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

Learn more and book: https://brnw.ch/HydroMothersDay24

12/04/2024

There are sunsets, and then there are ✨Sunsets by Hydro✨

📸 Photo by Luke Lambley.

09/04/2024

Uniquely Hydro.

03/04/2024

Update from NPWS on closures in Blue Mountains NP due to the predicted heavy rain:

Please note the following closures of some walking tracks from midday tomorrow, 4 April, to 8am Tuesday 9 April 2024:

Katoomba and Leura:

All valley tracks and cliff passes will be closed from 1200 Thursday 4-4-2024 to 0800 Tuesday 9-4-2024 due to forecast heavy rains and associated rockfall, landslide, treefall and flooding risks.

In addition to other closures, this includes; Shortridge Pass (off Lockleys Pylon) Federal Pass, Giant Stairs, Fern Bower Track, Amphitheatre Track, Dardanelles Pass, Furber Steps, Golden Stairs, Mt Solitary Routes, Kedumba Pass, Ruined Castle Track, and the Katoomba Falls Round Walk.

Wentworth Falls:

All valley tracks and cliff passes will be closed from 1200 Thursday 4-4-2024 to 0800 Tuesday 9-4-2024 due to forecast heavy rains and associated rockfall, landslide, treefall and flooding risks.

In addition to other closures, this includes; Kedumba Pass and camping area, Valley of the Waters Track below Nature Track intersection & Empress Canyon.

Blackheath, Medlow Bath and Bells Line of Road:

All valley tracks and cliff passes will be closed from 1200 Thursday 4-4-2024 to 0800 Tuesday 9-4-2024 due to forecast heavy rains and associated rockfall, landslide, treefall and flooding risks.

In addition to other closures, this includes; Grand Canyon Track, Walls Cave Track, Grose River Tracks, Govetts Gorge Tracks, Rodriguez Pass, Pierces Pass, Victoria Falls Track, Perry’s Lookdown Track, Horse Track, Shortridge Pass, Old Point Pilcher Route, Grand Canyon, Juggler Canyon and Acacia Flat Camping Area.

Adventure Recreation areas:

All canyons, abseiling and rock climbing areas that require entry or exit via closed tracks are also closed.

Adventure recreation users are advised to carefully consider activities, routes and access in consideration of predicted heavy rain conditions.

NPWS closures: [nswparks.info/alerts-bluemtns](https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/blue-mountains-national-park/local-alerts)

Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Discover iconic lookouts, waterfalls, and walking tracks, plus mountain biking, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports and camping.

03/04/2024

Special moments with Kat & Trevor braving the perfectly moody Blue Mountains weather captured by Liam Foster Photography.

27/03/2024

Our restaurants will remain open during the Easter weekend. The dates and timings are mentioned below:
---
Wintergarden Restaurant
Easter High Tea (details below)🗓️ Available 29 March - 1 April
🕑 11:00am - 3:00pm
Bookings Essential (see link in bio)

Salon Du The
🗓️ Friday - Sunday
🕑 3:00pm to 8:00pm

Boiler House
We've extended our opening hours to include Easter Monday.
🗓️ Open Easter Weekend
🕑 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

The Pavillion
🗓️ Open Easter Weekend🕑 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Three tiers of Easter-themed delights, paired with a glass of sparkling wine, await at our Easter High Tea. This is offered from Good Friday to Easter Monday, 11:00am - 4:00pm, for $99 per person, or for $40 for children ages 4 - 12 years old.

Bookings and menu: https://brnw.ch/HydroEasterHighTea