Carrington Hotel
Step back in time at The Carrington Hotel, a grand Victorian mansion in Katoomba offering historic rooms, elegant dining, and a unique atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Livelier atmosphere
Carrington Hotel
Best Time
Livelier atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at The Carrington Hotel, a grand Victorian mansion in Katoomba offering historic rooms, elegant dining, and a unique atmosphere.
"The Carrington Hotel feels like stepping into a well-kept piece of Blue Mountains history, only with the comforts you want for a weekend away."
🎯 Book Rooms with Private Bathrooms
Some rooms have shared bathrooms; opt for private ones for more comfort .
🍸 Early Drinks Recommended
Bars close early, especially on weeknights. Enjoy your drinks before 8:30 PM .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 1,618 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Staircase & Lounge
Main Lobby
Feel the history with warm timber, patterned tiles, and a majestic staircase. Perfect for soaking up the atmosphere.
Victorian-Era Rooms
Guest Rooms
Experience a bygone era with high ceilings, vintage touches, and comfortable beds. Each room tells a story.
The Old Bank Brasserie
Dining Room
Enjoy well-portioned meals and classic cocktails in an elegant setting. A step above typical pub fare.
Gardens at Sunset
Hotel Gardens
Wander through the gardens as the sun sets, offering a peaceful escape and beautiful views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Historic Charm
Plan Your Evenings Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Rooms with Private Bathrooms
Some rooms have shared bathrooms; opt for private ones for more comfort.
🍸 Early Drinks Recommended
Bars close early, especially on weeknights. Enjoy your drinks before 8:30 PM.
🚶 Easy Walk from Station
Conveniently located near Katoomba station, accessible for most ages.
☕ Skip Hotel Breakfast
Many guests recommend skipping the hotel breakfast and opting for a local cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Rooms with Private Bathrooms
Some rooms have shared bathrooms; opt for private ones for more comfort.
🍸 Early Drinks Recommended
Bars close early, especially on weeknights. Enjoy your drinks before 8:30 PM.
🚶 Easy Walk from Station
Conveniently located near Katoomba station, accessible for most ages.
☕ Skip Hotel Breakfast
Many guests recommend skipping the hotel breakfast and opting for a local cafe.
🧥 Bring Layers
Blue Mountains weather can change quickly; pack extra layers for comfort.
🕰️ Embrace the History
Enjoy the antique decor and old-world charm; it's like stepping into another era.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise The Carrington Hotel for its stunning historic charm, comfortable rooms, and attentive service, making it feel like a step back in time. The elegant dining and cocktail bar are highlights, though some note early closing times for bars and mixed reviews on breakfast quality. The paper-thin walls in some areas are a recurring minor complaint.
"Beautiful old hotel with nicely appointed, comfortable rooms. We had a room with a private bathroom located a short walk down the hall. Rooms were warm and beds comfy.
We enjoyed some lovely cocktails that came with friendly service and opted to have dinner at the Old Bank. Meals were nicely portioned and a cut above the usual pub grub.
The only slight disappointment of the evening was how early everything closed, bars were shut at 8.30. This was a week night though so hopefully they are open later for the weekend crowd. The early close did not stop us having a nice evening, if you are wanting a few drinks just make sure you head down nice and early.
Breakfast. Sigh. At $30 a head we were expecting a better offering. There were unseasoned congealed scrambled eggs, burnt bacon, commercial hash browns and canned baked beans, plus the usual continental stuff. The ‘hot’ offerings were lukewarm warm at best and well below any safe food holding temp. We left it and headed to a cafe. The hotel did remove the breakfast from our tab.
Summary? Attentive service in a beaut old hotel, yummy cocktails, decently good dinner at the brassiere, just skip the breakfast."
Anna Stone
"The hotel needs some updating to say the least, although they were clean rooms and that I say is always the most important thing. Staff was helpful, kind and great! However… the walls were paper thin, as well as the ceilings… the bed above sounded as though it was going to come crashing down on top of me all night and into the morning… you could hear EVERYTHING… glad they were having fun. Not really a show that I had signed up for. Overall disappointed as it’s in a great location and has a ton of charm"
Caroline Scheper
"I had organized a few friends to celebrate some special birthdays and we all had a marvelous time at The Carrington. We travelled by train and it was an easy walk for us, including an 86 year old. Enjoyed dinner each night in the Dining Room and sat by the fire in the Lounge Room. She is certainly a Grand Old Lady and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there soaking up the atmosphere."
Julie Hoolahan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carrington Hotel is easily accessible by train from Sydney to Katoomba station. It's a short, manageable walk from the station to the hotel, even for older travelers. Driving is also an option, with parking available.
Yes, The Carrington Hotel is conveniently located in Katoomba, making it a short drive or bus ride to Echo Point and other lookouts like the Three Sisters.
Parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly regarding on-site or nearby parking facilities.
Absolutely! The hotel is situated right in Katoomba, making it very walkable to local cafes, shops, and the train station.
Yes, it is well-served by public transport. The nearest train station is Katoomba, and local buses can take you to nearby attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to visit The Carrington Hotel. It is a functioning hotel, and you can enter the public areas like the lounge and bars freely. Room bookings are required for overnight stays.
Opening hours can vary, especially for bars and dining. Many reviewers note that bars can close as early as 8:30 PM on weeknights. It's best to check the hotel's current schedule upon arrival or contact them directly.
There is no entry fee to explore the public areas of The Carrington Hotel, such as the lobby, lounge rooms, and bars. You are welcome to soak in the historic atmosphere.
While not explicitly advertised as formal tours, many guests enjoy exploring the hotel's historic architecture and ambiance on their own. Some organized events might offer insights into its history.
Yes, The Carrington Hotel hosts various events, including the annual Wines of the West Festival in August.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is one of stepping back in time, with a strong sense of history, warm timber, patterned tiles, and crackling fireplaces in winter. It's described as a 'Grand Old Lady' with a unique, old-world charm.
The rooms lean into historic charm rather than modern design, featuring high ceilings, big windows, and vintage touches. While clean and comfortable, they retain their vintage character.
Rooms typically include comfortable beds, heating, and sufficient storage. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others may have shared facilities down the hall.
Some TikTok videos mention the hotel in the context of haunted locations, particularly in relation to paranormal content creators.+2 However, reviews focus more on its historical charm than paranormal activity.
The grand staircase, ornate lounge areas, and the exterior architecture are popular spots for photography. The vintage rooms also offer unique photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers dining at The Old Bank Brasserie, which serves nicely portioned meals and classic cocktails. Breakfast is also available in the dining room, though some guests suggest opting for local cafes instead.
Reviews for breakfast are mixed. While some find it adequate, others describe it as disappointing with unseasoned, lukewarm, or burnt offerings, recommending guests skip it and try a local cafe.
The Old Bank Brasserie offers meals described as a 'cut above the usual pub grub,' with nicely portioned dishes. It's a good option for dinner.
Yes, the hotel has bars where you can enjoy classic cocktails in a glowing atmosphere at dusk. Some TikToks mention drag bingo events at a Hotel Carrington in Brisbane.
The hotel has a cellar and deli downstairs that offers local wine and cheese, providing a nice surprise for guests.
📸 📸 Photography
The hotel's architecture, especially the grand staircase and ornate interiors, provides numerous photo opportunities. The vintage rooms and the exterior facade also make for great shots.
Yes, the hotel's unique ambiance and historic details make it very photogenic. You can capture the old-world charm in various common areas and even in your room.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcome. However, for professional shoots or commercial purposes, it's advisable to contact the hotel management beforehand.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the exterior and some interior spaces. Dusk offers a warm, inviting glow for the lounge areas and bars.
Yes, guests are welcome to take photos in their rooms to capture the historic charm. It's a great way to remember your unique stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit