You may have seen that I recently visited the Hydro Majestic Hotel with my family. It was a whistle stop tour, on our way back from the Central West of NSW and I didn't have time to do anything much except marvel at how gorgeous the old girl really was, grab a deluxe pie in the Pavillion for lunch and vow to come back for a longer visit PDQ.
So when my birthday came around recently, I booked myself in for two nights and made good on my promise to myself to take High Tea in the Wintergarden Room.
After all, life is all about the experience and there is nothing like yet another birthday, on the wrong side of 40, to crystalise just how short life is.
It was stunning and expensive, but apart from the fact that I totally believe I am worth it, I also thought hang the expense. In some small way I am making a contribution to the restoration of this beautiful hotel, which is so much a part of 20th century Australian History and totally deserves to be presented in the way she currently is.
So we took a room in the Belgravia Wing. It was Art Deco in style and many of the original fixtures have been retained and up scaled. The room was small, but also very comfortable with a splendid view. You have to be OK with stairs here, as heritage rules prevent a lift being put into this part of the hotel. This counted out my mum, whom I had originally intended to stay with, so I took my daughter instead. We had a wonderful couple of days checking out Katoomba and her history. Here's little video, which gives you more details of the room and a comprehensive look at the High Tea at the Hydro.
Layne Loves a Room Tour and High Tea at the Hydro Majestic
Layne Loves a Room Tour and High Tea at the Hydro Majestic
Not a bad way to spend your birthday ha?
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Looks absolutely gorgeous. I have never actually done a high tea ..
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous spot! I must confess to being a fan of a good high tea too. Laney is a very good at doing room tours and taking us to high tea! :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely! Love me some art deco.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully decadent high tea! I love the look of this! Adding this to my must do list!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I was at the Hydro. I have fond memories of that place.
ReplyDeleteLayne is a natural - wonder if she will grow up to host one of those TV programs showing off fine homes. The Hydro Majestic reminds me of a lovely old place we stayed in when in NZ many years ago, the Fox Glacier Hotel I think it was called ...
ReplyDeleteOoops forgot to say, visiting from #teamIBOT!
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely. I recently read The Palace of Tears by Julian Leatherdale which was about a spa based on the Hydro.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous way to spend a birthday - that places looks divine! Beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous way to spend a birthday - that places looks divine! Beautiful xx
ReplyDeleteGood on you for spoiling yourself. I would love to do High Tea in a swanky hotel one day. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this place is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe upgrade looks really beautiful. I spent my wedding night there 21 years ago. One day I hope to go back. x
ReplyDeleteWe're headed here for high tea for my bday next week! Can't wait :)
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who stayed there and she found the room incredibly small for the price. I have had the high tea experience and was shocked at how expensive it was. And as I think I've mentioned, I would prefer it if the high tea had more savoury choices and less sweet options. However, like you say, it's a beautiful and very historic hotel and good for a splurge on something as important as your birthday. Happy birthday, Caro! xx
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is an 'old' place and I have only ever driven past but I realise so many people enjoy the memories of days gone by. I am glad you got to enjoy the experience and the locale with a young person you love! Denyse
ReplyDeleteIt looks so good! I've been trying to convince Dave to go up for a night or two now that it's re-opened, considering it's closer to us than the city we really have no excuse! I might just have to convince some girlfriends to go up for high tea alone, it's looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe Hydro Majestic is one of those grand hotels I am dying to stay a night at. Absolutely breathtaking.
ReplyDelete