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Summary of reviewsCarrington Hotel is highly praised for its ideal location in the heart of Katoomba, making it exceptionally convenient for accessing shops, cafes, restaurants and local attractions like the Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters. Its prime position ensures easy access to public transportation and its beautiful heritage features enhance the hotel's historic charm.
Breakfast in the hotel’s grand dining room is a particular highlight with many guests enjoying the variety and quality of the offerings, as well as the lovely dining setting. The dinner experience is equally commendable with excellent meals served in atmospheric dining rooms, often accompanied by live piano music. The Grand Dining Room stands out for its fine dining experience and the bar’s cozy ambiance near the fireplaces is a favorite among guests.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. Guests appreciate the large size and modernized bathrooms with the hotel maintaining its historical touches. Cleanliness is a strong point with rooms and public areas being well-maintained, featuring spotless conditions and stylish decor.
The hotel's staff receive high acclaim for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Notable employees like Alicia at the front desk enhance the guest experience, contributing to an overall welcoming atmosphere.
While the free wifi garners mixed reviews, it generally provides good connectivity in public areas and has seen improvements in room access. Secure and convenient parking options, including EV charging points, further enhance guest satisfaction.
The hotel is also family-friendly, offering spacious rooms, activities for children and amenities like family cots and children’s menus. The attention to detail and caring nature of the staff make it a great choice for family getaways.
Overall, the Carrington Hotel is a blend of historical elegance and modern comfort with a few minor drawbacks such as occasional maintenance issues and varied wifi quality. Its central location, superb dining experiences, comfortable rooms and exceptional service make it a memorable and enjoyable stay for many visitors. Show more
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Historic Hotel
The property opened in 1883 and quickly became a popular retreat among the high society. It gained its name in 1886 in an honour to Lord Carrington, Governor of New South Wales. The mountain retreat was popular until 1970s. As tourism to the mountains dwindled, in 1985, The Carrington closed its doors and was reopened in 1998.
Hotel with Parking
The Carrington Hotel provides parking facilities for its guests. It is a landmark hotel in Katoomba, offering a unique and historic experience.
Accessible Hotel
The Carrington Hotel has one accessible guest room on the first floor reachable by a lift. This room's ensuite bathroom includes a walk-in shower, accessible toilet, and grab rails.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomSituated on the first floor, these rooms have bay window seats. It features Art Deco style bathrooms. These rooms are in a wing to the side of the hotel that does not offer views.
Premier Double or Twin RoomLocated on the second floor, these rooms include a large en suite bathroom.
Premier Double or Twin Room with ViewThese spacious rooms include en suite bathroom with large baths and views over Katoomba.
Premier Double or Twin Room with BalconyLocated on the first floor, these rooms open on to the shared balcony with valley views.
This room has no capacity for extra bedding.
Double Room with Private External BathroomProviding a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a carpeted floor, this double room includes a private bathroom. This double room provides heating and a flat-screen TV.
Lady Carrington SuiteOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as mountain views.
King George SuiteProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as mountain views.
The Joynton Smith Suite
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Carrington Hotel boasts an exceptional location in the heart of Katoomba, making it incredibly convenient for visitors. Positioned in the center of town, the hotel offers close proximity to a wealth of shops, cafes and restaurants. Its prime spot on the main street ensures guests can easily access local attractions and amenities. The hotel is ideal for those arriving by train with Katoomba station just a short stroll away.
Perfect for exploring the Blue Mountains, the hotel serves as an excellent base for tourists, offering easy access to scenic lookouts, hiking trails and iconic spots like the Three Sisters. Public transportation is readily available with bus stops right outside the hotel, making it simple to hop on and off to explore the region further.
The historic charm of the Carrington Hotel is complemented by its superb central location. Secure parking and beautiful heritage features add to the appeal, ensuring a stay that combines convenience with a touch of nostalgia. Whether guests are looking to explore local sights or enjoy a leisurely walk around town, Carrington Hotel's location is truly fantastic.
Breakfast
Carrington Hotel receives largely positive feedback about its breakfast offerings with many guests particularly enjoying the experience in the hotel's grand dining room, which was described as a lovely and magnificent setting to start the day. The inclusion of breakfast in the room rate was appreciated by many with phrases like "generous," "excellent," and "delicious" frequently used to describe the meal. Guests praised the grand ballroom ambiance which added a special touch to their morning routine.
The breakfast service often received commendations for its variety and quality; hot and cold options were noted with many loving the fresh pastries. The extensive selection available at the continental breakfast was highlighted as a positive with some guests pleasantly surprised by the range of offerings including cereals, fresh fruit and homemade marmalade.
However, not all reviews were glowing. Some guests found the continental breakfast to be underwhelming, basic or sparse, lacking items such as hot foods or protein options like eggs and bacon unless purchased separately. While the breakfast coffee received mixed reviews with some finding it undrinkable, others considered it the best part of their meal.
Overall, while there were occasional criticisms regarding the simplicity and limitations of the breakfast, the majority of guests seemed satisfied with their morning meals, especially appreciating the luxurious dining atmosphere and the sufficient variety offered without extra cost.
Dinner
The dining experience at the Carrington Hotel, particularly in the Brassiere and the Grand Dining Room, has received high praise from guests. Many lauded the excellent meals, atmospheric dining rooms and the delightful addition of live piano music during dinner, which added a touch of elegance and charm. The Grand Dining Room, described as magnificent and traditional, was a highlight for many visitors, offering a fine dining experience with tasty, wholesome and nicely presented food.
Guests also appreciated the selection and quality of drinks at the bar, finding the cocktails, like the Dark Margherita, to be divine. The cozy ambiance, especially near the fireplaces, made the bar a popular spot for relaxing evenings.
However, there were some critiques. A few guests found the dinner options to be limited or not to their taste and there were occasional disappointments with the meal quality. Additionally, the restaurant's operating hours restricted some guests, as it was not always open and there were isolated incidents of lost dinner reservations and inattentive service.
Overall, despite some mixed reviews, the dining experience at the Carrington Hotel generally exceeded expectations, making it a memorable part of many guests' stays.
Rooms
The rooms at the Carrington Hotel consistently impress with their spaciousness and comfort, offering a sense of grandeur in a historic setting. Guests frequently mention the large size of the rooms and bathrooms with ample space and comfortable beds being a common highlight. The bathrooms, particularly those that have been recently renovated, feature modern amenities and fixtures that enhance the overall staying experience.
The hotel's ambiance successfully blends old-world charm with contemporary comforts, capturing the essence of a bygone era. Original features and historical touches are well-preserved, adding a unique character to the stay. While most rooms are described as clean, well-maintained and beautifully decorated, there are occasional remarks about noise from creaky floors and some maintenance issues, such as outdated furniture and occasional musty smells.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the absence of air conditioning in some rooms and a few housekeeping oversights, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The hotel is praised for its atmospheric and charming decor, generous room sizes and the overall comfort provided by the beds and furnishings. For those looking to experience a blend of historical elegance and modern comfort, Carrington Hotel seems to be an appealing choice.
Beds
The Carrington Hotel garners a mixed reception when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Many guests found the beds to be quite comfortable with some even considering their sleep to be exceptional or extraordinary. The beds are frequently described as very soft, which suits some guests well, though others found them too soft for their preferences.
Despite the soft mattresses, a substantial number of guests appreciated the comfort levels, citing the beds as large and comfy. Pillows seem to be a point of contention with some guests finding them fluffy and comfortable and others struggling with size and firmness.
On the downside, there were mentions of beds being too soft to the point of discomfort with a few guests describing them as needing replacement or being broken. Some also found the beds either too high or low, affecting their overall sleep experience.
The traditional charm of the hotel coupled with the overall comfort for many often makes up for these bed-related discrepancies. A few specific complaints about bed configurations, such as king beds being two singles pushed together, highlighted areas for improvement. Overall, while the beds may not meet everyone's preferences, many guests enjoyed a comfortable sleep during their stay.
Cleanliness
The Carrington Hotel impresses with its overall cleanliness and well-maintained spaces, offering guests a comfortable and tidy environment. Rooms are frequently highlighted as clean, spacious and comfortable, featuring spotless conditions and modern furnishings. The meticulous upkeep of both the rooms and public areas adds to the positive experience with consistent comments about clean white linens and clean furniture.
Bathrooms present a mix of reviews; while many guests commend their cleanliness and modern design, some note that a deeper cleaning could improve their experience. Occasionally, public spaces felt slightly less clean compared to the rooms. Nonetheless, the hotel's charming old-world architecture and stylish decor generally leave a favorable impression.
Service quality enhances the stay with attentive and friendly staff making sure the cleanliness standards are maintained. Complimentary continental breakfast and other amenities contribute to a satisfying and pleasant stay, further emphasizing the hotel's commitment to guest comfort and hygiene. Overall, the Carrington Hotel maintains a commendable level of cleanliness, making it a reliable and cozy choice for travelers.
Staff
Visitors to the Carrington Hotel frequently commend its staff for their exceptional service. Throughout the hotel, guests encounter friendly, helpful and very approachable team members who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Visitors appreciate the warm welcomes at reception and the attentive, professional demeanor of the staff.
The front desk, including notable employees like Alicia, receive high praise for their knowledge and willingness to assist. The hotel's bar staff, though occasionally described as indifferent, mostly contribute to the positive experience with friendly and efficient service.
Guests notably highlight the staff's courteousness, professionalism and readiness to address any needs with a smile. Special mentions of superb customer service are frequent and overall management is recognized for being highly customer-oriented.
However, there are occasional mentions of inconsistency, particularly at the bar and dining areas where some guests experienced less friendly interactions. Despite these rare criticisms, most reviews emphasize the outstanding and warm nature of the staff, making the Carrington Hotel a memorable and welcoming place for its guests.
Wi-Fi
The feedback on the wifi at Carrington Hotel draws a mixed picture but leans towards some positive aspects. Guests have noted easy access to wifi and good connectivity in certain public areas and the dining area. Improvement has been seen in room access, making it more convenient for guests. Several reviews highlight good or satisfactory wifi with overall connection considered fine and no direct mentions of wifi issues were recorded in some cases. However, there are also concerns about the wifi quality being inconsistent or poor, particularly on upper floors where connectivity seems limited. Some guests faced difficulties with the service and found it unresponsive with a few having to rely on their mobile data for internet access. The hotel seems to offer varying wifi experiences depending on the location and perhaps individual room setups.
Parking
The Carrington Hotel provides guests with a highly convenient and secure parking experience, making it a standout feature for many. The hotel offers an array of parking options including secure onsite parking, free parking and a well-maintained underground garage. Many guests appreciate the undercover parking facilities which are noted for their ample space and ease of use. An added benefit for electric vehicle owners is the availability of EV charging points.
The satisfaction with the secure parking arrangements is evident with guests frequently mentioning terms such as safe, locked up and enclosed garages. This peace of mind enhances overall guest satisfaction. Additionally, the close proximity of the parking facilities to the hotel and nearby public transport adds to the convenience.
Even with limited spots, the free parking feature is highly praised, as well as the well-organized undercover car park which has been recently constructed. Despite there being an extra charge for some parking options, the general consensus is that the parking situation significantly contributes to a positive stay at the hotel. Overall, the Carrington Hotel excels in providing secure, convenient and ample parking solutions for its guests.
Family
Carrington Hotel is a commendable choice for families seeking a memorable and enjoyable getaway. The spacious and well-heated rooms, equipped with high-quality amenities, cater to both couples and larger groups. The hotel's family-friendly atmosphere is evident with numerous mentions of it being a great spot for families to gather and enjoy quality time together.
Parents can relax knowing that children are well-catered for with activities that keep the little ones entertained. Kids particularly loved the pool and the availability of children’s menus and childcare services ensures that their needs are well met. Attention to detail, such as tucking in a child's teddy bear, highlights the caring nature of the staff.
Family cots and rooms with cribs are provided, making it easier for families with young children to settle in comfortably. The hotel also offers plenty of areas for families to sit and enjoy conversations, contributing to creating lasting family memories.
Although there are no significant direct mentions of family-specific contexts, the overall sentiment indicates that the Carrington Hotel is a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern conveniences, making it suitable for fun family vacations and potentially family reunions.
Business
The Carrington Hotel is an ideal destination for business travelers, offering a range of facilities and services tailored to professional needs. The secure underground garage ensures peace of mind with free, self-parking options, allowing for hassle-free arrivals and departures. Despite minor issues with the wifi, the hotel's business center provides reliable internet connectivity in dedicated workspaces and meeting areas.
The hotel boasts various meeting rooms and conference facilities, which are consistently praised for their utility and functionality. On-site services such as printing and faxing add to the convenience, equipping travelers with all essential professional resources. The hotel's rooms are deemed conducive for business use, making it a suitable setting for both short-term stays and extended business trips. Additionally, the presence of a work meeting manager ensures that all professional gatherings run smoothly, further solidifying the hotel's reputation as a business-friendly establishment.
Overall, the Carrington Hotel provides a well-rounded experience for business travelers, combining historical charm with modern, professional amenities.
Accessible
The Carrington Hotel offers a mix of accessibility features for guests with disabilities, largely leaning on its historic charm and location. Guests have appreciated the very disabled accessible rooms, ramps in common areas and grab handles in showers, which cater well to those needing additional support. Additionally, the hotel is quite easy to access from the nearby train station and guests have found convenience in accessing the hotel by car or train from Sydney.
The lift, an ancient wonder built in 1904, stands out as a distinct aspect of the hotel's decor, despite occasional reliability issues. Nonetheless, it facilitates disabled access effectively when functioning. Wheelchair accessible rooms and routes around the hotel provide additional ease for those with mobility concerns.
However, there remain several areas where improvements could be made for better accessibility. Steps present challenges, particularly for older individuals and those with pushchairs or larger luggage. Notably, there are no handrails on most steps except for the main stairs. The lift's temperamental nature and occasional downtime present discomfort, especially for guests on higher floors. Furthermore, bathrooms with steps can be challenging to navigate at night and accessibility features are somewhat inconsistent.
In summary, while Carrington Hotel retains a historical charm and some useful accessibility amenities, guests with disabilities may encounter a few hurdles during their stay.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of Katoomba, Carrington Hotel stands as a magnificent testament to a bygone era. Revered for its historical significance, this beautifully restored building exudes old-world charm and elegance, captivating visitors with its period decor and preserved heritage features. Often described as a step back in time, the hotel maintains the grandeur and splendor of its original 1880s construction, offering an ambiance rich with historical touches and vintage elements.
Guests are consistently delighted by the enchanting atmosphere of this heritage-listed property, where the sense of history is palpable throughout its grand ballrooms and richly decorated public spaces. The architectural and design elements, reminiscent of the early 1900s, contribute to its unique charm, transporting visitors to an age of traditional elegance and colonial style.
The Carrington's location further enhances its allure, providing a perfect base for exploring the Blue Mountains. With its well-maintained historic features and authentic style, the hotel not only preserves its past but also offers a luxurious experience without the hefty price tag. It's no wonder that many people fall in love with this historical gem, appreciating its full history and characterful charm.
Whether it's marveling at the grand architecture, enjoying the fascinating history or simply soaking in the historic ambiance, a stay at Carrington Hotel promises a memorable experience amid a beautifully historic setting.
Honeymoon
Carrington Hotel is presented as an excellent option for honeymooners with many guests highlighting its suitability for a romantic getaway. The hotel offers special honeymoon packages and has a dedicated honeymoon suite, contributing to its appeal for newlyweds. Guests frequently mention the romantic ambiance and personalized touches that enhance the experience. The hotel also boasts unique rooms like the Tudor Suite and the Christmas in July Suite, which add to its charm. Its historical setting further adds to its allure, making it a great spot for couples celebrating their honeymoon.
Romantic
Carrington Hotel exudes a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples seeking a special getaway. Guests frequently highlight its old-world charm and historical ambiance, perfect for creating memorable experiences. The presence of a piano player during dinner adds a touch of elegance, setting the scene beautifully for a romantic evening. Decorated rooms contribute to a nostalgic and romantic setting, enhancing the overall experience.
While some found the bed a bit too soft, the comfort and ambiance of the hotel more than made up for it, making the stays lovely. The hotel is particularly popular for special occasions like anniversaries with offerings such as roses and Baroque-styled rooms adding to its appeal.
The heritage and unique features, including creaky floors, add to the quaint and cozy atmosphere, making it a favorite for quiet romantic getaways. Whether it's a special weekend away or a festive celebration like Christmas in July or December, the Carrington Hotel promises a romantic escape for couples looking to cherish their time together.
No, Carrington Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Carrington Hotel.
No, Carrington Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Carrington Hotel.