For those that don't know, Lilianfels is an Orient Express property located in Katoomba which is in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, Australia. We opted to take the train from Sydney and it was a picturesque 2 hour ride. Unfortunately, the rest of our day hadn't gone as planned so we arrived in Katoomba 2 hours late. No worries! I had been given the hotel's phone number and they came and picked us up...at 10pm.
I would like to mention that our driver, Patrick, was one of the sweetest gentlemen you will ever meet. He helped us many times during our stay and made a big impression on us. I am very happy to say that, at the time of our departure from the hotel, Patrick was scheduled to become the new Guest Liaison for the property. The hotel couldn't have made a better choice and I know your clients will love him. He can arrange sunset cocktails on a private cliff-top with a personal butler or a personal tour through the rainforest. How about breakfast with the Kangaroos? He'll take care of it!
This hotel was all about service. I have never received such friendly service from each and every person I encountered at a hotel. In addition, the hotel is so charming that you can't help but fall in love with it. Most of the rooms have views of the canyon and ours was no exception. It was so nice to glance out the window and see a stunning sunset that just went on for miles. Recommendation: the best room in the hotel is called the Kanangra Suite and it's room 224. Make sure to request this room if possible. It's adorable and the views are the fantastic from every window.
The Blue Mountains is a World Heritage site and the views overlooking the canyons are spectacular. It is called the Blue Mountains because sunlight hitting the eucalyptus oil in the air gives off a bluish haze. Lilianfels is situated on a cliff-top near Echo Point which is the most popular stop in the area and provides views of the Three Sisters rock formation. It is an easy 5 minute walk from the hotel to Echo Point and, since we went in August, the air was very crisp. It was perfect weather for bushwalking, however, and I would really recommend this time of year. It's cold enough outside that you don't get too hot while hiking but it's not cold enough to hinder your activities. Plus, cold weather means that you get to come inside, sit by one of the cozy fires in the lounge and have a cocktail.
A short hike the other direction from the hotel will take you to the Sceniscender. I know that sounds like something out of Willy Wonka but it's a very popular attraction. Don't ask me why I agreed to go on this thing because I do NOT like heights. Basically, it is a gondola that takes you 1,100 feet across the canyon while hanging 960 above the bottom...and it has a glass floor! I did survive and we arrived at Scenic World on the other side. Scenic World is the base to get down to the canyon floor if you don't want to spend a day hiking down. You have 2 options, either the Scenic Cableway or the Scenic Railway. They really like the word "scenic" at this place but it fits. We took the railway down and it is the steepest train in the world; it's an old mining train. Again, what was I thinking? Actually, it was pretty fun. At the bottom, you can walk on raised walkways so it's pretty easy hiking and enjoyed by people of all ages. Then we took the cableway back up. I know it sounds a little touristy but it was a nice way to see the rainforest from all vantage points for those with limited time.
Back to Lilianfels...make sure your clients book a rate that includes breakfast because it's delicious. There is also an award-winning restaurant, Darleys onsite as well as a full-service spa. In addition, there is an indoor pool, fitness room, outdoor pool and a new game room that is the perfect place to sit back with a brandy and play chess. There is definitely no shortage of things to do while staying at this hotel!
We really enjoyed ourselves at this hotel and were truly sad to leave. Again, check out my favorites link for photos of the hotel.
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