The view from the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains
A genteel mountain escape with a decidedly family friendly slant. That’s how I’d describe the Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, a McGallery by Sofitel hotel. Crossing the threshold into the Fairmont Resort we were immediately transported to a bygone age of mountain hospitality. A roaring fire place, deer antler chandelier and spectacular views of the Blue Mountains greeted us. We may have been only two hours from Australia’s biggest city but it felt like we were a world away. The odds of such a resort catering to families with kids in Australia are, let’s be frank, slim. We were therefore more than a little impressed by the Fairmont Resort’s commitment to its younger guests, demonstrated by the effort taken to ensure children are engaged and amused during their stay.
Family friendly features of the Fairmont Resort
Strolling the grounds of the Fairmont Resort my children were beguiled by ducks on the small ornamental lake, a hedge maze and garden statues. While the mountain air was chilly (perhaps an understatement) our family was toasty warm swimming in the indoor pool.
In the depths of the resort we located the resort’s Kidzone incorporating not one but two indoor playgrounds, a mirror maze, games room, bowling (arcade variety) and table tennis. These children’s areas were incredibly substantial but hidden away to a degree so as not to detract from the otherworldly, mountain nostalgic atmosphere of the Fairmont Resort.
On weekends there are some additional activities for children (at a small cost). These include a train ride, carousel and pony rides.
Games rooms and indoor playgrounds at the Fairmont Resort
Dining
Sublime Lounge at the Fairmont Resort
Lazing by the fireplace of the Fairmont Resort’s Sublime Lounge is a relaxing way to spend a few hours (particularly if partaking in their famous high tea). We would have loved to have tried some of the signature tastes of the Eucalypt Restaurant but with our brood of three young kids we opted instead for room service within the confines of our comfortable Family Suite. Breakfast was a tasty buffet affair. The Fairmont is popular on weekends though, so I’d recommend having breakfast early as a way to avoiding crowds over brekkie.
Stay
I’d recommend the Family Suite due to its size – it had a separate parents room, two bathrooms and a doorway opening to a grassy embankment through which to push energetic children outside to play.
The only downside to our visit at the Fairmont was that at two nights it really wasn’t long enough. The Blue Mountains presents nature at its finest and the Fairmont is a lovely resort next time we will need to stay longer.
