Travel Majestic global dining palette ACCESS
Ellen Hill and Roderick Eime visit the Grand Lady of the Blue Mountains NSW aucy tales, exotic opulence and the odd celebrity demise. The Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains sits alongside the Hotel Ritz Paris, Raffles Singapore and Claridge’s London as legendary havens of mischief and luxury With staff from around the world welcoming waves of international tourists in a distinctly Australian location, the Hydro Majestic also represents the modern face and cuisine of Australia – as it has for more than a century. The status of the original Blue Mountains party palace as the grandest of the grand hotel in the region was restored when current owner Escarpment Group unveiled its $35 million refurbishment in October 2014. The spectacular Casino Lobby was stripped back to show off that stupendous dome prefabricated in Chicago and imported by original Hydro Majestic owner, department store doyenne Mark Foy. The Wintergarden Restaurant where one takes high tea (traditional or Eastern) is bedecked in understated gold and white elegance with enormous windows giving a breathtaking view over the Megalong Valley. There’s the Majestic Ballroom with its beautiful vaulted ceiling, the revamped Boiler House Café in the old
S
The Casino Dome (Supplied)
NYE 1936 (Supplied)
pump house and the sophistication of black and chrome in the Belgravia accommodation lounge. But the best way to appreciate the full magnificence of the Hydro Majestic, the building, the history and the gob-smackingly gorgeous location on the edge of the escarpment, is to stroll along the (in)famous Cat’s Alley hallway, cocktail
in hand, and watch the sunset over the Megalong Valley. The golden tendrils seep down the blood red walls, lighting up the peacock feathers and richly furbished lounges, and bring the original artworks of blood sports to life. Foy, was a visionary, an ambitious and remarkable one, creating the hotel on a mountain top against all odds. Soon
Don’t put the FREEZE on your business meetings. Plan for success this winter. Day Delegate Package
the fortunate, the famous, the fabulous, even the infamous, flocked to the Hydro Majestic from around the globe. With regular festivals and events including the Roaring 20s Festival in February, Escarpment Group has returned the flounce to the old girl’s skirt Continued on page 17
$60 per person
Winter bonus includes: • FREE WiFi • FREE 30 minute post event drinks in rebellion bar • FREE delicious delight on arrival To book your next event, email: functions_rydgesnorwest@evt.com or call 02 9634 9634 Rydges Norwest Sydney 1 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 T: 02 9634 9634 F: 02 9634 9660 rydges.com/norwest Terms and Conditions Apply
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CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS ACCESS JUNE - JULY 2020
