Hydro Majestic Compendium

Welcome

Dear Guest,

Welcome to the Hydro Majestic Hotel. A hotel steeped in history.

While you are staying, we invite you to immerse yourself in the rich history and the beauty of the surrounding
wilderness. Enjoy sweeping views of the Megalong Valley while you enjoy a casual lunch at the Boiler House Café, or
enjoy the grandeur of the Wintergarden Restaurant for high tea or dinner.

If you require anything at all, our Guest Services team are on-hand to assist with arrangements during your stay,
including local popular bushwalking tracks, dinner reservations and bookings at our Day Spas at our sister properties.

When it is time for you to depart, I hope it is with a heightened sense of wellbeing and relaxation

Sincerely,

Adam Holmes
Group Hotel Operations Manager
Escarpment Group

History of the Hydro Majestic Hotel

The Hydro Majestic began as The Belgravia Hotel. An imposing Federation style building, it was first opened as a
family hotel in 1891. The cottage adjacent to this was the home of local Medlow solicitor Albert Tucker. Next door to
Mr Tucker was a handsome estate owned by William Henry Hargraves including two buildings and 8 kilometres of
walking tracks down the escarpment.

Mark Foy, a renowned and successful business man, had a view of acquiring all three properties to open the first
hydropathic spa in Australia. Mr Foy was in fact prone to hypochondria and bemoaned the lack of spas in Australia
similar to those he frequented in Europe. In 1901 sales contracts were settled and the now famous transformation
began. Mark Foy chose to keep the Belgravia Hotel as the entry point for guests, and joined the buildings with long
galleries, over 90 meters in length. The final structure spanned more than 366 meters in length—an unfolding of
evermore intriguing and opulent spaces as one journeyed along the richly carpeted trail.

It is believed that the Casino dome was built to Mark’s specifications in Chicago, dismantled for shipping and
re-erected on site. The Casino was never used for gambling, but rather in the more traditional sense as a concert hall
or ballroom.

The entire building was heated and powered throughout by the boiler sourced from the 1879 Exhibition Building in
Sydney. The Hydro boasted its own refrigeration plant, sewer works, and water plant, along with an in-house
telephone system.

Mark also bought land below the escarpment to include 600 acres of farm land in the valley. Fresh produce was
transported daily by way of a 500 meter Flying Fox, some parts of which are still visible today.

Finally in the last stages of building works, Mark Foy managed to have the name of Medlow changed to Medlow
Bath, to further attract clientele. Unfortunately, by the time the hotel was opened, even if there were hydropathic
springs located on site these had well and truly dried up. The first guests of the Hydro drank water shipped from
Germany in large steel drums. The water tasted so foul that guests assumed it was good for them.

History of the Hydro Majestic Hotel

July 4, 1904 was recorded as one of the worst snowstorms on record for the Blue Mountains, but Mark Foy’s opening
night would not be delayed by something as transient as a blizzard. Rather than bore his guests with the predictable
comfort of a train carriage, Mark’s VIP’s were chauffeured through the snow in a fleet of specifically imported De
Dion Bouton motor cars—some of the first in the country.

Once guests arrived, they were treated to opulence never before seen at a hotel. The Hydro Majestic boiler provided
electricity to the hotel—four days before Sydney had electricity. The power was short-lived however, as half-way
through the opening night proceedings the lights went out, and all the staff members had to busy themselves lighting
candles and fireplaces for the guests.

After opening night, the Champagne was placed under lock and key, and a strict health regimen commenced. The
resident doctor, Dr Baur, issued his patients with a Bath Book, listing eighty-three Hydropathic treatments available
such as bowel kneading, enemas, massages, bastings in mustard and chilli paste and a vast array of douches and water
cures.

Two years after opening, Dr Baur was replaced by Dr Cale, who was more lenient in his approach. This was just as
well, as by 1906 the fashionable allure of hydropathy was all but over. Mark Foy was forced to re-invent his
sanatorium as a luxury hotel. With the new branding came a new, privileged clientele, many of whom were part of
Foy’s social circle. The notorious Cat’s Alley earned its name at this time, located directly outside the billiards room
and previously known as The Cloister. This long elegant corridor was a purlieu for waiting wives and mistresses who
used their time conversing in whispered tones about fashion, material indiscretions and general society gossip.

The Hydro has experienced several encounters with fire, but the fire of 1922 was probably the most serious. At 3am
on 18th August, the groundskeeper was woken to flames and black smoke billowing furiously. The original Belgravia
Hotel was destroyed including the gallery with priceless artworks, as well as 77 guest rooms. It was after this that
Mark Foy built the new Belgravia Wings, strongly influenced by the new Art Deco style.

History of the Hydro Majestic Hotel

Mark Foy’s nephew Bud Macken was running the hotel when it was requisitioned for the US Army during WW2 as
the 118th General Hospital. Bud was given less than a week to relocate priceless art work and furniture—as well as a
hotel full of guests—before the US flag was raised on the 19th July. The Hydro became a 100 bed hospital with an
additional 228 beds following soon after.

As evident, throughout the early years it was regarded as highly prestigious to stay at the Hydro Majestic and
admission of such was a boast. But by the late fifties and sixties guest registration had become more discreet in nature.
The hotel’s ideal distance from Sydney appealed to a variety of business colleagues given to more intimate pursuits.
The business thrived during this period through an abundance of bookings attributed to the curious and repeat
patronage of ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’.

Despite Mark Foy’s instruction to keep the Hydro Majestic with the Foy family for all time, by 1984 ongoing costs
could no longer be met. The hotel was sold to Sydney barrister Jon North who funded essential upgrades. The Hydro
was again sold in 1996 to the Mah family but it was evident that if the Hydro Majestic was to survive, it needed to be
restored from the ground up, with every inch under scrutiny both cosmetically and foundationally.

In 2008 the Hydro Majestic was purchased by the Escarpment Group. The Hydro was closed on settlement in order
to begin the most comprehensive revitalisation to date. An enormous team of dedicated architects, heritage experts,
historians, builders, as well as staff of the Escarpment Group have come together with the sole purpose of respectfully
restoring the Hydro Majestic to her rightful place.

The Hydro Majestic’s history is unique. And now you share in it too.

Hotel Information

The following departments can be reached via the direct dial option on your telephone:

- Reception
- Reservations
- Housekeeping
- Conferences & Events

External calls………………………………………………………………………………………………………….0
International dialling code…………………………………………………………………………………………0011

For further assistance and price structure for external and international calls, please contact reception

Hotel Information

Our reception desk is manned 24 hours. Please call reception for assistance at any time of the day or night. Please
note, our guaranteed check in time is 3pm and our check out time is 11am.

Housekeeping
Our housekeeping team is on site to service your room between 9am and 4pm daily. Please contact our housekeeping
team to request your room to be serviced at a specific time. Alternatively should you require privacy, please place
your “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.

Internet Access
We offer complimentary Wi-Fi access for two devices per room. Up to an additional three devices, or high-speed
access may be purchased for the following prices:

24 hour …… $15.00
24 hours……$25.00
72 hours……$40.00
Please contact reception if you require assistance with logging on or off.

Breakfast
Bereakfast is available between 7 am and 10 am daily in the Belgravia Lounge, and comprises both continental and
cooked selections, as well as tea and coffee. If you have not booked a breakfast-inclusive package, breakfast may be
purchased for the following prices:

Adults………………………………………………………………………………………………$35.00
Children under 12 …………………………………………………………………………………$15.00

Hotel Information

Smoking
The Hydro Majestic supports a healthy and smoke-free environment and as such, this property has a no smoking
policy. Smoking in enclosed areas is against the law in New South Wales, however there are outdoor areas within the
grounds where smoking is permitted. A sanitisation fee of one night’s accommodation will apply if there is any
evidence of smoking to be found in your room.

Maintenance
We aim to keep the highest level of attention to maintenance issues, however if you notice something that requires
attention, please contact reception.

Children
We welcome children of all ages as our very special guests. There is no additional room charge for children under the
age of 12 using existing bedding when sharing their parent’s room. Baby Cots are available upon request for addition-
al charge of $50.

Babysitting services are available at reasonable notice. Please contact reception for enquiries at least 48 hours before
services are required, to confirm availability.

Day Spas
Our sister properties of Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, Lilianfels Resort & Spa and Echoes Boutique Hotel &
Restaurant have day spa facilities which you are welcome to use. Bookings for treatments are essential, so please
contact the Guest Services Team for information and availability.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency please follow all directions by staff to evacuate the building using the nearest fire exit as
illustrated on the evacuation plan behind the door of your room.

In the event of hearing the continuous alarm bells:
1. Remain calm
2. Evacuate the hotel via the nearest fire exit
3. Do not stop to collect your personal belongings. Leave your room as quickly as possible, closing any doors

behind you
4. Follow any instructions given to you by the hotel fire wardens wearing hi-vis vests
5. Proceed to the primary evacuation point being the guest car park adjacent to the highway
6. Remain together
7. Do not attempt to re-enter the building under any circumstances unless instructed to do so by a chief warden

or the fire department

Should you require any further assistance or have any questions about the hotel’s fire and evacuation procedures
please do not hesitate to contact the resident .

Dining

Bookings can be made with our Guest Services team for any dining options

The Wintergarden
The Wintergarden offers a premium afternoon high tea which is the perfect place to enjoy this grand tradition whilst
enjoying the spectacular views of the Megalong Valley. The Wintergarden also offers a gourmet dinner menu in
refined surrounds featuring a spectacular light filled restaurant with grand standing views of the Megalong Valley.
An ornate open fireplace, grandeur furnishings and décor the Wintergarden is the place to compliment your Blue
Mountains dining experience. Our dinner menu is complemented by specially selected Australian and imported wines.
We also offer a wide range of beers, spirits, liqueurs, coffees, teas, seasonal cocktails and mocktails.
Open for high tea 11:00noon to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 3:30pm Saturday & Sunday
Open for dinner from 5:30pm seven days per week

Salon Du The
The Flying Fox and Cat’s Alley have been united with the Salon Du The to celebrate all that is Chinese in the history
of the Hydro Majestic. Opening in the new year, the Salon Du The will feature a Shanghai chic tea room and bar,
decorated in rich Oriental reds, far eastern murals and luxurious furniture, rediscover the understated decadence of
the Empire with a refined Asian inspired menu and a range of cocktails and wines. The Salon Du The has a unique
ambience in addition to its magnificent views of the Megalong Valley.
Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 2pm-8pm

The Boiler House
Featuring magnificent views overlooking the Megalong Valley, the Boiler House Café, with dining on two levels, is
open seven days a week. The Boiler House Café offers an all-day dining menu featuring traditional pizza, pasta and
Australian cuisine showcasing regional produce from the Blue Mountains.
Open for lunch 11:00am to 3:30pm seven days per week

Dining

Belgravia Lounge
The Belgravia Lounge is located adjacent to reception on the ground floor of the hotel, and serves an all-day snack menu

Bar Snacks 11:00am to 10:00pm seven days
Drinks 11:00am to 11:00pm seven days

External Dining Options

Darley’s Restaurant
Located at Lilianfels Resort & Spa in Katoomba, Darley’s is the resort’s hatted fine-dining restaurant. Renowned for
its fresh, local produce, fine wines and innovative cuisine, Darley’s serves modern Australian cuisine from an à la carte
or dégustation menu (Minimum three course dinner applies on Saturdays and public holidays). Bookings are essential

Open for dinner 6:00pm to 09:00pm Tuesday to Saturday, and open Sundays on long weekends only

Echoes Restaurant
Located at Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Katoomba, Echoes Restaurant is perched on the edge of the
escarpment with views across the lush rainforest of the Jamison Valley to distant mountain ranges. This chic
restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with an Asian influence and is available for lunch and dinner service seven
days per week.

Open for lunch bookings 12:00noon to 2:30pm seven days
Open for Dinner bookings 6:00pm to 8:30pm seven days

The Hydro Majestic Pavilion

The new Hydro Majestic Pavilion is the place to discover the history of The Hydro Majestic and to share all that is
remarkable about the Blue Mountains.

Celebrating the spirit of the Royal Easter Show pavilions of Sydney’s old showgrounds and operating as a magnificent
interactive ‘living’ history space, the Hydro Majestic Pavilion houses a vibrant display showcasing boutique and
unique food and wine from the Blue Mountains and its regions. Regions showcased includes Mudgee, Bathurst,
Orange and the Western Plains.
Demonstrating the best regional gourmet food and wine of the area, “The Taste of The Blue Mountains” this retail
and exhibition space totalling approximately 500sqm is a tourism destination to explore the history of the Hydro,
including multimedia screening areas, history tours and original artefacts from the hotel.
The Hydro Majestic Pavilion is a destination not to be missed by any traveller!
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days per week