If you’re anything like me, your idea of the perfect family getaway is somewhere close to Sydney that oozes family friendliness. Let me tell you – I did a lot of research. I wanted something within 2 hours of Sydney that would suit both my 4 year old and my partner and I, and I wanted a hotel that was kid friendly and not in the “oh, we have a pool” kind of way. I wanted MORE! Did it exist??
Well yes ladies it does! The most family friendly hotel in the Blue Mountains is The Fairmont, Leura – it is the perfect spot for families. If it’s cold, hot, rainy or you’d prefer not to venture out you don’t need to! The offering at the Fairmont is so inclusive it can keep you and your family entertained for days and days. It was honestly such a fun weekend away – we had plans to visit the Three Sisters and some look-outs but it was foggy so we were very limited in this respect – but we were not bored and needed more time! We stayed for two nights and could have easily stayed a third.
Firstly, what do they offer. Um, what don’t they offer?! Let’s break it down to indoor verses outdoor to make it easy:
Indoor
Free Activities:
- 0-5 play area (think ball pit, soft play. BIG plus – there is a toilet with baby change table!)
- 5-12 play area (think ball pit, slides, climbing, soft play)
- Spa and heated pool with pool toys (while I was there they were themed for Australia Day – balls, noodles, crocodiles etc.)
- Mirror Maze
- Table Tennis
- During school holidays there are extra activities like arts and craft classes suitable for toddlers & up (timetables up in the lifts and in the booklet they give you on arrival) or mini masterchef classes (yes STILL FREE!)
- During school holidays there is a cinema! Yes – you read that right! Every day they showed a family movie at 10am, 2pm and 6pm, with adult movies being shown around 8pm
- Library (more suited to adults)
- Billiards room (access allowed for people 18+ years of age)
- Gymnasium (minimum age is 16)
Paid Activities:
- Mini Bowling Alley
- Assortment of arcade games
- Air hockey
- Daily yoga class from 8-9am ($10). The yoga room has huge glass windows that overlook the glorious valley – breathtaking!
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Outdoor
Free Activities:
- Spa & pool with shaded umbrellas and sun loungers
- Visit the Ponies
- Visit the Duck ponds
- Walk around the gardens including the mini maze
- Tennis Courts (reception has rackets & balls)
Paid Activities:
- Assortment of kids rides including electric train around the property, electric cars, merry-go-round ($5)
- Pony Rides ($10)
(You need to book these at concierge or reception)
A very special surprise is that all the profits from these paid rides, arcade games, train etc. the profits go to charity!
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In the afternoons there is also a paid child minding service where the kids play games and do things with a qualified child care worker ($25 for 2.5 hour). This could be the perfect time to head down to the day spa! They are currently rebuilding it into a luxurious 12 room day spa, so at the moment day spa services are offered in an alternative area of the hotel. I had a massage and it was LOVELY! I am a sucker for a massage and this one lived up to my expectations. Make sure you book ahead as during weekends they can be sold out.
There is also a boutique on site that sells some lovely gifts, swimmers (if you forgot yours or the kids!) and some snacks including drinks, lollies and more. They were open long hours, too. There is ample parking when you arrive but it can fill up quickly for the places closest to the hotel.
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I found the rooms lovely, too. We stayed in a superior room, which consisted of a king sized bed and a fold out sofa bed. The standard rooms have either a king bed or 2 queen beds. If you are flexible on when you can stay, keep an eye on rates and follow their Facebook page – you can get a room with buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids up to 12 years of age for under $200! BARGAIN with a capital B! The bathroom had all the toiletries you would need (I love a complete range of toiletries even though I never use them all!)
After a day busy at the hotel you will probably want to stay on site to eat and there are a few different options:
- Room service
- Casual dinning in Embers, which offers a children’s menu and a relax dining experience
- If you have other family with you to mind the kids then you might like to dine in the Eucalyptus Restaurant to enjoy some special time together
- Breakfast is available in a buffet – they have a great juice station, egg station and all the cold and hot items you would expect from a buffet. The bonus is that on a clear day the restaurant area overlooks the valley, providing some beautiful views
I also want to mention the customer service. Almost every staff member I walked past said hello or asked how I was. Concierge remembered my daughter and said something specific about the activity they saw her doing the day before, which I really liked.
You would think with all these wonderful activities that the place would feel over run with kids but it certainly did not feel that way and I was there during school holidays. There were groups of families, couples (some very pregnant so possibly a last minute babymoon), smaller families and international tourists.
If you head there for the weekend, let us know what you think. On your way home you could stop at the Ugg Boot Stall at Falconbridge as you head back to Sydney for affordable and fantastic quality ugg boots – I have been buying these for years and love them!! Even got matching ones for Ava and I this time around. #totallycool
I know, I know. Now you’re planning how soon you can get yourself up there!
#fairmont # bluemountains #familyvacay #sponsored
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