Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains MGallery Collection

You can find most of the facilities and activities you need right at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, so there isn't much need to go out. It's a beautiful place for children in a great location. The staff welcomed us and took time to explain how everything works. Our room was clean, comfortable and well maintained. We had a lovely stay and would happily return.

We came to the Blue Mountains for Valentine's weekend, and this was our first stay at the resort. The grounds are impressive, with gardens and open green space across an old golf course, and parking was easy. A concierge offered to take our bags, though we didn't have much. Check-in was quick and friendly, with three staff at the desk. Our king room on the second level was spacious, clean and comfortable, with a nice lounge area and a view across the lawn towards the valley. The location is secluded, about a five-minute drive from Leura Village, so it isn't walkable. The resort offers transport, and there's also a local bus. It was drizzly and misty, so we skipped the drive to the Three Sisters and stayed around the property. There are casual and fine dining options, including adults-only areas, as well as two pools, an ice skating rink, an adventure park in the treetops, playgrounds, bumper boats, a giant rainbow-coloured slide, and a few areas with arcade machines. I'm still no good at pinball. The slide's colours felt out of place against the valley and escarpment. It was too cool for the outdoor pool, though a few teenagers were using it. The indoor pool, spa and sauna felt great after a walk and short bushwalk. Lots of young kids were in the spa rather than the pool, which limited its use for others. The golf club bistro and clubhouse seemed popular, and a few determined golfers were out despite the wet weather. We ate twice at the resort: bar food at Sublime Lounge was very good and reasonably priced, with huge burgers, and dinner at Embers was good, though the menu wasn't large. Breakfast also looked popular, but we're not big breakfast eaters.

The staff were the one bright spot. Everyone working there seemed to love their job and went above and beyond. The first impression is impressive, with open space and a lovely mountain view, but the rest of our stay was deeply disappointing. The place felt run down and dirty, with things unavailable or out of order. We could only take our family to the toddlers' play area because there were no other activities available. Its ball pits were empty, and the paid rides were broken and worn, with big holes and missing parts and lights. The play equipment didn't look clean. Even the vending machines failed: I paid $6 for a hot Coke that clearly hadn't just been restocked. The only time we enjoyed ourselves, apart from leaving, was at the indoor pool, and even that was filthy, with food, bread and drinks left around. After a very late check-in, we found the room just as dirty as the rest of the property. There were cobwebs in several corners and food and rubbish on the floors. Maintenance had to fix the television, and the outside view was just a tree. The shower had barely any water pressure, and the toilet was even worse. Bring earplugs, since soundproofing is terrible and we could hear the hallways and several rooms at all hours. We were booked for multiple nights but couldn't stand paying to stay another minute. We left after one night and got a refund for the rest. With young kids or toddlers, I'd look elsewhere. For the price, you could find a much nicer, cleaner, more family-friendly resort. I had taken more photos of the dirt, broken equipment and general condition, but deleted them because I don't want to remember this place.

The buffet breakfast was delicious, and seeing a cloud inversion while dining was quite a treat. The staff were impeccable throughout, warm, kind and eager to help every time. I appreciated the laundry, pool, spa, sauna and gym, and the extra blankets came in handy when it got chilly overnight. The room was what you'd expect, though the pillows felt tired and could use replacing. At first, the hotel didn't seem as polished as I'd expected at this price, but the stay turned out totally wonderful. Embers had a delicious, well-priced UTA special. The golf club bistro served hearty food at good value, and the whisky den had nice whisky, although it was a little expensive compared with a similar whisky bar. I'd stay again in a heartbeat. I only wish I'd had more time to explore the area.