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The most famous hotel in the Blue Mountains was built in 1904 by Mark Foy, a retail baron, world traveler, sportsman, and hypochondriac. Once called "A Palace in the Wilderness," this former health resort underwent a huge renovation and reopened in late 2001 in the style Mr. Foy might have liked. The long, whitewashed building, with great bushland views from the restaurant and many of its more expensive rooms, is reminiscent of the grand hotels that were all the rage in Queen Victoria's time. The property even has a croquet lawn and English lawn bowls. The standard Heritage rooms are furnished in Art Deco style and have views of the garden. The similar Gallery rooms have slightly better views, some with valley glimpses. Cloister rooms, mostly in another wing, are decorated in both Art Deco and Edwardian (think country style), and have sweeping valley views. Some of these have Jacuzzis. Rooms in the Delmonte Wing, decorated in French Provincial style, also have views. The suites are truly sumptuous. Higher rates apply on Friday and Saturday.

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