My son and I came here for a Monday to Friday stay and didn't manage to utilise all the facilities on offer at the Fairmont because there are simply so many.
I know it isn't supposed to be a challenge to see if you can put a tick against trying everything this resort has available but as far as value for money goes even using half the facilities leaves you way in front.
We did manage to enjoy table tennis, a hit of squash on one of the two courts, multiple swims in both the massive indoor pool as well as the outdoor pool, (both heated although maybe not the outdoor one when we had a dip), hopped into both the indoor and outdoor spas as well as enjoying the mens sauna which you access via the men's change rooms, (same deal for the ladies).
We didn't quite get to sweat it out in the very well equipped gym or run around on one of the tennis courts, my son isn't a fan of snooker or pool so we skipped the two full sized tables in the billards room but saw others having a go.
There are also kids play rooms, pinball machines and enough board games to sink a ship.
The grounds themselves are extensive with about three man made lakes/ponds including koi carp and wild ducks and a host of great flora with something always flowering to take...My son and I came here for a Monday to Friday stay and didn't manage to utilise all the facilities on offer at the Fairmont because there are simply so many.
I know it isn't supposed to be a challenge to see if you can put a tick against trying everything this resort has available but as far as value for money goes even using half the facilities leaves you way in front.
We did manage to enjoy table tennis, a hit of squash on one of the two courts, multiple swims in both the massive indoor pool as well as the outdoor pool, (both heated although maybe not the outdoor one when we had a dip), hopped into both the indoor and outdoor spas as well as enjoying the mens sauna which you access via the men's change rooms, (same deal for the ladies).
We didn't quite get to sweat it out in the very well equipped gym or run around on one of the tennis courts, my son isn't a fan of snooker or pool so we skipped the two full sized tables in the billards room but saw others having a go.
There are also kids play rooms, pinball machines and enough board games to sink a ship.
The grounds themselves are extensive with about three man made lakes/ponds including koi carp and wild ducks and a host of great flora with something always flowering to take photos of, which I love doing. Didn't go a round of golf on the adjoining golf course but saw others zipping along in golf carts or having a leisurely stroll.
We did indulge in the large and comprehensive buffet breakfast 3 out of 4 mornings which meant we mainly skipped lunch although we were eating more fruit and healthy stuff from the big selection as the week moved on.
Three things to mention starting with the uniformly friendly and professional staff whether it was Pam from house keeping turning down our beds in the evening and having a friendly chat or Michelle from front desk bringing up my camera tripod to our room that I had absently left in the indoor pool area.
The wait staff in both Embers and Eucalypt were great and the trio that cover the concierge desk would be a credit to any hotel.
The second thing is the food and my boy and I like our food.
We had the buffet breakfast in Jamisons, fantastic, as well as dinner at Embers which is the bar with the huge 2 story high picture windows as well as one special meal in Eucalypt the fine dining restaurant which was outstanding. Go for the sand crab entree and lobster for mains if you're partial to seafood, they were both spectacular. My son had the mushroom consomme and the saltbush lamb and he didn't leave a drop or a crumb so also excellent.
Third point is the Deluxe room we had. Huge size, desk plus dining table for two and huge coffee table plus king bed plus sofa lounge and upholstered seat with feet seat plus bar area and lots of hanging space in wardrobe. Also Nespresso machine with comp pods, Twinings tea and ipod friendly clock radio, drssing gowns and slippers and more. Ours had balcony with chairs and occasional table and view into Jamison Valley.
I find this resort a great base from where we also went to the other side of Leura for bushwalks, (try Fortress Ridge on Mt Hay Rd),up to the Edge cinema for a movie as well as to Katoomba to the new art gallery and cultural/heritage centre on Parke St as well as a stroll around Leura shops.
We have been to the Fairmont before and we will be coming back. To management, staff and owners, keep up the great work.More
Show less