A modern mountain retreat.
Kyah Hotel is shaking up expectations on what a Blue Mountains getaway looks like. While there are plenty of heritage accommodation and traditional restaurants in the mountains, if you’re after something a little more contemporary, Kyah Hotel should be top of your list.
Located in the popular village of Blackheath, Sydney-based design firm MKD Architects has reimagined a 70’s style motel into a Palm Springs inspired dining destination and boutique hotel.
Kyah Hotel Blackheath is the perfect base to explore the natural attractions, waterfalls and bushwalking tracks that the Blue Mountains is known for as well as uncovering some exciting food and beverage trails.
First Impressions of Kyah Hotel
More cutting-edge than kitsch, there is no “death by doily” here, think on-trend archways, curves and cutaway interiors resulting in a dreamy pastel-hued vacay. Kyah’s understated but on trend aesthetic has been designed to appeal to city folk craving a modern escape to the country.
For a streamlined check in, go contactless by downloading the Goki app or pop inside the lobby and be welcomed by the friendly team.
There is ample motel-style parking for hotel guests and free parking for visitors dining at the restaurant. Good news if you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV) with four recently installed EV chargers (fee applies) available to keep you cruising the mountains.
Guests with mobility issues should request a ground floor room, as the traditional motel style design does not include lift access.
Rooms at Kyah Hotel
Embracing the original motel’s enduring, functional layout, the revamped hotel comprises three separate accommodation wings (each named after one of Katoomba’s famed Three Sisters) with a welcoming lobby and entertainment hub at its heart. Each of the 46-rooms and suites are decked out in a choice of calming blush or blue hues or more earthy olive and rust colour palettes.
Guests can choose from a wide array of room types from King and Twin Rooms up to Two Bedroom and Family Suites. Each room comes equipped with a smart TV to stream your favourite shows, USB charging points and free wifi. Our room (205) features a cloud-like king bed, stylish statement chair, custom lighting, lush plants, a simple bathroom with ethically sourced bathroom amenities and a curated mini-bar with a selection of local favourites.
Sustainability
The hotel has a strong focus on contactless, paperless technology with check in via the Goki app.
The restaurant menu showcases hyper-local produce plucked straight from the onsite kitchen garden (pictured above).
Despite these fantastic initiatives, we identified a couple of areas for improvement including switching the plastic water bottles for a more sustainable option and installing dual waste recycling bins in the guest rooms.
Drinking & Dining at Blaq Restaurant
The highlight of a stay at Kyah Hotel has to be dining at onsite restaurant Blaq. Named for its location – Blackheath, Blaq is overseen by Executive Chef Mate Merceg, who does double time as the hotel’s General Manager.
Herceg focuses on a garden-to-plate philosophy utilising sustainable produce and producers to bring all that wholesome delishness to the plate. The menu is divided into snacks, smalls, bigs, charred & grilled, sides and sweets, allowing you to feast on as little or as much as you like. Expect items such as Huon ocean trout tartare with quail egg yolk, salted capers, cornichons and puffed black sesame followed by market fish with Kyah rainbow chard, braised white beans, baby fennel and citrus cream and finishing with Blueberry cobbler, rum ice cream with meringue.
The restaurant has a sophisticated buzz from day to night. The award-winning wine list curated by Andres Aragon celebrates the beauty, diversity and terroir of New South Wales’ wine regions. Pull up a stool and sip the signature Blaq Martini, made using native wattleseed and macadamia liqueur, enjoy all the indulgence safe in the knowledge your room is mere footsteps away.
This restaurant is one to watch, with a creative High Tea experience with Australian flavours also in the works.
Stepping Out
Keep the good times flowing on the Blue Mountains craft beverage trail! Discover the distillers, growers and artisans of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area including popular producers Dryridge Estate, Karu Distillery and Brew Mountains Brewery. While it would be ambitious to attempt the full trail in one go, we suggest you select a subregion and take a more in-depth exploration of the local landscape.
We focused on Katoomba to Bilpin, with highlights including Katoomba Brewing Company at The Carrington Cellars & Deli, which also stocks a tempting array of local produce, brews and spirits all under one roof. A stop at Hillbilly Cider is a must; time your visit for lunch and indulge in incredible woodfired pizzas that perfectly complement a cider (or two). We also took a peaceful pit stop to the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, and if you want to sample all the local flavours, we suggest booking a transfer with Blue Mountains Limousines and let Don be the designated driver.
The Verdict
Kyah is a breath of fresh air in the Blue Mountains; a modern escape ideal for a luxe gourmet getaway.
Kyah Hotel, Blue Mountains
13-17 Brightlands Ave, Blackheath NSW 2785
Book Kyah Hotel here.
