We recently headed to the Blue Mountains for a getaway in Blackheath and spent two very relaxing days at the Kyah Boutique Hotel, located just a few minutes from the centre of Blackheath Village. This 100-year-old motel turned hotel has had an impressive facelift with lush rooms, a fabulous restaurant and a wood-fired hot tub perfect for soaking after a long day exploring the nearby trails. 

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Location: Blackheath NSW

The Kyah is a boutique hotel in Blackheath, an upper Blue Mountains town known for its bohemian vibe and excellent dining scene. The location is an ideal starting point for exploring this part of the mountains.

Situated just minutes away from the stunning lookouts and hikes of the Grose Valley, the Kyah in Blackheath is a perfect escape from the city.

First impressions

The hotel combines modern amenities with vintage charm. Upon arrival, the Palm Springs styling is evident, with muted colors that blend seamlessly with the surrounding bushland.

The landscaping is lovely, and we spotted a firepit in the car park which we thought would be a fun place to sit with a glass of red or some marshmallows later in the day. 

It was a crisp morning, so we were quick to make our way into the main building to check in.

Upon entering the small lobby, we were greeted by a warm and friendly host, who highlighted the hotel’s facilities and dining options before explaining how the (clever) digital locks opened. While I was sure I would mess it up, they turned out to be incredibly easy to use. 

The lobby also had a mini shop with a small selection of local products, mainly edible treats for snacking on or taking home as a souvenir. The prices were, in our opinion, quite reasonable and we ended up grabbing some local honey.

Accommodation

Kyah Hotel has 46 rooms that are spread across three wings, which are quite-fittingly named after the Three Sisters: Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo.

In the first wing, rooms sit above reception and the dining area. This is also where the function rooms are located. The other two wings stand across the driveway, with one facing a tennis court and the other facing the street. Our room was in the street-facing wing. Initially, we worried about the prospect of road noise (yours truly is a very light sleeper). Thankfully there was nothing to worry about.

It is also worth noting that the Kyah Hotel is both pet friendly and offers a number of accessible rooms.

Our king room

Our King Room, which is the entry level room at the property, has parking at the door, motel style.

On entering, the room — which is 26 sq — felt very spacious and was tastefully designed with an eye towards comfort and convenience. The muted green tones gave the room a very calm feeling.

The large and comfortable bed was definitely a standout feature. The quality linens and blankets were so incredibly lush that they felt like a big cuddle when I finally gave in to the urge for a quick nap before dinner. 

The room was spotlessly clean and features all the modern amenities we have come to expect these days: free, fast wifi, individually controlled air-conditioning, a smart TV, and a minibar with a selection of treats from local suppliers. 

There is an electric kettle and refrigerator, so you can make a hot cup of tea or coffee without leaving your room and store drinks or snacks. While my husband would have loved a Nespresso machine, we found that the restaurant opened early enough that it wasn’t a problem.

Some bathrooms at Kyah were still awaiting renovation when we stayed, and ours was one of those originals. I could definitely feel the bones of the former motel. It was completely functional, if not a little snug. The shower pressure was excellent, although I did struggle a little to get the temperature right – once I worked it out, it was easy to use the next day.

The only thing I would change about our room is the option for brighter lighting. While it was fine for general use, I found it a tad dark for reading. An overhead light to complement the lamps would be a highly useful addition, in my opinion.

Overall these rooms are fabulous for a romantic getaway or a short stay solo retreat. 

Family Rooms

If you are travelling with kids or a group of friends, the hotel offers guestrooms with an extra bed and some with a set of bunks. They also have some two-room suites. 

If you decide to stay in winter and want to avoid the cold, you can request a room in the main wing with an internal connection to the restaurant.

Check the current price of rooms at the Kyah here

Hotel amenities

Surrounded by manicured gardens, the hotel doesn’t offer a huge range of amenities. However, what it does have is great. The tennis court, for example, is all-purpose, meaning it can also be used for other games like basketball if that’s more your thing.

The semi-private wood fired hot tub and indoor sauna are perfect for relaxing. I have to admit I was not brave enough to take a dip in the cold morning air, but I really wish I had!

There is a booking system for use, and I suggest you make a booking as soon as you arrive, so you don’t miss out. After your dip make your way indoors and use the sauna to complete the experience.

There is a kitchen garden from which the team at BLAQ harvest ingredients for your dinner. There are even chooks on site for fresh eggs which any kids will surely enjoy meeting. 

On level one of the main building, just above reception, there is a cute little nook where you can chill out if you fancy some time alone, complete with microwave and free tea & coffee.

One of Kyah’s standout features is its garden. A sizeable Japanese cherry blossom tree adds to the property’s beauty. We visited off-season, but I imagine it would make for a truly stunning sight when in full bloom.

On site dining

Kyah Boutique Hotel is home to BLAQ, one of the finest restaurants in the Blue Mountains. We dined here on our first night and would have easily decided to eat here a second night had we not already made plans. It is a great option for an occasion or just a leisurely meal and relaxing drink without having to leave the hotel. 

The restaurant is spacious, with a large central bar. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the garden, the famous cherry blossom tree and the glass conservatory (where the friendly staff tell us high tea will be served in coming weeks).

The menu at BLAQ features hyper-local and sustainable produce. Chef Mate Herceg has created dishes are both delicious and environmentally friendly, with locally sourced meat and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden.

Apologies for my poor photos — which do not do the food justice — but I can say that both my duck and dessert tart were truly divine.

To complement the delicious food, Kyah’s drinks list also promotes local suppliers. Guests can sip on some of the region’s finest wines, craft beers, and spirits, while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

I went with a Karu Affinity Gin, finger lime, champagne syrup, clarified lime juice and it was delicious.

If you don’t fancy dining in, you can still unwind at the bar with a glass of fine wine or indulge in a tasty cocktail. Try the signature Japanese Cherry Blossom, made with gin, cherry liqueur, and lime juice.

Dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm until late

On the main street of Blackheath, about a 15-minute walk or short ride away, you will find several more restaurants and a couple of small bars.

Continental breakfast

When we woke the morning after our first night, we made our way to the restaurant to enjoy the free continental breakfast. On offer was a variety of pastries, cold meats, cheeses, breads, yogurts, fruits, teas, coffees. Barista coffees and smoothies/juices were available for purchase.

If you prefer a hot meal, you can order from the menu. While Charlie was happy to fill up on the free buffet offering, I ordered sourdough toast with avocado, bush dukkha, lemon EVOO, and a poached egg which was delicious.

We took a table in the smaller of the restaurant’s spaces. Sitting by the fire with the sun streaming in the windows was a lovely way to start the day.

All in all, Kyah’s food offering is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality, seasonal produce and are mindful of their environmental impact. 

That is not to say that families traveling with children are left out. BLAQ has a special menu designed just for the little ones. Parents can relax and enjoy their meals, knowing that their children are also being catered to with delicious healthy options that nonetheless appeal a kid’s sensibilities.

Nearby attractions and activities

There are plenty of things to see in and near Blackheath to fill a long weekend. 

One of the must-visit places is Evans Lookout, located within a short drive from the hotel. I think this is one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Grose Valley and indeed the entire Blue Mountains region.

If you are up for a walk, put aside a few hours to tackle the Grand Canyon track. The walk will take you through stunning sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and waterfalls. It is one of the most popular half day walks in the Blue Mountains National Park. A shorter walk, the clifftop track will take you to Govetts Leap.

Across the road from the Kyah, you will find the sprawling Blackheath Golf Course. This 18-hole championship course is a golfer’s paradise, offering stunning views across the valley and a challenging but enjoyable golfing experience. They also have a restaurant and children’s play area.

A highlight for us on this trip was a visit to Mermaids Cave – a 10 minute drive from the hotel. Make your way down the steep stone steps to the discover the cave with its little waterfall.

Blackheath has far more to offer than its amazing natural landscape – located nearby are antique shops, galleries and small shops. I highly recommend a visit to Victory Theatre Antique Centre where you will discover lots of specialist stalls spread out across two floors.

While you are here, take the opportunity to visit Mount Victoria, the official top of the mountains, located only 10 minutes west. You might consider catching a film at the historic Mount Vic Flicks or enjoying high tea at the Mount Victoria Tea Rooms.

Jump on your bike

While the hotel is within walking distance of the town centre, guests at Kyah Boutique Hotel have free use of 6 e-bikes, which are perfect for exploring a little.

Head to one of the lookouts further along the ridge at Govetts Leap and Wind Eroded Cave or to explore the antique store, galleries and cafes in the main street of Blackheath. 

Take a tour

You can also book a tour to pick you up from the property. We enjoyed a private tour with Beyond the Blacktop. For our half day 4-wheel drive experience, we headed to the Lost City, an area impossible to reach without the right vehicle and one our car certainly wouldn’t manage it.

If you are looking to get off the tourist trail, I highly recommend Beyond the Blacktop. This was the second trip we had taken with them and on both occasions, we had a fantastic time.

Our first trip was in Wombat, a converted ex-army vehicle which would be a perfect choice for families or first-time visitors to the area.

How to get to Kyah

Kyah is just off the Great Western Highway 1.4km before Blackheath town centre. There is plenty of parking and two E-charging stations if needed.

The nearest public transport access from Sydney to the Blue Mountains is Blackheath train station. It’s not really in walking distance with luggage, so either call a taxi or check with the Kyah to arrange a pick up.

We highly recommend Kyah Boutique Hotel Blackheath for those looking for a luxurious and convenient base for their upper Blue Mountains adventure.

Whether you’re planning a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll, or want to explore the antique shops and galleries, the Kyah Boutique Hotel’s location in Blackheath provides the perfect starting point for your next adventure in the Blue Mountains.

Check the current price of rooms at the Kyah here

Get more Blue Mountains ideas before you go:

• Scenic Lookouts in the Blue Mountains
• Where to find the best Blue Mountains High Teas
• Some easy mountains walks to get the blood pumping
• 3 Blue Mountains day trip driving itineraries
• Picnic spots in the mountains

Note: We visited Kyah Boutique Hotel as part of a media visit arranged and hosted by Blue Mountains Tourism.

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