Kyah Blue Mountains: Why travellers are flocking to this 1970s motel that has been transformed

Travellers are flocking to an old 1970s motel in the Blue Mountains that has been transformed into a modern, pastel-hued retreat.

But it has been given a stylish facelift by the famous Sydney design firm, MKD Architects.

Visitors are now able to enjoy stylish art deco furnishings, curved archways and an on-trend colour scheme of pink, blue, olive and rust. 

There are 46 rooms at Kyah, spread across three wings – each of which are named after the rocky columns in the Blue Mountains’ most famous landmark, the Three Sisters: Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo. 

Kyah Boutique Hotel , which is situated near the highest point of the Blue Mountains in Blackheath, still includes many of the features of the traditional motel, but it has been given a stylish facelift (pictured)

The hotel also features an award-winning restaurant, Blaq, which has been named one of the best dining experiences in the region.

Food is sourced from the garden at the Kyah, the local on-site hen house, the ‘clucking cottage’, or from local producers.

Executive chef Mate Herceg – who has previously worked at the famous Blue Mountains hotel the Hydro Majestic – is in charge of the menu.

Highlights include a delicious octopus small plate, with pickled heirloom beetroot, Lidsdale goats curd and sumac.

Other guest favourites include the house-aged kangaroo fillet, as well as a beef flank tagliata – both of which are served with delectable accompaniments from the garden.

These can be paired with wine from an extensive wine list, or creative cocktails made with indigenous Australian ingredients including wattleseed and lemon myrtle.

The hotel also features an award-winning restaurant, Blaq , which has been named one of the best dining experiences in the region (Blaq food pictured)

Visitors are now able to enjoy stylish art deco furnishings, curved archways and an on-trend colour scheme of pink, blue, olive and rust (interiors pictured)

But it’s not just the restaurant that people are raving about. 

An outdoor fire pit with seating, a sauna, and a wood-fired hot tub all provide the perfect accompaniment for a cosy weekend away.

Guests are also free to use complimentary e-bikes for those who want to explore the local area, and these can be paired with a Blaq picnic hamper and a list of local trails.

The hotel boasts a tennis court, three fireplaces and a 100-year-old cherry blossom tree in its centre. 

But it’s not just the restaurant that people are raving about. An outdoor fire pit with seating, a sauna (pictured), and a wood-fired hot tub all provide the perfect accompaniment for a cosy weekend away

Those who have visited the stylish Palm Springs-inspired hotel have raved about its style and comfort, as well as the food (the hotel pictured)

Those who have visited the stylish Palm Springs-inspired hotel have raved about its style and comfort, as well as the food.

‘The breakfast was amazing. The best hotel breakfast I’ve had anywhere! There was so much to choose from and it was all excellent quality. We also loved the hot tub, which was great to relax in after a long journey,’ one person wrote.

‘Modern and clean, sustainable in a perfect location. Décor was fantastic and the in house restaurant was amazing,’ another added.

A third wrote: ‘Beautifully decorated and fabulous vibe. The beds were so so comfy! Stunning restaurant and really lovely breakfast included too. the sauna and spa bath was great and really topped our weekend off!’ 

Rooms start from $240. For more information, please click here.