Hydro's Glory Restored
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday August 22, 1998
SET with the beautiful backdrop of the Megalong Valley, the Hydro Majestic Hotel is probably one of the best known locations in the Blue Mountains.
It was originally developed by Sydney businessman Mark Foy in combination with a property developed by Western goldfields pioneer Edward Hargraves and the Belgravia Hotel and opened in a giant snowstorm in 1904.
Initially promoted as a hydropathic baths establishment, the hotel is being restored to its former glory with a $5million refurbishment project.
Hydro Majestic marketing manager Cathy Howe said the hotel would be transformed into its splendorous heydays of the '20s and '30s with art deco style refurbishments.
``This was the place for the rich and famous to come for their summer holidays and special events. People would come up for a week at a time," Ms Howe said.
``There would be the silver Rolls-Royces parked outside while guests were wined and dined on the best.
``The children would be looked after by a nanny - taken down for a big bush walk to the valley or a barbecue prepared by the chefs. At night they'd be taken to a fancy dress party while their parents danced the night away."
The township of Medlow actually had the word bath added to it because of the Hydro's spa baths and it will be this pampering philosophy that will be rekindled in the new-look hotel.
Now in the hands of Sydney's Mah family but managed by the Peppers Hotel group, the revamped hotel will eventually have all of its 89 rooms revamped in the colours and decor of the grand ol' days.
``I think it is important that we hold this era. We can become this beautiful decorated hotel but we've still got to hold that history because so many people have memories of the Hydro," Ms Howe said.
``Only last weekend we had a couple who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and they met in the ballroom when the gentleman asked her to dance. They had photographs of that era. Their whole life involved coming back to visit the Hydro and their children have been here. That's just one of many, many stories."
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury
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