By Jana Pearce
A very popular short-stay destination and Australian icon is undergoing a facelift to bring it into the 21st century.
After years of having a 'Fawlty Towers' reputation, Jenolan Caves House in World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park is under a new management team headed by Dennis Winchester who gained his vast experience in the hospitality and tourism industry with the Peppers Group.
Jenolan Caves House, like the Hydro Majestic, are among the few grand dames of hospitality and tourism in NSW. But more so than the Hydro Majestic, one can only marvel at the skill and endurance of the engineers and builders who built Jenolan Caves House, the access to the caves and installed the services such as telephone, electricity, sewer, and water. Not to mention the road into the caves which, as everyone who has been to Jenolan Caves knows, is a part of the adventure.
The work on the current Jenolan Caves House was built in stages over 30 years starting in 1887. There are four function rooms, the largest, the elegant Kanangra Boyd Function Room, is in the wing that was built in 1907.
Until air travel got cheaper in the 70s, Jenolan Caves was quite a honeymoon destination and many couples return to celebrate their wedding anniversaries.
The main feature of Jenolan Caves House is its charm - yes the floors creak, it takes a little while for hot water to flow in the morning, there's strange noises in the dark as the grand dame settles in for the night, the paint needs patching here and there, but it's all part of the adventure of staying in a hotel that is over 100 years old.
The bed was comfortable, the Victorian and Edwardian furniture's patina glowed, the staff warm and helpful, the lift efficient, the guests friendly, and Jenolan Caves House exudes an atmosphere of timelessness and permanency you don't get in the here-today-gone-tomorrow modern hotels.
Dinner is served in the Chisolm Restaurant and even the word superb is not enough to describe the experience. The menu features the best of old favourites like roast and lamb as well as dishes for those who prefer the more unusual gourmet fare. With attentive smiling table staff, a wine and cocktail list from heaven, desserts to die for, and a restaurant decor fit for royalty - what more can you ask for? Well maybe a moonlight stroll and the Blue Lake at Jenolan Caves is the most heavenly place for a after dinner walk. On a clear night, you feel you can reach up and touch the stars.
For breakfast, there's Trails Bistro on the ground floor which is open from breakfast onwards and closes early evening. Here you can get light meals including sandwiches, salads and hot food.
The caves themselves have been updated with light shows, music and special events like historical tours and Hungarian Gypsy music.
If like me, you don't like the prospect of seeing a cave that incorporates 800 steps, there are easier options like the Imperial Cave, that won't make you puff and pant, or overly test your knee joints.
Stay two nights at the caves - you won't get bored as there is so much to see and do. A drive to nearby Oberon, relax and read in the guest lounge, birdwatching, hand feed friendly crimson rosellas, or go on one of the many bush walks around the caves. Or sit and meditate on the caves that took nature 400 million or so years to create at the rate of a one or two centimetres every millennium.
There are special packages with excellent deals on meals and accommodation especially if you stay mid week. Give Jenolan Caves a call (02) 6359 3322.