Serendipity in the Clouds: A Pawsome (but imperfect) Blue Mountains Escape

A wide landscape shot of a deep, forested valley in the Blue Mountains. In the foreground, green ferns, white lilies, and orange wildflowers grow along a ridge. In the distance, massive sandstone cliffs with vertical orange and grey stripes rise above a dense canopy of green trees under a cloudy sky.

They say travel is about the unexpected. In my Serendipity Series, I love uncovering those honest discoveries, the ones that make a trip feel like a real experience rather than a brochure.

Recently, we returned to the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains. Having visited in September 2023 and again in January 2025, I have finally figured out the “formula” for making this dog-friendly stay actually work for a 2026 getaway.

🐾 Monte’s Verdict: Fairmont Resort Review & Hidden Gems

The Bottom Line

It is a “Dog-Allowed” upscale 4-star human stay but “3-star” dog logistics.

  • Vibe: Very welcoming staff and comfy beds.
  • The Catch: Poor room selection (avoid Room 132) and awkward “lobby shuffle” for meals.
  • Would we go back? Yes, but only with our “Fairmont Formula” (and skipping the hotel breakfast!).

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 / 5 Paws 🦴🦴🦴✨(Losing points for the room set-up and “lobby shuffle”)

The Serendipity Standard: This review is completely independent and self-funded. We paid for our stays in full, which allows us to be 100% honest about what worked, what didn’t, and why we have had to create our own “Fairmont Formula” for future visits.

Prepping for Monte: The Essentials List

Monte was born in March 2022, and we have had him since he was a tiny pup in June of that year. He is a seasoned traveler now, but his comfort depends on us bringing the right essentials. To make a hotel feel like home, and safe, I never leave without:

  • The Safety: A sturdy harness for the car trip is a must-have for the drive up.
  • My Grab-and-Go Bag: I always take my favorite dog bag wherever I go. It keeps his collapsible water bowl, treats, and poo bags within easy reach for those quick bathroom breaks and coffee stops along the way.
  • The Leash Trio:
    • A dedicated dog-friendly collar and leash kept right by the door for those quick “bathroom trips” to the courtyard.
    • A retractable leash for more freedom in the gardens.
    • A long line, which is essential for those ‘no off-leash’ areas that are just too beautiful not to explore. It gives Monte that ‘free-range’ feeling while we stay within the fine print.
  • The Practical Raincoat: This is strictly for function, not a fashion statement! It keeps him from getting soaked and acts as a shield when he decides to roll in things. It is much easier to wash a coat than to give him a full bath in a hotel shower. Plus, it helps keep the room clean. Monte always gets the zoomies the second he gets “home” when he is wet and loves to rub himself against everything in sight.
  • The Food Hack: Frozen raw food can be tricky for road trips. I have found a rehydratable raw food that is a total game-changer. It is easy, lightweight, and Monte loves it.
  • The Comforts: We bring his own bed and his special teddy. He’s slept with this same bear since he was a baby. Somehow, he had never chewed it. He seems to have made the executive decision that this bear is his sleeping buddy, not for play. I also pack a placemat for “dining out” and his favorite Chuckit ball.

The Verdict

Is it Truly “Dog-Friendly” or Just “Dog-Allowed”?

Coming from Europe, where dogs are often treated like family members rather than just “allowed” pets, my standards are high. The Fairmont is trying, but there is room for improvement.

The Room Situation

The dog-friendly rooms are practical, aimed at easy cleaning, but as a consequence, they feel rather bare.

  • The Highlight: The bed is incredibly comfortable. A total win for a recharge.
  • The Drawbacks: There are only 2 dog-friendly rooms available. I suggest avoiding Room 132, it felt quite dark, and the courtyard was poorly maintained during our first visit. We actually ended up requesting a room change.

THE MonteCaro Fairmont Formula

Aim for the room facing the ice rink & pool.

It is significantly brighter, and while the courtyard isn’t grassed, it features a small gate that provides direct access to the beautiful gardens.

The Dining Dilemma

There is a strange disconnect here: dogs aren not allowed in the restaurant, yet the rooms aren’t equipped for dining. There is no table or chairs inside the room to eat comfortably. While the courtyard has a set, you really want to be inside when it is chilly or dark. If you order room service, you are essentially eating on your lap or hunched over at the coffee table.

To be fair, there are a couple of tables in the lobby where you can eat with your pup. However, because this is such a popular hangout spot for drinks, these two spots fill up fast. Consequently, you often find yourself hovering nearby, waiting your turn for a table to become available.

THE MonteCaro Fairmont Formula

To avoid the “Lobby Shuffle”

Remember to book with the restaurant ahead of time to secure one of those coveted dog-friendly spots.

What beats me is that the resort has a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the valley, yet it isn’t available for guests with dogs. It is a huge missed opportunity; since our indoor options are so limited, being able to enjoy that world-class view with a coffee or a snack would make all the difference.

The Breakfast Strategy

The hotel breakfast is quite average, and because dogs aren’t allowed, you find yourself sitting in the lobby again. It is a bit awkward balancing a buffet plate while heading up the steep flight of stairs, and it makes multiple trips plain awkward. It is a lot of effort for a very basic start to the day.

THE MonteCaro Fairmont Formula

Skip the hotel breakfast.

Instead, head to Sorenson’s Glasshouse. It is a local hidden gem set in a nursery. You sit under trees, the food is delicious, and the vibe is pure serenity.

  • A high-angle shot of a white countertop organized with pet travel gear. A grey felt basket with a white geometric pattern is filled with a black harness, a blue portable water dispenser, and pink bedding. Next to it, a plush teddy bear sits on a folded blue patterned blanket and a dark navy microfibre mat. Below the counter, a grey and black soft-sided pet carrier with a paw print logo is visible on a light wood floor.
  • A horizontal high-angle shot of Monte, a mahogany Miniature American Shepherd, curled up and sleeping in a grey fabric car booster seat. He is wearing a black harness and is nestled into the cream-coloured fleece lining of the seat. A pink plush pig toy is tucked into the seatbelt behind him, and dappled sunlight falls across his rich brown fur.
  • A vertical eye-level shot of a modern outdoor art installation consisting of a series of large, colourful diamond-shaped metal frames. The frames are painted in alternating shades of red, blue, turquoise, and tan, arranged in a row to create a tunnel-like perspective on a gravel path. The installation is set on a lush green lawn surrounded by established trees under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
  • A wide-angle landscape shot of the Fairmont Resort building from the back lawn. A large, cream-colored hotel with multiple gabled roofs and a distinctive glass-walled section sits at the top of a bright green, sloping hill. To the left, a long, colorful rainbow-striped slide runs down the grass. A large, multi-trunked eucalyptus tree frames the right side of the shot under a clear blue sky.
  • A bright, wide-angle landscape of a hotel's recreation area featuring a large, still pond that perfectly reflects a vibrant blue sky with soft white clouds. A row of colorful bumper boats in red, blue, green, and yellow are docked under a white-roofed pavilion along the water's edge. Lush green grass slopes up to a set of stairs and a dense canopy of tall, bright green trees, with the gabled roof of a cream-colored building visible in the background
  • A bright, sunny landscape of the Fairmont Resort gardens in the Blue Mountains. A small waterfall cascades over rocks into a clear pond in the foreground. Vibrant pink and white azaleas are in full bloom next to a winding paved path. A large, multi-story cream-colored hotel building is visible behind a canopy of light green willow trees under a clear blue sky
  • A vertical shot from behind of a mahogany Miniature American Shepherd sitting on a terracotta-tiled terrace, looking out over a large pond. Several ducks are swimming in the calm water, which reflects a clear blue sky and a row of distant golden-yellow and green trees. The dog is wearing a black harness and is leashed.
  • A large, bright blue outdoor swimming pool with two circular integrated spas sits at the center of a resort courtyard. The area is surrounded by a light timber deck with several dark grey lounge chairs. In the background, there is a large yellow building with multiple peaked rooflines and a glass-enclosed section under white umbrellas.
  • A vertical indoor shot taken at night showing a high-set timber dining table and two tan leather bar stools positioned on a mezzanine level overlooking a hotel lobby. The table is set for two with glass tumblers, white napkins, and a small plate of bread rolls, with a large bottle of sparkling water in the centre. An antler-style chandelier hangs above, and a tall stone pillar decorated with fairy lights is visible through a large glass window in the background.
  • A vertical high-angle shot looking down from a timber table to a mahogany Miniature American Shepherd lying on a blue patterned travel mat on a timber floor. The dog is wearing a black harness with a lead attached. In the background, a spacious hotel lobby with lounge seating, indoor plants, and a reception desk is visible.
  • A spacious resort lobby with high vaulted ceilings and exposed timber trusses. The room features a warm wood-panelled concierge desk and several plush red leather sofas arranged on a red tartan rug. Large glass doors and a warm, glowing light from various chandeliers create a cozy, boutique atmosphere.
  • A wide-angle interior shot of a grand hotel lobby featuring high vaulted ceilings with prominent wooden beams and warm pendant lighting. The room has polished dark wood floors and several burnt-orange plush sofas arranged in seating clusters. On the right, a large painting of two kookaburras is displayed near a high wooden table with bar stools, leading into a brightly lit bar area.
  • An interior shot of a hotel room with dark wood flooring and a purple accent wall. A large bed with white linens is in the foreground, next to a wooden nightstand with a lamp. In the background, a dark grey sofa sits beneath a window with sheer white curtains. A glass-topped coffee table holds a few personal items.
  • A vertical high-angle shot of a hotel courtyard paved with weathered red-brown bricks. A dark grey wicker dining set, including a square table and four chairs, sits against a cream-coloured exterior wall with large glass windows. Two rectangular sections of the paving are missing, filled instead with grey river stones and pebbles. The brickwork shows signs of white staining and scattered debris.
  • An outdoor hotel terrace featuring a wooden deck and a green lawn area with several black wicker tables and chairs. In the foreground, a long, glass-topped bar-height table sits on a brick patio. A large tree and a glass safety railing overlook a distant mountain valley under a clear blue sky
  • A bright, horizontal interior shot of a hotel room featuring a large bed with white linens and a wooden headboard against a tan patterned wallpaper. Next to a dark red accent wall, a brown sofa sits beside a glass-topped coffee table. A large glass door is open to a sun-drenched courtyard with terracotta-coloured walls and outdoor seating, where a mahogany dog is seen stepping outside
  • Here is the metadata for the view of Sorenson's Glasshouse from the gardens, written in Australian English for your blog. Alt Text "A vertical eye-level shot of a modern glass and sandstone building nestled amongst tall, slender trees in a garden. The building features large black-framed windows and a white roof, sitting on a base of light-coloured sandstone blocks. In the shaded foreground, a timber outdoor table and chairs are set on a ground covered in dry leaves and mulch, with long shadows from the trees stretching across the earth.
  • Monte, a brown Miniature American Shepherd with distinctively large, fluffy ears, sits patiently on a forest path covered in dry leaves and pebbles. He is wearing a dark harness and is on a lead. Behind him, vibrant orange flowers bloom amidst dense green foliage and tall trees, creating a peaceful garden setting.
  • Here is the metadata for the outdoor pet-friendly seating at Sorenson's Glasshouse, written in Australian English for your blog. Alternative Text "A vertical high-angle shot of a rustic timber dining table with four matching folding chairs, each fitted with a navy blue cushion. The setting is located in a shaded outdoor garden with the ground covered in brown pine needles and mulch. In the background, sun-drenched garden beds feature vibrant red azaleas and tall, established trees under a clear blue sky.
  • A medium horizontal shot of a mahogany Miniature American Shepherd wearing a black harness, lying down on a bed of dry pine needles and mulch in a shaded outdoor garden. The dog is resting with his head slightly turned, and a small blue and orange rubber ball sits directly between his front paws. Dappled sunlight filters through the overhead trees, creating soft shadows on the ground.
  • A vertical high-angle shot of a breakfast set-up on a weathered timber outdoor table. In the foreground, a blue ceramic bowl is filled with muesli topped with fresh strawberries, passionfruit, and sliced green apple. Beside it sits a small white ramekin of yoghurt on a wooden serving board, a black cast-iron teapot, a small white milk jug, and a white teacup filled with light-coloured tea. The background shows a sun-drenched garden with green trees and vibrant pink azaleas.
  • A close-up high-angle shot of two large, golden-brown scones dusted with icing sugar, served on a textured blue ceramic plate. In the foreground, a small white ramekin holds thick cream and dark red jam, garnished with a single small orange flower. The plate sits on a weathered timber outdoor table in a shaded garden setting.
  • A wide landscape shot of a deep, forested valley in the Blue Mountains. In the foreground, green ferns, white lilies, and orange wildflowers grow along a ridge. In the distance, massive sandstone cliffs with vertical orange and grey stripes rise above a dense canopy of green trees under a cloudy sky.
  • A horizontal medium shot of Caroline, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a white jacket, holding Monte, her mahogany Miniature American Shepherd, in her arms. They are standing at a lookout with a metal railing. In the background, the Three Sisters rock formation rises above the vast, green Jamison Valley under a cloudy sky
  • A wide landscape shot from a high vantage point looking across a deep, forested valley towards distant blue-toned mountain ridges. In the foreground, rugged sandstone cliffs with orange and grey hues are partially framed by native Australian flora, including a spiky grass tree and delicate pink wildflowers.
  • Here is the metadata for the cockatoo in Leura, written in Australian English for your blog. Alternative Text "A low-angle close-up shot of a white Sulphur-crested Cockatoo perched on a thick tree branch. The bird's feathers are ruffled, and it is looking directly at the camera. Behind it, the branches are covered in vibrant pink cherry blossoms against a bright blue sky with soft white clouds. A string of green fairy lights is wrapped around the branch in the foreground.
  • A horizontal eye-level shot of a charming café storefront with a vintage aesthetic. The exterior features soft pink weatherboard walls and a bright pink door with cream panels. A large bay window with dark blue trim displays a 'Wayzgoose Diner' sign and various cafe items. Outside, small timber tables and pink metal chairs sit on the brick pavement, with a teal pet water bowl visible on the ground. A pink chalkboard sign advertises 'Comfort Food' and 'Flowerpot Scones'
  • A wide horizontal landscape shot taken from a valley floor, featuring a vast field of dry, yellow-brown grass in the foreground. In the mid-ground, a dense line of green gum trees sits at the base of towering sandstone cliffs that stretch across the horizon under a clear, deep blue sky. A wire fence with weathered timber posts runs along the edge of the field.
  • A wide eye-level shot of a rustic, single-storey cafe with a brown tiled roof and a wrap-around timber veranda. The building is surrounded by lush green trees and garden beds with pink flowers. A dirt driveway leads up to a timber ramp entrance, and an outdoor seating area with umbrellas is visible to the right under a bright blue sky.
  • A horizontal wide-angle shot of an outdoor garden cafe with several timber picnic tables set on a gravel surface. A rustic timber pavilion with a corrugated iron roof provides a covered seating area in the background, surrounded by green trees and potted plants.
  • A vertical high-angle shot of two large, golden-brown scones dusted with icing sugar, served on a white plate with a blue rim. The scones sit on a black and white checkered paper napkin alongside two small white bowls containing thick cream and dark berry jam. A grey ceramic cup of coffee with latte art is visible in the background on a weathered timber table.

Local Secrets to Explore

  • Sorenson’s Glasshouse: Our #1 recommendation, absolutely love this place!
  • Red Door Café: Nice outside seating area.
  • Katoomba Falls Night Walk: A magical “light up” experience, All the lights turn on at dusk, floodlights are turned off at 10.30 pm and path lights at 11 pm.
  • Megalong Valley Tea Rooms: Perfect for a quiet afternoon. Although it is a bit of a drive, it is 100% worth it; the perspective is completely different from down in the valley, looking up at the towering surrounding mountains. And yes, the scones are every bit as good as they look in the pictures!
  • Dryridge Estate: Again, this is a bit of a drive, but if you are already in the area, it is a must-visit. The views are absolutely stunning, stretching across the valley and the surrounding ridges. Grab a table, order a charcuterie board and a glass of wine, and just breathe. It is the perfect way to relax and take in the sheer scale of the landscape with your pup at your feet. Keep an eye out for George and Angus (the resident dogs) and Charlie the Cat, who are often there to welcome guests!

A Note to the Fairmont Management 🐾

I appreciate the “old-world” charm of the resort, but to be deemed truly dog-friendly rather than just “dog-tolerant,” a few practical changes are required to make guests feel welcomed:

  1. Functional Room Design: Give us a small table and chairs inside the room. If we aren’t allowed in the restaurant, we shouldn’t have to eat room service on our laps.
  2. Courtyard Maintenance: Room 132 needs a “refresh.” Between the overflowing bin and the bird droppings, the space felt more like a staff hangout area than a private guest retreat. It shouldn’t feel like we are being tucked away in a back-of-house service area.
  3. The “Lobby Shuffle” Fix: Consider a designated dog-friendly corner of the cafe or a “to-go” breakfast hamper option. Expecting guests to navigate a steep staircase while balancing buffet plates just to find a seat in the lobby is a logistical nightmare.
  4. Utilise the Terrace: Open up the stunning outdoor terrace for dog owners. Being barred from the best view in the house, especially when indoor options are so restricted, feels more like an exclusion than a welcome.

We will keep going back because we love the setting and the proximity to nature, but we will be bringing our own “workarounds” with us!

🐾 Want to see more of our journey? Follow Monte’s latest adventures over on Instagram

What’s your “must-have” when traveling with your pup?

Have you stayed at the Fairmont, or do you have a secret Blue Mountains spot we missed? Whether it’s a hidden trail or a cafe with the perfect scone, let Monte and me know in the comments below! We’re always looking for our next “Serendipity” discovery.

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