History of the Palais Royale Katoomba
Originally 2 separate cottages named Glen Eric and Hillside, the history of the Palais Royale begins with their construction by Mr. Spear in 1896.
In 1900 The Sisters of Charity took possession of Glen Eric for use as St. Canice's convent. Then in 1905 it became Mount St. Mary's College, a school for young ladies. To deal with increasing enrolments of day students and boarders both cottages were joined together.
The property's history as an accommodation venue for the general public had commenced by 1912 when Glen Eric was operating as a guesthouse. Two years later in 1914 both cottages were again joined to become the Hillside guesthouse. A Miss Nichol was the proprietor and when she moved she took the name Hillside with her.
Details between 1914 and 1924 are unclear, however, it is confirmed that both cottages were advertised as a guesthouse named the Palais Royale by Mrs. AE. Marsh. Under Mrs. Marsh an attractive new facade was added to the front and the exterior was painted creme. The property became more stylish and sophisticated. The Palais Royale could accommodate up to 130 people and was the place to stay. It is said that the proprietors of the Palais Royale had to approve a guest to stay. Mrs. Marsh allowed only married couples requesting a marriage certificate as evidence.
Features of the property were the leadlight windows still present today and the ballroom. Both Mr. and Mrs. Marsh were avid ballroom dancers and when they won a public lottery of the day a magnificent mirrored ballroom emerged along with a second storey and elegantly finished Palais Royale. Only in-house guests could use the ballroom, whereas anyone could attend the Wentworth Cabaret of Homesdale across the street.
Mr. & Mrs. Marsh
In the late 1950's the Palais Royale was promoted as a Private Hotel as it is today. Unfortunately, the demand for accommodation in the area went into decline and in the 1970's the Assembly of God acquired both the Palais Royale and Homesdale to become the Commonwealth Bible College. The famous ballroom was transformed into a lecture theatre for students and the remainder of the properties for use as accommodation.
Source: Most information was drawn from the publication "Happy Days Blue Mountains Guesthouses"
PREVIOUS OWNERS
The previous owner purchased the Palais Royale in August 1997. They designed and carried out a major multi-million dollar restoration over fifteen months. See Restoration.
RESTORATION
The previous owners went to great lengths bringing the Palais Royale in line with modern standards. The result was very impressive.
The property was a 106 room bible college. Now, it is a forty room, private hotel. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and have an ensuite, mini-bar and TV. Guests have access to a heated spa and sauna with the additional option of booking in for an invigorating massage.
Morning and Afternoon Teas are served in the luxurious Royale Lounge near reception. Apart from the 3 different lounge areas each with it's own atmosphere, the original and beautiful leadlight windows are a feature.
A-1a-Carte evening dining and full buffet breakfasts are served in Gazelle's Restaurant. Named after the animals featured on the original terrazzo, still present today, at the entrance to the Palais Royale, Gazelles is a 140 seat restaurant. After researching the history of the property, chairs were designed to match photographs of the originals. The polished floorboards, fireplace, fight fittings and colour scheme are all part of the previous owner unique design which is ideally suited to the property.
The Palais Royale heralds a magnificent Grand Ballroom which is the centre-piece to the hotel and testament to the design work of the previous owner. Created in an eighteenth century French style, the room is surrounded by mirrors, completed with intricate hand-painted cornice work and finished with chandeliers.
This historic property is now the best kept secret in the Blue Mountains. Guests are only a few minutes from the Three Sisters at Echo Point, the Scenic Railway, Skyway and Maxvision giant screen cinema. If you enjoy an occasional indulgence at a reasonable rate, then this property is ideal for you - visit, indulge, relax and stay.