Leura’s only licensed hotel, The Alexandra Hotel, is entering a new era following a $1 million revival of the historic 1903 Blue Mountains landmark, bringing together heritage restoration, refreshed interiors and gardens, a brand-new playground and a renewed focus on families.
For more than 120 years, The Alexandra Hotel – affectionately known as The Alex – has been part of the fabric of Leura. Now, the historic hotel has undergone a significant revival and restoration, designed to re-establish the warmth, character and old-world charm of the property, while creating a welcoming destination for a new generation of locals and visitors.
“When we took over The Alex, it was clear the building needed significant work to restore it to its former glory. Preserving pubs like this is incredibly important to us – they’re part of the history of the communities they belong to, and we want future generations to be able to enjoy them in the same way generations before them have,” said Group General Manager Mitchell Ward.
One of the most significant parts of the restoration has been the careful reconstruction of the hotel’s striking rear balcony. Overlooking the beer garden and valley below, the sweeping 26-metre balcony that stretches across the hotel’s façade has been rebuilt in consultation with Blue Mountains City Council, using original materials and design elements to return it to heritage specification and remain true to The Alex’s Queen Anne-inspired character. Opening from the hotel’s upper level, the restored balcony reinstates an important architectural feature of the property while strengthening the connection between the hotel’s historic accommodation and expansive grounds below.
Outside, the scale and setting of the property really come into their own. The leafy terrace beer garden offers expansive views across the Blue Mountains. The heritage-listed gardens have been completely renewed, creating a lush setting around the hotel framed by the surrounding mountain landscape and anchored by a striking cherry blossom tree that turns vibrant pink each spring.
While much of the $1 million investment has focused on celebrating The Alex’s past, one of its biggest new additions looks firmly to the future. A brand-new playground has been added to the grounds, giving younger guests their own dedicated space to play while parents settle in nearby. Combined with the expansive gardens, terrace beer garden and balcony, the new playground strengthens The Alex’s family-friendly offering, making the historic hotel an easy choice for everything from a family lunch to a relaxed afternoon in the Blue Mountains.
Inside, The Alex has also been refreshed throughout, including updates to the Front Bar and Redfern Bistro, with new carpet, fresh paint and updated furnishings bringing a more polished feel to the interiors while retaining the warmth and character of the original hotel.
In the kitchen, The Alex keeps the focus on generous, familiar food done well, with a seasonal, rustic menu centred on local produce and refreshed throughout the year. Elevated mains sit alongside the pub classics people come back for, from steak, schnitzel and parmigiana to seasonal salads and fresh wood-fired pizzas.
Guests can dine in the Redfern Bistro, head to the Front Bar with its roaring fireplace in winter, grab a seat outdoors on the terrace beer garden, or take in the Blue Mountains outlook from the hotel’s sweeping balcony. Valley views, passing trains, fresh mountain air and spectacular sunsets add to the sense of escape.
More than a historic hotel, The Alex has long been one of Leura’s places to come together. The $1 million revival builds on that role, preserving the character of the 120-year-old landmark while creating a more polished, family-friendly destination for locals, day-trippers and Blue Mountains visitors alike.
Troy has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.