Berida Hotel, 1925
History
Celebrating its centenary year in 2025, Berida Hotel is a treasured part of the Southern Highlands’ history. A truly boutique destination hotel, Art Deco opulence is coupled with a contemporary interior that honours the building's heritage features.
Built in 1925 as a country residence for Dr Jessie Strahorn Aspinall, Dr Ambrose William Freeman and their four children, the hotel still retains the graceful feel of an old English manor house. In 1941, when her husband passed away, Dr Aspinall donated ‘Berida’ and the three acres of land to the Red Cross. It served as a repatriation hospital during and after World War II until 1950, then became the Junior Red Cross Children’s Retreat.
In 1977 the property changed hands and became a health retreat, in conjunction with culinary icon Margaret Fulton. Since 1990, Berida has operated as accommodation, owned by three local families all dedicated to preserving its rich heritage. The Duffy family became its current custodians in 2016, renaming it the Berida Hotel, with a vision to provide an all-inclusive guest experience. An extensive 18-month renovation preserved original features, including the grand central staircase, tall arched windows, and ornate fireplace surrounds, while also refreshing suites and guest spaces with European-inspired design.
Accommodation
From cosy Petite Double rooms, to the hotel’s impressive Grand Suite, with clawfoot bath and two sun-drenched balconies - accommodation at Berida Hotel has been finished to a high standard, with no two rooms the same. Each with their own unique character, rooms are comfortable and elegant, featuring stunning wallpapers and artwork, chandeliers, soft textures, and warm lighting.
Choose from double, queen, king or twin single accommodation options, with families and children of all ages welcome. All rooms have Smart TVs, private modern ensuite bathroom with La Gaia amenities, cotton robes and complimentary slippers, air-conditioning & heating, daily housekeeping, and room service. Porta cots and rollaway beds are also available (at an additional cost).
Berida Hotel also offers a range of Bed & Breakfast packages, including a delicious full buffet breakfast with barista coffee that’s enjoyed by guests and local residents alike!
Hotel Amenities
All guests have access to on-site parking including charging stations, a shared kitchen with pod coffee machine, and laundry & ironing facilities. Throughout the hotel are inviting lounges and quiet nooks for reading, or enjoying a drink by the fireplace.
During your stay, play a game of tennis, or squeeze in a workout in the hotel’s well-equipped gym. There’s also a games room with chess and a pool table for some friendly family competition, and a lounge area with TV.
And with a dedicated business centre, meeting and conference spaces, The Berida Hotel is also an ideal choice for business travellers and corporate events, within a unique and memorable historic setting.
Bistro Sociale
Berida Hotel’s restaurant, Bistro Sociale, is an awarded European-style bistro with a French twist. Led by esteemed Head Chef Nathan Jackson, the menu is an innovative culinary journey inspired by quality local produce.
Experience the restaurant’s popular Pre Fixe two or three course lunch, and for dinner, choose from a wide range of options including French-style steaks from the charcoal grill, accompanied with house-made mustards and hand-cut fries.
In the cooler months, the open fireplace provides a warm and inviting ambiance - the perfect setting for everything from a romantic occasion, family gathering, or corporate dinner. In summer, relax on the outdoor terrace with cocktails, or local & European wines paired with an assortment of share plates.
Aspinalls Bar & Lounge
Softly lit with luxurious, comfortable furnishings, Aspinalls Bar and Lounge is a cosy retreat for drinks with friends, or an informal meeting. Enjoy the largest selection of carefully curated, world-class whiskeys in the Southern Highlands - with over 250 to choose from. Indulge in the bar menu, or choose a bold red to accompany a chargrilled steak from Bistro Sociale.
Relax in Lush Country Gardens
The hotel’s tranquil green spaces provide plenty of spots to sit and simply unwind. Take a wander through the lush established gardens with a coffee or sundowner in hand, and food can be served wherever you choose to settle.
The hotel’s local produce store is a celebration of the Southern Highlands. Browse locally-made products including house-made pickles and sauces, local honey from The Honey Thief, and even create your own traditional lolly bags from the selection of classic confectionery.
“Charming and delightful. An absolutely beautiful hotel that offers a uniquely special historic setting, and enhanced our Southern Highlands experience. Food and service were exceptional. A true gem!”
Things To Do
Ideally situated to explore the picturesque Southern Highlands, Berida Hotel is within walking distance to beautiful Bowral, and just 1.5 hours from Sydney - making it the perfect escape to the country.
Bowral is a much-loved town for its antique and vintage stores such as Dirty Janes, boutique shopping at Birdhouse by HEM, collectables & fine art at Ferris Wheel, and shop for beautiful homewares along Bong Bong Street. Stop in at award-winning bakeries and eateries, and visit neighbouring towns such as historic Berrima, with its well-preserved heritage architecture. The Southern Highlands is also a nature lover’s paradise with scenic bush walks, spectacular waterfalls, stunning lookouts.
Discover more places to visit and what’s on at The Fold Southern Highlands - https://www.thefoldsouthernhighlands.com.au/.
