Tucked in the heart of Orange, NSW, The Oriana Hotel blends retro-chic interiors, indulgent hospitality and seriously Instagrammable vibes.
As a frequent traveller, one of my passions is seeking out the most Instagrammable dining and destination locations in each town I visit.
From the outset I knew the Oriana Retro Hotel looked like the perfect base for my winter birthday mini-break and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
From the fairy-lit plunge pool, to the Palm Springs meets Paris interiors, to it’s eye-catching memorabilia collections, The Oriana Retro Hotel quickly climbed to the top of my “Most Instagrammable Orange” hit list. I enjoyed three perfect days based in an African inspired suite at this beautiful, central hotel while I explored the gorgeous wine region of Orange.
Here are my thoughts, as they happened…
As I sit in the colourfully candlelit Bela Vista Bar of the Oriana Retro Hotel – located 3.5 hours west of Sydney in Orange, NSW – I feel like I’ve stepped back in time, in the very best of ways.
In the corner of the warm, inviting lounge, owner Espen Harbitz chats casually with hotel guests. Not the rushed “hello-how-are-you” kind of chat you often see, but a twenty-minute, genuine, laughter-filled conversation. I find out that Espen’s hotelier parents fostered his love of hospitality, and this beautiful hotel – that also boasts TripAdvisor’s #1 restaurant in Orange The Peacock Room),- is the stunning culmination of a lifetime dedicated to curating outstanding guest experiences.
And as I sip my drink, I start to piece together the elements of warmth, quality, care and genuine hospitality that make the Oriana Retro Hotel feel so extraordinarily warm and inviting.
It’s not just the gorgeous decor (though it’s impeccable. Think James Bond meets Venetian glass glamour, meets roaring ’20s supper club).
It’s not just the wonderfully attentive staff, busy preparing for Saturday dinner service in The adjacent Peacock Room, or the master bartender mixing his next creation.
And, it’s not even the perfectly balanced mix of fairy lights, soft neons, coloured glass tealights, and vintage chandeliers.
It’s Charisma baby! Combined with that ‘extra mile’ and country heart seldom found in big cities.
Details That Feel Like Home (Only Fancier)
From the moment I arrived, The Oriana surprised me with thoughtful touches:
- Milk and cookies in my room, along with Apples from Orange, and fresh cut flowers. I later discovered that Espen planted his own flower gardens almost 10 years ago, so he’d always have flowers for his guests.
- A complimentary welcome drink that lured me down to the unmissable Bela Vista Bar on a cold night… where one drink became two in the cosiest of surroundings.
- Individually curated rooms, each decorated with memorabilia from owner Espen’s travels around the world. For example, we stayed in ‘Africa 2’ which paid homage to South African heritage with beautiful decor, artwork and imagery from Espen’s personal collection.
And then, there’s the Nordic-style Scandi Sauna & Cool Pool plunge—a winter addition that makes the outdoor pool not just functional but fabulous in the snowy months. Sliding into the hot cedar-lined sauna before braving the icy plunge left me invigorated (read: wide awake) in the best way possible. A gorgeous firepit crackles poolside and a nearby bar offers fluffy towels.
During the warmer months, an epic outdoor Martini Garden (much classier than a Beer Garden, says Espen) sits adjacent to the pool and Sauna.
Between the decor, the invigorating hot/cold plunge experience, the beautiful Bela Vista bar and TripAdvisors #1 restaurant in Orange, The Peacock Room located just downstairs, there are so many reasons to visit The Oriana Retro Hotel in Orange, you might as well make a weekend of it! Make sure you check out my 5-star review of The Peacock Room (best Creme Brulee of my life!!)
Why the Oriana works
The Oriana Retro Hotel is everything I look for in a travel base.
- Warm and inviting, without stuffiness.
- A little bit eclectic, without feeling chaotic.
- Self-contained – with my room, the charismatic Bela Vista Bar, and the fine dining Peacock Room all within a short stroll.
No shuttle rides. No waiting in the cold. Just everything you need, wrapped in retro chic and hospitality that feels rare these days.
The Oriana Retro Hotel was close enough to explore everything Orange has to offer (and there is so much, trust me… see my three-day Insta Worthy Orange Itinerary) but cosy enough that coming “home” each cold winter night felt like a holiday in itself. After long days of markets, wine, and chasing down Orange’s most Instagrammable spots, I got to slip back into my warm, gorgeous retro hotel haven, and delighted in being able to walk downstairs to the stunning Peacock Room Restaurant (check out my tasty review)
Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better mini-break.
