Effective 2 February 2026, Leura Gardens Resort, will be rebranded as Comfort Resort Leura Gardens under a franchise agreement between hotel owner Schwartz Family Company and Choice Hotels Asia-Pac. Trilogy Hotels will continue to operate the resort. The strategic collaboration marks the first time Trilogy Hotels has partnered with Choice Hotels.
Comfort Resort Leura Gardens will operate under the globally recognised Comfort Resorts brand, leveraging Choice Hotels’ world-leading distribution network and loyalty program Choice Privileges. The multi-year franchise agreement extends through 2034, signalling strong confidence in the long-term potential. Located just minutes from the picturesque town of Leura and the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, less than two hours from Sydney, Comfort Resort Leura Gardens offers guests an ideal destination for relaxation, corporate retreats, conferences, weddings, and functions.
The property’s historic gardens, created in the 1920s by Lady Mabel Fairfax and renowned gardener Hector Hood, remain a distinctive feature of the resort experience today. Currently operating 92 rooms, Comfort Resort Leura Gardens will undergo significant expansion with the addition of approximately 100 new rooms throughout 2026. In addition to room expansions, the property is undergoing comprehensive renovations including upgrades to its solar-heated swimming pool, enhanced guest facilities, and a major redesign of The Olive Tree restaurant.
This room expansion follows the Schwartz Family Company’s recent site acquisition of the adjacent Blue Mountains International Hospitality School, which will be reconfigured along with the addition of Hotel Etico – Australia’s first social enterprise hotel, providing hospitality training for people with disabilities.
“The combination of Trilogy’s operational expertise with Choice Hotels’ global reach and loyalty network, supported by Jerry Schwartz’s strategic vision and investment, creates a compelling proposition for guests and stakeholders alike. We’ve been impressed by the calibre and flexibility of the Choice Hotels team and look forward to building on this relationship,” said Scott Boyes, Chief Executive Officer, Trilogy Hotels.
Jerry Schwartz, Principal of the Schwartz Family Company, shares a longstanding partnership with Choice Hotels, having previously collaborated on Hotel Harry, an Ascend Collection Hotel.
“Our decision to partner with Choice Hotels for Comfort Resort Leura Gardens reflects the brand’s strong position in the mid-scale resort segment and its proven performance in regional markets,” said Schwartz.
“We are confident the globally recognised Comfort brand – combined with Choice’s distribution reach and Trilogy’s operational expertise – will unlock significant value for the property while enhancing the experience for guests and the local community,” added Schwartz.
Trent Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific, added: “We are thrilled to further our relationship with Jerry Schwartz and the Schwartz Family Company through Comfort Resort Leura Gardens. This opportunity also represents our first collaboration with Trilogy Hotels, whose independent management model and focus on operational excellence align perfectly with our mission to connect the world through the power of hospitality.
“Choice Hotels is renowned for delivering a strong value proposition for hotels in the mid and upscale segments, with particular strength in Australia’s regional markets, and we look forward to expanding our offering and portfolio in New South Wales by working hand in hand with these top hotel and hospitality innovators.”
The resort features an on-site restaurant, fitness room, guest lounge, and solar-heated swimming pool. Its strategic location provides easy access from Sydney while offering proximity to world-class attractions including the Blue Mountains National Park, local wineries, and adventure experiences.
The resort also benefits from an established partnership with the adjacent golf course, also owned by the Schwartz Family Company, providing guests with integrated leisure offerings. For the resort’s existing team members, this collaboration represents enhanced professional development opportunities and access to Choice Hotels’ extensive global training and career progression programs.
The continued management by Trilogy Hotels ensures operational consistency while bringing fresh momentum and resources to the property. This collaboration underscores the growing trend of hotel brands and management companies collaborating to deliver superior results for owners and guests. It positions Comfort Resort Leura Gardens as a gateway destination for those seeking premium value, distinctive experiences, and authentic Blue Mountains hospitality.
