Craig's Royal Hotel
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Summary of reviewsCraig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat garners consistently positive reviews across various categories, making it a standout choice for visitors seeking a blend of historical charm and modern comforts.
The hotel's prime location in the heart of Ballarat, close to key landmarks, shops, cafes and the Ballarat Art Gallery, is highly appreciated by guests. Its central position, along with proximity to the train station and main CBD area, offers unmatched convenience for dining, sightseeing and exploring local culture.
Guests are also enchanted by the hotel's historical charm. The beautifully restored 19th-century architecture, filled with Victorian-era decor and antiques, creates an ambiance of old-world grandeur. Period-style decor, traditional design elements and impressive architectural details transport visitors back in time while ensuring modern conveniences.
The breakfast at Craig's Royal Hotel is frequently praised for its variety, quality and deliciousness, served in a beautiful atrium that enhances the dining experience. Despite some minor remarks about limited options and slow service, the overall feedback on breakfast is overwhelmingly positive. Similarly, the hotel's dinner offerings are highly regarded for their quality and taste with the blue swimmer crab and banana prawn pappardelle, Porterhouse steak and barramundi receiving particular accolades. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant and superb service contribute to a memorable dining experience.
Rooms at Craig's Royal Hotel exude a luxurious, historical charm with modern amenities. Cleanliness is impeccable and the well-furnished interiors and comfortable beds ensure a pleasant stay. Some challenges, such as compact room sizes and occasional maintenance issues, are noted but do little to detract from the overall positive impression.
The staff at Craig's Royal Hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. Reviews highlight the team's efforts to make guests feel welcome with special mentions of the receptionists' professional and courteous service enhancing the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi service at the hotel receives mixed feedback, ranging from being described as reliable and accessible to instances of poor connectivity. Parking is convenient with secure options available, though some guests find navigation and availability challenging without prior booking.
For families, the hotel offers a welcoming environment with kid-friendly amenities and accommodating staff. The vibrant nightlife in the surrounding neighborhood provides entertainment options while maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel stands out for its beautifully restored spaces, charming decor and comfortable accommodations. Its strong reputation for cleanliness, excellent service and culinary delights, combined with historical charm, makes it a delightful choice for visitors to Ballarat.
Categories
The hotel's prime location in the heart of Ballarat, close to key landmarks, shops, cafes and the Ballarat Art Gallery, is highly appreciated by guests. Its central position, along with proximity to the train station and main CBD area, offers unmatched convenience for dining, sightseeing and exploring local culture.
Guests are also enchanted by the hotel's historical charm. The beautifully restored 19th-century architecture, filled with Victorian-era decor and antiques, creates an ambiance of old-world grandeur. Period-style decor, traditional design elements and impressive architectural details transport visitors back in time while ensuring modern conveniences.
The breakfast at Craig's Royal Hotel is frequently praised for its variety, quality and deliciousness, served in a beautiful atrium that enhances the dining experience. Despite some minor remarks about limited options and slow service, the overall feedback on breakfast is overwhelmingly positive. Similarly, the hotel's dinner offerings are highly regarded for their quality and taste with the blue swimmer crab and banana prawn pappardelle, Porterhouse steak and barramundi receiving particular accolades. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant and superb service contribute to a memorable dining experience.
Rooms at Craig's Royal Hotel exude a luxurious, historical charm with modern amenities. Cleanliness is impeccable and the well-furnished interiors and comfortable beds ensure a pleasant stay. Some challenges, such as compact room sizes and occasional maintenance issues, are noted but do little to detract from the overall positive impression.
The staff at Craig's Royal Hotel are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. Reviews highlight the team's efforts to make guests feel welcome with special mentions of the receptionists' professional and courteous service enhancing the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi service at the hotel receives mixed feedback, ranging from being described as reliable and accessible to instances of poor connectivity. Parking is convenient with secure options available, though some guests find navigation and availability challenging without prior booking.
For families, the hotel offers a welcoming environment with kid-friendly amenities and accommodating staff. The vibrant nightlife in the surrounding neighborhood provides entertainment options while maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel stands out for its beautifully restored spaces, charming decor and comfortable accommodations. Its strong reputation for cleanliness, excellent service and culinary delights, combined with historical charm, makes it a delightful choice for visitors to Ballarat.
Boutique-style Hotel
Located in Ballarat, Craig's Royal Hotel features historic charm and beautifully appointed rooms. Its rich heritage and elegant design create a unique and luxurious boutique experience.
Historic Hotel
Built during the Gold Rush era, Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat showcases opulent Victorian architecture. It has hosted royalty and celebrities, maintaining its historic charm through careful preservation. The hotel's grand staircase, ornate ballroom, and period furnishings reflect its rich history.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers convenient on-site parking, blending historical charm with modern accessibility. Its central location in Ballarat makes it easy to explore the city.
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Craig's Royal Hotel has accessible entry and a lift to the first floor. There is an accessible toilet in the gaming room, and a partially accessible room on the first floor with a roll-in shower and an accessible toilet with maneuvering room.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This hotel provides EV charging facilities to guests
Luxury Hotel
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Guest Reviews
Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat is consistently praised for its impeccable location. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers unparalleled proximity to key landmarks, making it a prime spot for dining, sightseeing and exploring the local culture. Guests appreciate its central position which places them within walking distance of shops, cafes and the Ballarat Art Gallery. The convenience of being close to the train station and main CBD area also adds to its appeal.
The historical charm of the building further enhances the experience, giving visitors a sense of old-world grandeur with modern conveniences. The hotel's ambiance, decor and character receive high marks from those who stay there with many noting its nostalgic and majestic feel. Whether for a brief overnight stay or an extended visit, the hotel's location and comfort make it an excellent base for discovering all that Ballarat has to offer.
Craig's Royal Hotel offers a delightful breakfast experience that receives high praise from many guests. Most reviews highlight the delicious, excellent and tasty nature of the breakfast with words like amazing, fantastic and great frequently used to describe the meal. The breakfast menu is noted for its variety and the availability of gluten-free options, adding to its appeal.
The quality of the coffee and specific dishes such as eggs Benedict and the blue swimmer crab and banana prawn pappardelle are also mentioned appreciatively. The breakfast is served in a pleasant setting, often in a beautiful atrium that complements the meal's quality with a lovely atmosphere. Several reviews note the generous portions and well-presented dishes.
Despite the overall positive feedback, a few guests reported slow service with some experiencing long waits for their meals. Additionally, there are mentions of limited breakfast options and an absence of healthy choices. However, most agree that the breakfast provides good value for money with courteous and attentive staff enhancing the dining experience.
In summary, while there are minor areas for improvement, the breakfast at Craig's Royal Hotel generally offers an enjoyable and high-quality start to the day, set in a historic and pleasant environment.
Craig's Royal Hotel offers an enticing dining experience, frequently praised by guests for its delicious and high-quality food. The restaurant consistently receives accolades with descriptions of the meals ranging from lovely to divine. Patrons particularly enjoyed the blue swimmer crab and banana prawn pappardelle, as well as the Porterhouse steak and barramundi. The Atrium is highlighted for its delectable food, contributing to an overall positive dining atmosphere.
Many guests relished both their dinner and breakfast at the hotel, noting that the meals were excellent and well-priced. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant, combined with superb service and a welcoming bar, makes it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. The decor and cleanliness of the dining areas further enhance the experience.
However, there are occasional remarks about the portion sizes being small and the kitchen service being notably slow. A few reviews mentioned that the meals were sometimes only satisfactory or ordinary with some guests experiencing delays even with minimal occupancy. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of the feedback points to a high standard of culinary excellence at Craig's Royal Hotel, ensuring a delightful dining experience for most visitors.
The rooms at Craig's Royal Hotel possess a distinct charm, blending old-world elegance with modern amenities. Despite some rooms being on the smaller side, they have been tastefully refurbished, maintaining a luxurious, historical ambiance. Guests frequently mention the rooms' cleanliness and the beautiful period furniture that adorns the spaces. The lovely decor and traditional design successfully capture the glamour of a 19th-century hotel, creating a cozy and immersive experience.
Comfort is a common highlight with numerous reviews praising the comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms and well-furnished interiors. Some rooms even feature lovely large bathrooms and spa baths, contributing to the overall sense of indulgence and relaxation. The quietness of the rooms is noted, adding to the restful stay.
However, a few challenges were mentioned. Room sizes can be compact and the temperature in some rooms tends to be on the warmer side, particularly at night. Some guests found the rooms a bit outdated and minor maintenance issues like missing screws and reluctant cupboards were mentioned. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the rooms offer a comfortable and pleasant stay, enriched by the hotel's central location and historical essence.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel stands out for its beautifully restored spaces, charming decor and comfortable accommodations, making it a delightful choice for those looking to enjoy a blend of historical charm and modern comfort in Ballarat.
Craig's Royal Hotel's bedding generally receives favorable remarks from guests. The majority of reviewers mention that the beds are comfortable with terms like "comfy," "super comfortable," "excellent beds," and "very comfortable" frequently noted. Beds are described as large and nice with some guests complimenting the soft, fluffy pillows and superior bedding. Several reviews highlight specific enjoyment of the period-style beds and the overall comfort of the accommodation.
However, feedback is not universally positive. Some guests found certain beds too hard or too soft with complaints of sagging mattresses and occasional creakiness. There are a few mentions of beds taking up significant floor space and being unusually high, which required some effort to climb into. A few reviewers found the beds uncomfortable due to worn mattresses or poor bed configurations and there was sporadic mention of bedding being too hot or pillows not meeting comfort preferences.
Despite these occasional criticisms, the prevailing sentiment is that the hotel's beds provide a restful and pleasant sleeping experience, contributing positively to the overall stay.
Craig's Royal Hotel boasts a strong reputation for cleanliness among its guests. The rooms are frequently described as very clean, comfortable and well-furnished. The hotel itself is noted for being spotless with particular praise for its beautifully cleaned bathrooms and meticulously maintained facilities. Guests have appreciated the immaculate state of the rooms and the modern feel of the bathrooms, remarking that the historic building has been excellently restored without compromising on cleanliness. However, there are occasional lapses in attention to detail with some areas needing a more thorough clean, such as corners, carpets and bathroom drains. Despite these minor issues, the overall impression is that Craig's Royal Hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and comfort, making it a commendable choice for travelers seeking both historical charm and modern hygiene.
At Craig's Royal Hotel, the staff garnered ample praise from guests for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. The overall impression is that the hotel's team excels in making guests feel welcome and supported. Numerous reviews highlight the staff's lovely demeanor and their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Descriptions such as super polite, obliging and responsive frequently appear, underscoring the high regard in which guests hold the hotel's employees.
Receptionists, in particular, received accolades for their welcoming nature and first-class service. Specific mentions include efficient check-ins with staff being described as both professional and friendly. The catering staff were equally well-regarded, contributing to guests' positive dining experiences with praise for superb, exceptional food coupled with friendly service.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were occasional mentions of less favorable experiences. Some guests noted instances of unhelpful behavior and lapses in follow-up, such as unreturned lost items and delayed responses. However, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, as many reviews underscored the staff's ability to exceed expectations.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel maintains a strong reputation for excellent service, characterized by warmth, attentiveness and exceptional customer care. The few criticisms do little to overshadow the predominantly favorable impressions left by the staff's dedication and friendliness.
The Wi-Fi at Craig's Royal Hotel offers a mixed experience. On the positive side, guests have noted that the Wi-Fi is very good, reliable and always connected, making it accessible throughout the hotel. It's described as workable and even great by some. However, there are also several mentions of the Wi-Fi being hopeless with a very poor connection and poor overall quality. Some guests have had such a negative experience with the hotel's Wi-Fi that they sought alternative options nearby.
Parking at Craig's Royal Hotel offers a mix of secure and on-street options. Guests appreciate the availability of private, secure parking, often for an additional fee of $10 per night. Despite this, the limited number of on-site spaces requires some guests to prebook their spot. Once reserved, parking is efficient and straightforward.
There are some challenges, including difficulty accessing the car park and having to navigate through the pokies room with luggage. For those unable to secure a spot on-site, street parking is available with some areas offering free parking from 6 pm to 9 am. However, parking can become confusing and clear signage is lacking. Despite the issues, most guests find the secure parking a convenient and appreciated feature.
Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat is a delightful choice for families, characterized by its historic charm and kid-friendly environment. The hotel features a beautiful aesthetic both externally and internally, which adds to its welcoming atmosphere. It caters well to families, offering fresh baby food upon request and providing a generally accommodating environment for family celebrations and trips. The staff is noted for their friendliness, further enhancing the family-friendly ambiance of the hotel.
Situated in a vibrant and popular neighborhood, Craig's Royal Hotel offers guests access to great nightlife. The area is characterized by a variety of entertainment options including bars, clubs and a clubhouse. Despite its lively surroundings, the neighborhood remains quiet, providing a balance of excitement and relaxation. The friendly atmosphere adds to the charm, ensuring visitors can enjoy both the vibrant nightlife and peaceful environment. Additionally, the hotel's proximity to popular spots enhances its appeal for those looking to explore the local scene.
Craig's Royal Hotel receives mixed feedback regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. Many guests find the hotel to be generally accessible with convenient parking spaces and a handy lift. However, significant issues have been raised that highlight a lack of consideration for those with mobility impairments. Steps are prevalent, making navigation with a mobility scooter difficult. The lift, though helpful, can be hazardous and is not user-friendly for disabled guests. Rooms are challenging to access, partly due to narrow swing doors in the hallways. Additionally, maintenance issues like blown light globes and detached curtains further complicate the stay. The hotel lacks specific facilities for disabled guests, which can make a stay less comfortable for those with special needs. Despite these concerns, some guests did appreciate the level of care provided by the staff.
Craig's Royal Hotel is a testament to timeless elegance and historical charm, captivating guests with its beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. As a heritage building steeped in history, the hotel offers a unique experience reminiscent of Victorian times, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. The restoration work has been praised for maintaining the historical integrity and grandeur of the property with period-style decor and traditional design elements that transport guests back in time.
The hotel's decor, filled with antiques and art, enhances its authentic and historical atmosphere. Guests appreciate the beautifully maintained rooms and common areas that reflect the period style of the 1800s to early 1900s. The authentic Victorian feel is complemented by impressive architectural details and a sense of historical significance that permeates every corner.
The hotel's ambience and charm are consistently highlighted, making it a special destination for those interested in Australia's goldrush history or heritage architecture. The lifts and other features add to the old-fashioned allure, while the grand dining room and delightful period furnishings elevate the overall experience. Whether it's the aristocratic elegance, the preserved old school building, or the beautiful historical site, Craig's Royal Hotel stands as a magnificent historic establishment that honours its rich past while providing a memorable stay for its guests.
Craig's Royal Hotel exudes old charm with a distinct character, offering a unique boutique experience. Guests appreciated the vintage lift and beautiful old decor that added to the hotel's overall charm. The accommodations are described as boutique, further enhancing the hotel's appeal. Additionally, the charming personalities of the staff created a memorable stay for visitors. The hotel was also noted as an ideal meeting spot for groups, adding to its versatility as a boutique establishment. Beautiful vintage decor further accentuates the hotel's allure, making it a favored choice for those seeking an elegant and charming retreat.
Craig's Royal Hotel offers an opulent and luxurious experience from the moment one steps inside. The hotel interior exudes elegance with a luxury ambiance enhanced by well-maintained period features and delightful decor. The rooms are a highlight, spacious and designed in a modern style yet preserving an air of grandeur. Guests consistently describe their rooms as fabulous, amazing and embodying total luxury. The furnishings and overall appearance contribute to an atmosphere of high standard and sophisticated taste. With luxury accommodations and a visually spectacular environment, the hotel successfully combines heritage charm with contemporary comfort. However, a few reviews suggest inconsistency in luxury expectations, advising caution for those exclusively seeking a top-tier luxury experience. Nonetheless, the majority opinion underscores a luxurious stay, deeply enriched by the elegant surroundings and meticulous attention to detail.
Craig's Royal Hotel with its old-world charm and boutique deluxe rooms, offers an ambiance that is perfect for a romantic escape. It features romantic accommodations that create a nostalgic, yet luxurious atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking a special retreat. The hotel’s candlelight settings add to its romantic allure, making it a fitting destination for a romantic getaway. While it also serves as a perfect place for group meetups, its intimate and classic décor clearly caters to those looking to indulge in a romantic stay.
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Location
The historical charm of the building further enhances the experience, giving visitors a sense of old-world grandeur with modern conveniences. The hotel's ambiance, decor and character receive high marks from those who stay there with many noting its nostalgic and majestic feel. Whether for a brief overnight stay or an extended visit, the hotel's location and comfort make it an excellent base for discovering all that Ballarat has to offer.
Breakfast
The quality of the coffee and specific dishes such as eggs Benedict and the blue swimmer crab and banana prawn pappardelle are also mentioned appreciatively. The breakfast is served in a pleasant setting, often in a beautiful atrium that complements the meal's quality with a lovely atmosphere. Several reviews note the generous portions and well-presented dishes.
Despite the overall positive feedback, a few guests reported slow service with some experiencing long waits for their meals. Additionally, there are mentions of limited breakfast options and an absence of healthy choices. However, most agree that the breakfast provides good value for money with courteous and attentive staff enhancing the dining experience.
In summary, while there are minor areas for improvement, the breakfast at Craig's Royal Hotel generally offers an enjoyable and high-quality start to the day, set in a historic and pleasant environment.
Dinner
Many guests relished both their dinner and breakfast at the hotel, noting that the meals were excellent and well-priced. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant, combined with superb service and a welcoming bar, makes it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. The decor and cleanliness of the dining areas further enhance the experience.
However, there are occasional remarks about the portion sizes being small and the kitchen service being notably slow. A few reviews mentioned that the meals were sometimes only satisfactory or ordinary with some guests experiencing delays even with minimal occupancy. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of the feedback points to a high standard of culinary excellence at Craig's Royal Hotel, ensuring a delightful dining experience for most visitors.
Rooms
Comfort is a common highlight with numerous reviews praising the comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms and well-furnished interiors. Some rooms even feature lovely large bathrooms and spa baths, contributing to the overall sense of indulgence and relaxation. The quietness of the rooms is noted, adding to the restful stay.
However, a few challenges were mentioned. Room sizes can be compact and the temperature in some rooms tends to be on the warmer side, particularly at night. Some guests found the rooms a bit outdated and minor maintenance issues like missing screws and reluctant cupboards were mentioned. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that the rooms offer a comfortable and pleasant stay, enriched by the hotel's central location and historical essence.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel stands out for its beautifully restored spaces, charming decor and comfortable accommodations, making it a delightful choice for those looking to enjoy a blend of historical charm and modern comfort in Ballarat.
Beds
However, feedback is not universally positive. Some guests found certain beds too hard or too soft with complaints of sagging mattresses and occasional creakiness. There are a few mentions of beds taking up significant floor space and being unusually high, which required some effort to climb into. A few reviewers found the beds uncomfortable due to worn mattresses or poor bed configurations and there was sporadic mention of bedding being too hot or pillows not meeting comfort preferences.
Despite these occasional criticisms, the prevailing sentiment is that the hotel's beds provide a restful and pleasant sleeping experience, contributing positively to the overall stay.
Cleanliness
Staff
Receptionists, in particular, received accolades for their welcoming nature and first-class service. Specific mentions include efficient check-ins with staff being described as both professional and friendly. The catering staff were equally well-regarded, contributing to guests' positive dining experiences with praise for superb, exceptional food coupled with friendly service.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were occasional mentions of less favorable experiences. Some guests noted instances of unhelpful behavior and lapses in follow-up, such as unreturned lost items and delayed responses. However, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, as many reviews underscored the staff's ability to exceed expectations.
Overall, Craig's Royal Hotel maintains a strong reputation for excellent service, characterized by warmth, attentiveness and exceptional customer care. The few criticisms do little to overshadow the predominantly favorable impressions left by the staff's dedication and friendliness.
Wi-Fi
Parking
There are some challenges, including difficulty accessing the car park and having to navigate through the pokies room with luggage. For those unable to secure a spot on-site, street parking is available with some areas offering free parking from 6 pm to 9 am. However, parking can become confusing and clear signage is lacking. Despite the issues, most guests find the secure parking a convenient and appreciated feature.
Family
Nightlife
Accessible
Historic
The hotel's decor, filled with antiques and art, enhances its authentic and historical atmosphere. Guests appreciate the beautifully maintained rooms and common areas that reflect the period style of the 1800s to early 1900s. The authentic Victorian feel is complemented by impressive architectural details and a sense of historical significance that permeates every corner.
The hotel's ambience and charm are consistently highlighted, making it a special destination for those interested in Australia's goldrush history or heritage architecture. The lifts and other features add to the old-fashioned allure, while the grand dining room and delightful period furnishings elevate the overall experience. Whether it's the aristocratic elegance, the preserved old school building, or the beautiful historical site, Craig's Royal Hotel stands as a magnificent historic establishment that honours its rich past while providing a memorable stay for its guests.
Boutique-Style
Luxury
Romantic
No, Craig's Royal Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Craig's Royal Hotel.
No, Craig's Royal Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Craig's Royal Hotel.
No, Craig's Royal Hotel doesn't have a gym.
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