Craig's Royal Hotel

Lack of nice lounge areas to sit and drink. 2 of the 3 bars were closed. TV didn't work. Only 2 milk sachets in fridge.

Craig’s Royal has a high reputation and doesn’t disappoint from the accomodation point of view. The down sides however are the car park access is through a passage way with steps and through the gaming room of poker machines. The passage way to the car park is used by patrons (of the poker machines ) as a smoking area. As a guest of the hotel it was intimidating. If you were a single woman with luggage, it could be very off putting. Having to walk through a gaming room to access the hotel brings the reputation down several notches. On departing (at 9 am Monday morning) there were patrons already in the gaming room and foul, aggressive language accompanied their gambling. What a lasting impression! Staff was thin at all times. One barista, with an injured arm, meant he had to make coffee with one hand, answer the reception phone as the receptionist had disappeared and attend to poker machine enquiries while 3 customers waited for coffee and one other waitress organized an empty dining room. The carpet on the grand staircase is worn.. again taking away from the luxury of this famous establishment. The room was the saving grace!

Craig's is a lovely historical property but a few modifications would improve it immensely. Staff were not always available; having to walk through the gaming room to get to and from our car was unpleasant; having to ring and ring and ring to get access to the garage was very inconvenient; the room lacked shelves and power points, particularly the bathroom, which needed a proper hand basin with shelves or drawers; the high window to the outdoor area had no glass, was stuffed with what looked like a curtain; beautiful to look at, perhaps visit, but not a great place to stay.

Pity we were not verbally told about the parking that needed to be booked when we had a check ph call a few days before arrival - we had not read that

Was great to soak up the historic atmosphere in bars, entry and restaurants. Surprised by the pokies but guess you've got to pay the bills. Lovely room but the farthest from lift along many winding corridors. It was very quiet on the Friday night we stayed, comfy beds but chilly bathroom with horrible showerhead. Book the parking before you stay otherwise have to pay on street.

Twice bn there main bar either closed or not available get pushed into gaming room won’t b goitback

Before check in we must find parking on the street. There is 1 hr free parking so we can check in. We have reserved parking for $10 per night and we couldn’t reverse that as we pre booked. But we realized there r free street parking after 5:30pm and before 9am. After check in we could get the garage key to park our car. Our first night was fine. But on the second night there were street work from council throughout the night. We were not informed about it and pretty much got told to live with it during our stay. We were also evacuated at 10pm as the street work caused a black out. First we got told to wait in the cold on the street. Then after 10:30pm we got told that we could sit in the foyer. Then we were told we could go back to our room. Our sleep was broken due to black out and street work. The room was ok. The bed was terribly soft bad for the back and the bed shakes when there is any movement. The lift is the original so if someone used it and didn’t close it properly, u won’t be able to call for the lift unless someone closes the door for you, not convenient at all as I stayed on level 2…. The noise from the street was noisy due to car movement. I thought due to a small town maybe it won’t be that bad but it is … cat throughout the night… maybe I’m a light sleeper and I can hear every car…. The hot water was good. If I had a second chance to choose again I would not have chosen this place to stay.

Tesla Destination Charger free for guests, by arrangement. The place has style. Limited secure parking, otherwise it's parking on the street (free overnight).

We had a great stay, room and staff were great but no off street parking was available.

Beautiful old building with an old style lift! I think the hotel was lovely. It could do with a few updates like thread bare carpet on stairs and more accessible plugs bedside. Note that there are attached pokies which kind of change the heritage vibe. Staff are nice and friendly.

The hotel was great apart from the worn carpets, cracked hand basin and pillows need replacing. The staff were fabulous.

Very clean and comfortable, convenient to the city centre, interesting history nicely preserved

Although we enjoyed our stay and the reception staff were very helpful and I thoroughly enjoyed the spa bath, there were issues,there was dust throughout the property,carpets in the main area were actually threadbare! and I don’t think the mattress had been changed since Prince Albert stayed there since it sagged badly in the middle! Such a shame as overall it’s a lovely hotel.

We stayed for 2 nights - Saturday and Sunday. We fell victim to the hotel's "We're Going Greener" policy. A policy which was not explained at Check In - and the "sign" explaining it at Reception and in the room was of a colour and font size that made it almost impossible to read. Apparently we were required to ask to have our room serviced daily - something I have never heard of anywhere outside a serviced apartment - and to do so before 5 pm the evening before. When we took this up with staff, they were unhelpful, rude and eventually, begrudgingly, provided us with some clean towels. What is more insulting is that it is highly likely that this "initiative" has almost nothing to do with some noble commitment to the environment - it is a thinly veiled, cynical move to save on operational expenses. Craigs was once an iconic Ballarat establishment. It is no longer. It's a Pokies venue with a really poorly serviced hotel attached to it.

Classic room #119 had openable window (good), but ceiling in bathroom opened beyond chipboard into roof space! Only 6 hangars in wardrobe, 1 of 2 bedside table lamps' globe blown (knob missing one door). Room not serviced during 6 days (unless requested: "We're Going Green" = cost savings, staff shortage?). Wear and torn carpet edge, main staircase. No luggage/suitcase stand/rack to save bending down to floor level.

Lovely place to stay. Although I didn't eat there, the areas looked clean and inviting. Room was clean and sheets sharp and clean. Everything for a sales rep would want for a good nights accommodation.

Curtains in room so dusty but everything else was amazing

The hotel has an old worldish charm of the past complete with worn carpets, rickety style lift and antique furniture. Our room had an annoying cupboard door that would swing open and was hard to close. The room was serviced once during our four day stay and it was very basic with beds made & bins emptied only. Toilet paper was not replenished so we ran out & mini bar not restocked and we had no milk for tea & coffee. Staff were not that helpful.

Everything was really lovely but the drapes in the bedroom were shabby and ripped

Good location however very difficult to find parking. Staff not too helpful. No point paying extra for the room with a tub because the hot water only runs for 5 mins maximum so it’s pretty hard for 2 people to even shower let alone make use of the tub. Rooms are very dated and smell really off. The doona also had a strange smell - found some old yellow stains on it after a quick investigation on day 2 which was quite yuck. Overall was excited to leave in order to get a better rested night.

Beautiful hotel with so much history. Only thing we thought needed updating was the mattress, as you could hear and feel the springs when you sat on the edge of the bed. Aside from that, we thought the hotel was amazing and we will be back.

A quaint old colonial building with a much history of the gold mining opulence imbued in the art and furniture. The rooms are very small for the price. The small TV fits it the cupboard. The bathroom is updated and satisfactory.

We booked rather late so we seemed to get one of the lesser rooms. View over the air conditioning ducts and the constant sound of the air conditioning or kitchen vents. Room was tastefully decorated in colonial chic but was very small. Bathroom was quite spacious though. The staff members we had contact with - reception and restaurant - were very professional and friendly.

Horrible room conditions, cold wind keeps blowing into the room, shower heads too old.

The hotel is an amazing beautiful building and I highly recommend but the room was not at all satisfactory. Outside the windows they have so many air condition units that making do much noice and during the night it was so difficult to sleep. I believe this room should not be in use.

Mattress very hard…first time in a long time I’ve stayed in a hotel without pillowtop. Only accessible powerpoint was in the bathroom and no smarttv so stuck with free to air. Bathtub needed recaulking. Overall disappointing given the price but staff were kind and location was very good.

Single bed creaked and the room was too warm. It was very clean and quiet. Beautiful old building!

Before check in we must find parking on the street. There is 1 hr free parking so we can check in. We have reserved parking for $10 per night and we couldn’t reverse that as we pre booked. But we realized there r free street parking after 5:30pm and before 9am. After check in we could get the garage key to park our car. Our first night was fine. But on the second night there were street work from council throughout the night. We were not informed about it and pretty much got told to live with it during our stay. We were also evacuated at 10pm as the street work caused a black out. First we got told to wait in the cold on the street. Then after 10:30pm we got told that we could sit in the foyer. Then we were told we could go back to our room. Our sleep was broken due to black out and street work. The room was ok. The bed was terribly soft bad for the back and the bed shakes when there is any movement. The lift is the original so if someone used it and didn’t close it properly, u won’t be able to call for the lift unless someone closes the door for you, not convenient at all as I stayed on level 2…. The noise from the street was noisy due to car movement. I thought due to a small town maybe it won’t be that bad but it is … cat throughout the night… maybe I’m a light sleeper and I can hear every car…. The hot water was good. If I had a second chance to choose again I would not have chosen this place to stay.

Bed was ridiculous needed step ladder to get on it a joke

The room was very nice - spacious and old worldly.

The staff were great, very helpful and welcoming. The hotel itself is beautiful and definitely worth touring for the history. Thankfully the pokies are tucked out of sight

Beautiful old building with friendly, helpful staff. Very nice overall.

The overall experience was very good in a top-rate traditional property. However our dining experience at the Atrium on Saturday night was spoilt by the poor service of the two staff on duty. At the completion of our main course they ignored our table) even though the room was about one-third occupied) for about half an hour to remove our plates and for us to request the dessert menu. Both staff were not cognisant of the wishes of the diners at all tables. They need better training in Hospitality.

Both Craig’s Royal Hotel and Ballarat are rich in Aussie history. The hotel is right in the centre and is iconic. Most of all the people that work in the hotel are just so friendly and helpful. Really, you cannot think of staying anywhere else in Ballarat!

Lovely historic hotel. A bit tired in some areas. House keeping staff were very helpful and friendly. Assistant manager was excellent. Very professional and friendly, thank you Linc. Great location in central Ballarat. We walked everywhere. Breakfast was most enjoyable, nice dining room. Prompt friendly service from the waitress. Some rooms are very small, so be aware of this when booking.

Location is very convenient to centre of the town with shops, dining, railway an easy walk.away. Dinner in their restaurant was good and reasonably priced. The waitress was lovely. The young lad checking us in, however, could have been more helpful. He made no effort to get out of his seat or take baggage to lift. He vaguely pointed out where to go. He was not busy. Being an elderly woman, a bit of assistance would have been welcomed. Used to hotels in Asia, this lack of courtesy was disappointing.. My room was very small and a strange wedge shape Would not get the small room again if I stayed there.The bed however was comfortable and the old world charm of the place a plus.

On check-in at 5.15pm, was advised that car park was full and we would have to use street parking. At 7.15pm the same receptionist was overheard by me, directing another check in, how to access the car park. Would've liked to have a meal in the restaurant, but on checking prices there was a charge for add on sides at approx $10 each item. Room had no space at all. TV was in a recessed cabinet and difficult to watch. To watch tv, we had to move very uncofortable chairs to corners of the room. When we returned to our room after having a meal elsewhere, the lift was not working, as someone hadn't closed the lift doors on another level. Reported to bar staff and was advised that they would send a staff member to rectify. After a 10 minute wait, my arthritic husband who uses a walking aid, climbed the stairs to rectify it himself. A cup of tea would have been nice before retiring...One tea bag. Bed was hard as a rock and the pillows have seen better days. We have stayed at this hotel previously and have found the facilities and service was excellent, but it would appear to me that the standards have dropped.

Our stay at Craig's Royal Hotel was fantastic. The welcome from the front desk was warm and they helped us out with an early checkin too. The room was well furnished and beds very comfortable. Perfect location for exploring Ballarat. The hotel is showing it's age a little but it is very lovely, clean, and has a wonderful old world charm.

Had to find a suitable hotel for a weekend speaking engagement in Ballarat. Hotel is ageing for sure but was ok. Car park entry is very difficult and staff were all confused as to how to enter. I was locked out on Saturday night after 10pm. Had to exit through roller door and walk all the way to front of hotel to access. Crazy! Also the biggest issue was music playing all the time... all night. No one knew anything about it. Shocking and very disruptive. Staff seemed untrained and very young to be managing a hotel. Same guy was on front desk and making coffee for brekky. No water at the table.. simple things missing. Eggs overcooked.. bacon dry and not cooked fresh...wouldn't recommend staying here. Such a shame for an iconic place.

Check-in staff unhelpful. Room was dark and claustrophobic. Lacking in PowerPoint's- had to plug in kettle near floor while on my knees !!! Definitely, in today's electronic world need more powerpoints ! Lighting was poor in room. Couldn't adjust air-conditioning! 2nd morning had no hot water. Only found out after standing in shower for 10min waiting. Went to reception, they already knew - no communication skills! It was allegedly being fixed that day. We asked for a refund for the next night (3rd of 3) and was refused. Checked ourselves out and went somewhere else. Overpriced for level of comfort and very poor customer service skills. Was really looking forward to the stay. Not recommended.

great location

Very friendly staff and close to the station.

Central to everything as we traveled by train for our stay.

Great location! Walking distance to all the shops and restaurants/cafes. Room was lovely, super clean and very quiet. Restaurant serves great meals at very reasonable prices. Reception staff could be friendlier, more welcoming, and give more instructions as to where to find our room, the dining areas, dining times, just generally more personable. Customer service was lacking, but there were a few amazing team members. Definitely did not like the pokies. As much as we loved the hotel, I did not like the gambling area which was adjacent to the dining area. Not our type of thing, but may not bother others :)

Central

Very close to Marathon start and finish lines.

Before check in we must find parking on the street. There is 1 hr free parking so we can check in. We have reserved parking for $10 per night and we couldn’t reverse that as we pre booked. But we realized there r free street parking after 5:30pm and before 9am. After check in we could get the garage key to park our car. Our first night was fine. But on the second night there were street work from council throughout the night. We were not informed about it and pretty much got told to live with it during our stay. We were also evacuated at 10pm as the street work caused a black out. First we got told to wait in the cold on the street. Then after 10:30pm we got told that we could sit in the foyer. Then we were told we could go back to our room. Our sleep was broken due to black out and street work. The room was ok. The bed was terribly soft bad for the back and the bed shakes when there is any movement. The lift is the original so if someone used it and didn’t close it properly, u won’t be able to call for the lift unless someone closes the door for you, not convenient at all as I stayed on level 2…. The noise from the street was noisy due to car movement. I thought due to a small town maybe it won’t be that bad but it is … cat throughout the night… maybe I’m a light sleeper and I can hear every car…. The hot water was good. If I had a second chance to choose again I would not have chosen this place to stay.

Great location close to Ballarat Central and city restaurants.

A very lovely 2 nights stay. Easy location to everything.

Location

Beautiful old hotel. Restaurant meals were great & reasonably priced. My room was large, bed comfortable, hugh bathroom with bathtub & separate shower. Only issue was the hum from aircon unit outside my window, but after a wine, or two, this was no problem. But if you are a light sleeper request a room away from street & external aircon units. Will stay again as it really is a special place.

A beautiful place to stay. We felt like we stepped back in time , yet with modern conveniences. Food at the restaurant was delicious!

Service was very slow there was one bar staff managing 2 bars . The food in the restaurant was very poor I would rate it 2 out of 10. Definitely would not recommend.

The overall experience was very good in a top-rate traditional property. However our dining experience at the Atrium on Saturday night was spoilt by the poor service of the two staff on duty. At the completion of our main course they ignored our table) even though the room was about one-third occupied) for about half an hour to remove our plates and for us to request the dessert menu. Both staff were not cognisant of the wishes of the diners at all tables. They need better training in Hospitality.

Disappointed!! ….where do I start? • We stayed 7 nights at Craig’s Royal Hotel. • Aircon thermostat obviously not working as it just kept getting hotter. We advised reception 3 times, and were told a technician would be through. That didn’t happen. We turned it off. Ballarat winter. • Fridge in the room wasn’t working. We fixed it, as other requests were not honoured. (AIRCON) • Going green policy!! In theory I like this, I don’t have a fresh bed or clean towels at home, and agree it is a waste of resources. IN THIS CASE going green is going MEAN. A coffee cup and wine glass for 5 days is not green, it’s grotty. Rubbish still needs to be removed, and some surfaces wiped down. When I mentioned this, I was asked why I hadn’t requested a clean. Jess did come through on one of our last days, and a true credit to the hotel. • Crazy prices for drinks. “We serve luxury wines and spirits”, but why mix black label with coke? Large glass of wine(yummy) and scotch and coke $29.54. • I noticed the bars and restaurant were rarely used (too pricey?), but pokies open from early until 4am. Focus is obvious. • And the last straw, after spending copious amounts of money on parking meters I was charged $90 for parking (refunded after request). Kristina

Great location! Walking distance to all the shops and restaurants/cafes. Room was lovely, super clean and very quiet. Restaurant serves great meals at very reasonable prices. Reception staff could be friendlier, more welcoming, and give more instructions as to where to find our room, the dining areas, dining times, just generally more personable. Customer service was lacking, but there were a few amazing team members. Definitely did not like the pokies. As much as we loved the hotel, I did not like the gambling area which was adjacent to the dining area. Not our type of thing, but may not bother others :)

Thanks for a great stay, fabulous old hotel embracing its history. staff all helpful. Coffee and brekky average, would gave done better going to a local cafe. The hotel and stay in Ballarat great, thank you.

My stay was lovely, however more vegetarian options on the menu would have been good as it was very limited. What I did have was nice however it was only an entree as there was nothing in the main dining menu that was suitable.

Lovely room, beautiful hotel. The bad things were, bed very hard and the dinner, mine was beautiful, my wife had the Lamb shoulder, and it was dry and almost inedible and, for $40 it was very disappointing.

Great restoration of an historic hotel with spacious rooms and excellent dining options. Great value!!!