Craig's Royal Hotel

We were keen to stay in this historic hotel and were not disappointed. The historical features are really well worth seeing. Our room was very pleasant, complete with four poster and balcony. The toiletries in the shower were very hard to access. The staff were friendly and helpful. There are not many power points in the room (well it is a historic hotel) but taking long charger cables is advised. The room was clean, comfortable and mostly quiet. I think there are pigeons in the roof above the bed.

I stayed at Craig's Royal Hotel for 2 nights when I went to see the Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill. Beautiful old building with lots of charm and character right in the heart of town. I stayed in the North Tower Royal Suite what was elegant and luxurious. My only real disappointment was that the tower itself appeared to have been left to get very run down. It was seriously in need of some major TLC. I remember years ago seeing this particular room and tower on a High Tea tour and was excited when I realised I was given this room. I was keen to have a morning cuppa or evening wine overlooking the city in the tower but it was so run down - dusty, paint peeling from the walls, no electricity working - I couldn't use it at all.

I came here for a family event — it wasn’t my personal choice — and while the staff were friendly and the venue itself looked great, the food was a real letdown from a vegan perspective. There were no vegan options listed anywhere, only vegetarian ones, and even those couldn’t be adapted. The vegetable soup contained butter, the Moroccan street bread had butter, and even the chips and condiments weren’t vegan-friendly (the chips came only with aioli, and even the bread itself wasn’t vegan). It’s a shame, because the staff were pleasant, but the lack of clear labelling or any plant-based options made it difficult to enjoy the experience. Hopefully they’ll consider offering at least one genuinely vegan dish in the future.

We had our wedding reception here and couldn't be happier with how it went. The price included a night's stay in one of the bridal suites, the use of three beautiful function rooms, canapes, three courses, and an open bar with a very generous selection of drinks. The staff were incredibly helpful in the lead up and on the night. Nothing was too difficult. The food was fantastic, and the beautiful and historical rooms/building added so much to the night. The Craig's worked directly with our suppliers to pull everything off seamlessly. They were more than happy for us to pop in frequently in the lead up to check the space again and work over floor plans. The original features, with period decor, high ceilings, fire places, tiled floors, grand stair case, and tapestries provided an elegance and sophistication that really couldn't get anywhere else at the price they offer. Thanks to everyone at the Craig's for making our night so special.

Seven of us were upstairs for high tea. Well looked after by staff especially Danielle, nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Bubbles on arrival (or soft drink etc). Bottomless tea/coffee. Food was excellent, ambience lovely, we all had a thoroughly good afternoon. Only downside - Asked about tips and was told that folk in the restaurant tip but High Tea patrons rarely do - If you have received excellent service from someone with a smile and a sense of humour they should be rewarded for going beyond expectations. We left a tip.

Beautiful building. Food and service poor. Visited on a public holiday and paid surcharge for a 40 minute wait on food (only four other tables dining), which came out dry and cold. Ordered Ranchos Huevos which were sadly the worst breakfast I have ever eaten. Eggs baked until dry and crispy sat on top of a bland passata with very few beans and little seasoning. "Pico de gallo" was just roughly chopped onion and tomato, and "tortilla chips" were just normal toast.

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. The decor is amazing. Rooms are lovely. All the staff were very nice and helpful. Special mention to Heidi in the restaurant who remembered our needs and likes from day to day. Food in the dining area was excellent. Would definitely recommend a stay.

Stunning Hotel, literally taking a step back in time. The preservation to keep its originality and details are impeccable. The staff were amazing, rooms were stunning. The food is next level with beautiful presentation attention to detail with perfection and flavour. I highly recommended to everyone its a must do while in Ballarat. Well done. Definitely will be back.

Gorgeous!!! If you are looking for an elegant night out in Ballarat, this is the place! The restaurant is in a beautiful conservatory area and it's just magnificent. We were there for a girlfriend get-together and the service and food were great. We had the pork bellies and the seafood fettuccine. Both were perfectly prepared. It's a little pricey, about $40 per place and sides are ordered separately, but for a special night out - worth it!

The food here was really good and I loved everything from the atmosphere to the service. The only thing that bugged me was the use of plastic straws. I know it's picky but a lot of places, even smaller cafes, are using metal re-useable straws and I thought that somewhere as wonderful and elegant as Craig's would be up to date on this. Just some food for thought.