Craig's Royal Hotel

We had such a disappointing visit to Craig’s on Friday night. The waitress wanted to be anywhere but at work, everything seemed difficult and like we were putting her out. The menu sounded great and I ordered the Balinese chicken curry, it arrived with a friends risotto and both dishes were cold , my curry was tepid if that ,the roti was warm, no garnish on the risotto just a blob of grey rice and served on a rectangular flag plate made it difficult to eat. I was trying to get the attention of a staff member to alert them to our cold meals but no one came. It was 15 minutes before the other 3 dishes arrived which was a halloumi vegetable salad all 3 said it wasn’t nice and the halloumi was chewy, and bland. After the main course we sat with empty plates for about 30 mins before asking the waitress if we could look at the dessert menu. 3 desserts came out apple walnut crumble with melted ice cream all over the plates, like they’d been made and had sat on the bench waiting for the other desserts. Then the other crumble came out with frozen ice cream and the pannacotta. We ate the desserts and would have liked a hot drink or night cap but were never given the chance as the waitress just stood behind the till until she came and said I need to do the tills so you’ll need to pay now. We were so unhappy as we would have had another drink or gone into the bar but we’re never given a chance. It’s such a shame as Craig’s used to be such a beautiful meal with incredible service. I think the kitchen staff need help with timing off meals and ensuring meal’s going out are hot not just tepid!

My experience here has not been pleasant. I wanted luxury and peace and quiet. I got neither. My bed was not a queen size, but rather two singles put together. Every single night, I could hear loud music coming from downstairs. I’m not that tall, but I could barely fit under the shower! The room I had was very small. I can’t imagine two people staying in the room. There was only one electrical outlet, for the bedside. I had to put the kettle in the bathroom, it wouldn’t fit anywhere else. And that can’t be safe! I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

I absolutely loved this hotel. We had a bit of trouble getting to our allocated room because of stairs but lovely Alex on the front desk soon sorted our problem out and we were moved to a lovely room with no stairs. The staff were friendly, courteous and helpful nothing was too much of a problem. Thank you can’t wait to return. Highly recommend this lovely hotel

Dined at Craig’s restaurant. Gorgeous room and the waitress was most considerate in ensuring that people were seated at tables not directly next to each other, even though it clearly meant she had to walk around a lot more. The food was delicious and service was excellent. Special mention to Tasha who served us throughout the evening.

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.

Have stayed numerous times visiting Ballarat and lm normally a loyal customer until! My room was great, however the heating was not working, l was assured someone was to sort that out but as 5pm arrived with no-one showing l check with front desk who had no idea about my concern, they did the righty and changed me to another room, with 2 single beds! I couldn’t be more disappointed, lm a big man & haven’t slept in a single since school! They had an upgrade but l got a downgrade! I won’t be back, unacceptable!

Was looking forward to sharing an experience with my 83 year old Mum. Flew from Perth to Melbourne, train to Ballarat. Arrived on a 30 plus degree day, that's ok but not when the air con in your $200 per night room is not working. Mentioned this to staff and was told a 45 minute wait to allocate another room. Wait where? No offer of water, no sincere apology. Mum and I sat in the boring pokies room. Staff did not assist in transferring our luggage to the smaller room we were allocated. Very impersonal. We were in Ballarat for three days and speaking with folk at the visitor centre they conveyed Craig's has lost its appeal. Great ornate establishment but has become lack lustre

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.

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.