Craig's Royal Hotel, Ballarat East VIC

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Craig's Royal Hotel, Ballarat East VIC

The Craig's Royal Hotel is a hotel located in Ballarat East, Victoria.
They have a bar, great food and drink options and offer accommodation. They also have a great dine-in restaurant - you may be able to download their menu on their website.
They have an average rating of 4.3 out of 836 reviews, with the latest ratings ranging from 1 to 5.
I splashed out and booked a Royal Suite for my stay and loved it! As someone who really enjoys all things historical, and especially from the Victorian era, it was such a treat to stay in a room full of antiques and so beautifully furnished. I had a lovely bath in the huge spa, and had an amazing night's sleep in a super comfy king bed. The rest of the hotel is beautiful as well, with a old lift and spiralling staircase. The food was high quality with a commensurate price, but as an Adelaidean I was astounded at paying only $2.50 for a barista coffee! If I can afford it I'd love to come back and stay longer.
10 Lydiard St S, Ballarat East VIC 3350
Opening hours
Monday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Tuesday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Wednesday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Thursday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Friday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Saturday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Sunday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM

Opening hours

Monday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Tuesday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Wednesday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Thursday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Friday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Saturday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Sunday: 07:00 AM - 03:00 AM

Other Clubs and Pubs in Ballarat East

There are 2 venues in Ballarat East VIC. This list shows venues that are in Ballarat East and does not include venues that are in an adjacent town such as 'Ballarat East West'

Latest reviews for Craig's Royal Hotel, Ballarat East VIC

Paul Robson
21/09/2023
Magnificent particularly the lovely lady who booked me and my then intended fiance (I proposed in the Atrium over dinner Sunday evening). The mum and her 2 daughters who work there were the loveliest staff.
Cannot recommend highly enough.
Only issue was I did want a room with a spa but it was obviously not checked because it was flashing green and red indicating faulty. It was fixed for the second day.
Craig Richards
05/09/2023
Stayed at Craig's Royal for three nights a week ago, a beautiful hotel in a great location for Ballarat. The room was well appointed and very comfortable and in keeping with its historic charm.

Staff were friendly and helpful which was a bonus.
Nothing seemed too much trouble.

The bars and dining areas were comfortable and inviting, all round a very pleasant stay.

Thanks Craig's Royal
Joey
05/09/2023
September 2023
Have since gone back to this place at least every month or two for dinner. The bar staff make a mean martini and are friendly. The food is really nice, a bonus considering it's not super expensive though often a bit of a wait. Love the atmosphere... in the dining room with its classic chessboard tiles and high ceilings; in the lounge with its thick british coat of arms carpet and comfy couches; in the front bar which is light and airy with a view of the street and some beautiful paintings.

January 2023
Shame that this venue seems to be mostly frequented for the gaming room as it is an impressive and well-kept old building, particularly the lounge area is stunning and very classy looking! The smoking area is a little den out back under some stairs which is a shame. Service is prompt and professional. The staff are knowledgeable about alcohol. I have yet to eat at this venue but the food looked and smelt appetizing.
Kristin Hateley
16/08/2023
We held a 21st Birthday dinner for my son here on a Friday night. We had a large group and due to the size we were put in the Bentley Room. And what a gorgeous room. We would love to say a huge thanks to the staff for incredible service and the food was so good. Could not have asked for a better experience. We will be returning and recommending Craig's to everyone we know.
Erica Graham
01/07/2023
I splashed out and booked a Royal Suite for my stay and loved it! As someone who really enjoys all things historical, and especially from the Victorian era, it was such a treat to stay in a room full of antiques and so beautifully furnished. I had a lovely bath in the huge spa, and had an amazing night's sleep in a super comfy king bed. The rest of the hotel is beautiful as well, with a old lift and spiralling staircase. The food was high quality with a commensurate price, but as an Adelaidean I was astounded at paying only $2.50 for a barista coffee!

If I can afford it I'd love to come back and stay longer.
Erica Graham
28/06/2023
I splashed out and booked a Royal Suite for my stay and loved it! As someone who really enjoys all things historical, and especially from the Victorian era, it was such a treat to stay in a room full of antiques and so beautifully furnished. I had a lovely bath in the huge spa, and had an amazing night's sleep in a super comfy king bed. The rest of the hotel is beautiful as well, with a old lift and spiralling staircase. The food was high quality with a commensurate price, but as an Adelaidean I was astounded at paying only $2.50 for a barista coffee!

If I can afford it I'd love to come back and stay longer.
Mike Noordermeer
14/05/2023
We stayed at Craig's Royal Hotel in Ballarat so we could watch the AURA light show (Eureka Stockade) that evening. This beautiful old establishment is still using the old lifts with a cage, and has a magnificent staircase the looks like it's straight out of a movie set. The decor is simply stunning (words won't do it justice - check out the photos), as was the hospitality and our room. My wife loved soaking in the spa after a few hours walking around the town of Ballarat. In the morning we had breakfast (delicious and filling) at the Attrium before leaving for The Apostles. This is a wonderful place to stay if you're staying in Ballarat. Highly recommended.
Norma Dook
26/04/2023
Beautifully restored. Clean comfortable bed and linen. A lift as well as staircase to upper floors. Didn't eat there but food looked lovely. 5 or 10 min walk from rail station. Staff helpful. I booked on a Monday night. $153 but if you go on Sat night it's about $465. Would stay here again.
Peter Calligeros
04/04/2023
A great experience. The hotel has been renovated and exudes it's history from every pore. From the lift to the winding corridors and staircases you are transported to colonial Australia.
Dining room offered excellent breakfast and dinner.
The location was perfect for exploring the rich colonial history of the gold rush period.
Adrian Gamble
23/03/2023
I think they need to drop the fine dining from the advertising. The restaurant handed us a specials list on which two of the items were "sold out" . There were 6 customers and no one had the dishes. Then finished ordering from the main menu. Opps that's not available either. In total 3 menu items not available and sold out all by 6 customers by 6:30pm. Maybe occasional dining would be more appropriate!!!!
David and Elizabeth Wilson
22/02/2023
Having spent three days there we were more than happy with the room and more importantly the Staff. One Staff Member 'Grace' was more than capable of providing a very Welcomed stay. The meals were also delicious.
Joey
28/12/2022
Shame that this venue seems to be mostly frequented for the gaming room as it is an impressive and well-kept old building, particularly the lounge area is stunning and very classy looking! The smoking area is a little den out back under some stairs which is a shame. Service is prompt and professional. The staff are knowledgeable about alcohol. I have yet to eat at this venue but the food looked and smelt appetizing.
marie mcErvale
23/11/2022
Everything about Craig's Royal Hotel was absolutely wonderful. The room was lovely. It was serviced each day and breakfast included was a bonus. I cannot fault anything. Staff were wonderful and a special thank you to Grace who was courteous and went out of her way to help me out when accomodation at another place was unsuitable when I had travelled 2000ks from Queensland. The trip was was an emotional journey but staying at Craig's made the world of difference. Thank you so much.
Lesley Berriman
19/09/2022
A beautiful piece of historic architecture Had high tea there with my mum, daughter and granddaughter. The tea was lovely. Table was set out with beautiful tea cups, teapots etc. Had a variety of T2 teas or coffee. Champagne or orange juice upon arrival. There was a tiered 4 plate server filled with lots of yummy afternoon treats. Enjoyed very much. Thank you for the lovely afternoon and friendly staff.
Robert Bretherton
22/08/2022
We stayed in the Prince Albert suite which was spotlessly clean and beautifully decorated to the period. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom well appointed . We dined in the Atrium on Thursday night and both enjoyed our meal. The hearty chicken soup was exactly right for a cold Winter's night. The wait staff and reception staff.were friendly and efficient. We will stay again.
scott pittard
13/08/2022
2 family members and I called in for diner Monday night with greater reception prompt service and good meals on the back of this, the following night we booked for 11 @ 6pm it was no busier, however one (team) member had dropped the ball to busy talking to the barmen and directing the younger less experienced to our table, on 3 occasions we had to get our own drinks order our desert and coffee at the Bar, were the lady refused to the our desert order. 2 hours latter we received your meals while all the time this member talked to the bar men occasionally waited on 1 or 2 smaller tables. I rate Monday at a cheery 5, Tuesday a 3 and for this reason our guest from W.A. , QLD. and I decided to try else where the following 2 night.
Simon Rumble
26/05/2022
I stayed at the Craigs Royal for one night. The superior room was absolutely beautiful! The bed was also very comfortable. The staff greeted guest and made them feel welcome. The food was fantastic and full of flavour, complements to the chief.
The only issue that stopped 5 stars was the waitress who seated/ served us in the AM. Her manner was extremely blunt and rude. It really upset me and my pregnant partner as she questioned our breakfast order. We felt very upset because the rest of the stay had been fantastic.
The other waitress in the AM was absolutely wonderful and friendly.
Will come back again.
Jay B
14/05/2022
The hotel is beautiful with authentic Victorian fittings however the atrium dining experience did not live up to all it could have. The food was fine, traditional bistro style, however the ambience was not great. The furniture felt retro not matching the rest of the Victorian era decor. They have huge potential to improve. Many of the guests were very dressed up, the dining should offer a fancier experience.
Janette Shell
30/12/2021
Our room was small but perfectly formed. Nice and quiet and enjoyed a nice sleep on a comfy mattress. However our dinner in the atrium bar and breakfast were incredibly underwhelming. Food was really average and super overpriced - could have had the same for half the price at the local RSL. Our breakfast took close to an hour for simple eggs and bacon and came out cold. I think staff shortages are really effecting the business but there's also clearly some systemic issues that management could address to make the staff's lives easier
Holly Matthews
29/12/2021
Beautiful historic hotel, and the food is amazing. However, I believe they are currently short staffed and so service has taken a dip. Not the hotel's fault of course, but hope they can staff up soon and bring the place back to its full glory!
teresa lin
19/12/2021
Stayed for two nights, whilst the staff was lovely both the food and rooms leaves much to be desired. For the price the menu items were priced at, the taste were certainly not matched. The buffalo wings were oddly sour for hot wings. For mains we had beef ragout and the 1/2 roast chicken. Whilst the latter was not bad albeit overcooked and dry, the beef ragout a dish featuring a thick sauce was bland and had a watery and thin sauce. The pasta was bland and had zero flavour.

Additionally, when asked for a cocktail there were brown and black particles floating around in the drink, along with small chunks of ice that wasn't meant to be there in a cocktail designed to be double strained.

The hotel breakfast was also disappointing with soggy toast, bland omelettes and tasteless eggs. For a semi full restaurant only two water jugs were available and was shared amongst all patrons. Something that doesn't seem entirely sanitary or hygienic considering the current pandemic situation.

For the price the food items were at, both the taste and quality of the food leaves much to be desired.
Kristen McCumber
03/12/2021
Went to the atrium bar for dinner and was extremely dissapointed. Had the Croquettes and Fried Cauliflower for entree which were both fantastic however the mains were below average. The slow cooked lamb was extremely dry and overcooked which wasn't complimented well by the dry barley 'salad'. The duck in the fettucine pasta dish was tasty but also dry and the sauce was entirely oil.
Service was okay however didn't make up for the bad food. Will not return
James Childs
12/10/2021
Great old worlde atmosphere. Knowledgable and courteous staff. Best Martinis in Ballarat
Angela McRae
10/07/2021
The foyer appears very grand on entry.
I was looking forward to a really nice experience.'

The restaurant was another matter- there is no table service, we had to leave our table to order at a counter, or get drinks at the bar ( I left my meal to refresh my drink) and pay for each item as we ordered. Dessert or tea/coffee was not suggested, or menus returned to our table. We were not asked how our meals were when table cleared.
The Pork belly was dry and stringy, Gf pasta overcooked and mussel shells empty with 1 prawn.
Bad service. Bad food. Bad experience.
Will not go back.
Eddie Vaughan
21/05/2021
We were very happy with our two-night stay at Ballarat's historic Craig's Royal Hotel. The staff were polite, professional, and helpful, and the room was reasonably priced and comfortable. The heritage decoration and details were exemplary, and the breakfasts, included in the tariff, were excellent. We felt, nevertheless, that the hotel's reputation as 'an icon of the Victorian period' and the choice of prime ministers and princes has been put at risk by the inclusion of a Gaming Room that looks no different from the type you would find in an ordinary suburban club or pub. It was no doubt added as a financial necessity, and perhaps an acknowledgment that times and tastes have changed, but poker machines do not sit comfortably with the published history and image of Craig's Royal Hotel as a place that has catered for discerning customers. This is not a snobbish reaction, but rather an observation about the confusion one glimpses about Craig's present
place in the market.
Michael Koswig
08/05/2021
I was last here in January 2021 and the food and service were exceptional. I gave a five star rating then. So disappointed to return here in May 2021 and the new owners have installed the same ordering system as their other 'pubs'. You order your food and drinks at the bar. Really? This is Craig's Royal Hotel and one should expect table service. A word of advice to the new owners; don't use the same business model as your other pubs. People come here because of the fine dining reputation. People will now stay away for the new reputation you'll earn. An overpriced RSL.
Denis Duri
08/05/2021
We only attended to have dinner and the service and staff are polite. Our childs order came out first as requested and it was quite a nice serving size. It was the fish and chips. My wife and i had the porter house medium rare with pepper sauce. The steak was cooked as ordered and the portion size was very reasonable. The chips were cooked to be very crunchy as we like them. The only item was the steak was a little too fatty / grisly for my wife but she enjoyed it none the less. It is a little pricey so if cost is a concern this may not be for you. Overall it was very enjoyable and we would recommend dinning their to our friends and family.
Jodie van Schie
08/05/2021
Was excited about a night out and had enjoyed the great service and food at Craig's before but was disappointed this time. New owners have decided no table service so we had to go and order our food and go to the bar for drinks. We missed this part of the Craig's experience and felt like it wasn't that extra bit special anymore. The food itself was nice but nothing out of the ordinary but with a premium price. We had lamb with a mash which reminded us of the Deb instant mash you buy at Cole's Staff were great but we noticed one wait staff served.a table their food while ours just left it there for us too do. We wont hurry back.
Jenny Eales
13/04/2021
Amazing. Glorious example of Australian architecture. Definitely a 5 star experience. Dinner was stand out sensational. Slept like a baby. Room decor was luxurious and true to the era of the building. To all who appreciate the work of William Morris, this hotel is a feast for the senses. Love love loved it.
John & Sheena Austin
29/03/2021
STOP! Don't search any further if you're after special experience.For most that want to play tourist in Ballarat, perhaps like us, you're after 'heritage'. Craig's Royal Hotel delivers in spades. Stunning period decor, and great service from every team member we encountered ... without them wanting to be our best friends ;) And Housekeeping? A++++ Immaculate be it room or common areas, even our engagement with you in the corridors.Wanting to treat ourselves after a significant wedding anniversary spent in lock down last year, we opted for a package that offered accommodation in a Superior Balcony room including a two course evening meal + a bottle from a selected wine list up to a certain $ value, and a fully cooked breakfast (continental also available if you have a smaller appetite than us :) Yes, you get to choose from the full normal evening & breakfast menus, not a budget controlled 'special' menu.Management, please ensure you congratulate your team and congratulations on you, well, wonderful management.Thanks... Happy campers!
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