The very regal Craig’s Royal Hotel at Ballarat is on the market for the first time in two decades.
Built 1853, the heritage-listed three-storey Georgian-style Hotel was the city’s first licensed premise, known as the Ballarat Hotel. The following year it was renamed Bath’s Hotel, in honour of original owner Thomas Bath.
In 1857 Bath sold to Walter Craig, and the name changed again to Craig’s Hotel.
A decade later, in 1867, Prince Alfred became the first member of the royal family to visit Ballarat, staying at what then became known as Craig’s Royal Hotel.
Alfred was possibly the first famous guest to grace the establishment, but by no means the last. Mark Twain stayed there during a speaking tour in 1895, and Dame Nelly Melba famously sang from the Hotel’s balcony during her stay in 1908.
There was also fame beyond celebrities, such as its hosting the royal commission into the Eureka Stockage uprising in 1855, and being the site of the creation of the Melbourne Racing Club in 1875.
As well as its 37 boutique accommodation rooms, the Royal incorporates a coffee shop and restaurant, and gaming lounge with 45 EGMs.
John and Mary Finning bought the property in 1999 and executed extensive multi-million-dollar renovations from 2003 to 2010, overhauling the accommodation and creating the restaurant.
Having beautifully revived what they say was a “pretty run don pub” the couple plan to take a step back, while retaining their other premise, Cranbourne’s Settlement Hotel.
“We will be sad to see it go, but it is time for someone else to enjoy it as much as we have,” says John.
The property is being marketed through JLL Hotels’ Will Connolly, with sale expectations in excess of $13 million.
The freehold going concern of Craig’s Royal Hotel is to be sold via Expressions of interest, beginning 6 November, closing 5 December.
