Our heritage suite was accessed by climbing the lovely central staircase, complete with old world carpets and chandeliers. The view from the top landing through French doors is incomparable, especially at dusk. Our room was very quiet and well equipped with access to a communal verandah . Dinner in the atmospheric "Bush Inn" was delightful with the quickest service I've ever experienced despite the dining rooms being full. An adjacent bar was comfortable and friendly for a drink before or afterwards. Our one disappointment was that although "breakfast 7 days" is advertised, none was available the morning we required it and this was not mentioned when we booked or at check-in.
When visiting Rocky, be sure to see the extensive, free zoo in lovely gardens and take a trip to the top of Mount Archer and relax over a cuppa amid wonderful views and shady Australian bushland. The city itself boasts fabulous shops, lots of nightlife and some unique architecture!

The hotel is a beautiful, historical building.
We only stayed here for a night but I was very pleased with our stay.
The room had all the necessary facilities. We also had a balcony with a nice view.
I used the internet. I wasn't that cheap: $ 4 for half an hour.
The 'Bush Inn' is the restaurant of the hotel. We had a very nice meal there. Loved the arrangement of the restaurant!
The only disadvantage of the hotel: no elevator. We stayed on the second floor and it was a nightmare dragging our luggage up... Thankfully there was a strong Aussie guest to help! ;)

We stayed here (in the motel section) one Saturday night on our way through town. Once we were checked in (motel room quite nice, very clean, well organised) we enquired at reception about booking a table for dinner in the restaurant. We were told that wasn't necessary but when we arrived at said restaurant a few minutes after opening all the tables were "reserved" except for a few huge 'communal' type tables. We ended up sitting at a high bar type table on stools! The food was quite good but definitely overpriced for a pub in Rockhampton!

We returned to our room (located behind the pub) just before the band started and we were quite surprised to find that we could not hear the music at all. Pity the same cannot be said of the 2 guests who sat at a table just outside our door and proceeded to drink 12 cans of rum and coke between them!

Breakfast delivered to our room the next morning was excellent (especially the beef sausages - YUM).

Overall - the motel was very nice but I would think twice about staying there again after the inacurate information and attitude given by staff.

I read about the Criterion in the Lonely Planet. I checked in late in the evening. Ryan the owner was friendly. He explained their EFTPOS machine was down. I paid for 2 nights cash ($55/night). The room was very 'sad'. A single bed, flat screen tv wash basin and shower. The chest of drawers had a couple of fronts missing. Some earlier guest desperate to see daylight had scratched paint off a pane of the glass verandah door. Ventilation was minimal, either you opened the door onto the verandah (providing access to all who chose to drop in)or used the a/c. Others have mentioned the noise when the bar closes - so true.
Next day when I went to get lunch at the highly recommended restaurant, the waiter very rudely said I could not have it cause I didn't have credit. This was not a problem at breakfast though. When I enquired at reception a very bossy Trish said "It s house policy if you didn't have a credit card". She was rude and ruthless. Obviously not trained in hospitality skills. She didn't ask for a credit card so I told her what I thought of her. Later when I returned my belongings were dumped on a chair at reception and I happily left. (She refunded by second nights lodging).

There are ways of explaining things. Confrontation is not how receptionists are expected to react. The fact that Ryan stood there and watched this eviction showed how little the Criterion wants patronage.

Finding alternate accommodation was easy. At least some places in Rockhampton have professional staff.