We stayed at the family-owned Criterion Hotel in Rockhampton, Australia. Our large room looked like it was out of a Western movie and our balcony overlooked the Fitzeroy River. We could see and hear the colorful lorikeets at dusk in the trees outside. Some huge bats flew by overhead. The town is restored and has some lovely 1870s buildings. There is a Dreamtime Cultural Center and the Etna bats which we had to skip because we were on our way to the wonderful Broken River area of Eungulla, also well worth a trip! Stay longer if you can....

My husband and I have stayed at the Critien many times in the past. The rooms are run down and the service terrible. We stay here for the location only. The rooms are clean but not well maintained. On serveral different visits we have informed front desk of certain maintenance problems like a broken bed and missing light bulbs. They are not quick to fix these things and in the case of the broken bed we went back a couple of months later and the bed was still broken. It is also a VERY noisy hotel being on a busy road and also with an active nightclub. If you need to complain about something I hope you don't speak to the owner Lee. He is a boring, lecturous old money grabber that doen't care. If you can put up with all of this then then yes the location is the one thing it has going for it but don't forget your ear plugs.

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! ;)