Royal Hotel Orange

We’d booked Friday and Saturday in basic room #3 with a shared bathroom, just what we’re used to, apart from the whopping great TV. Then at about 10:30 the band started up. We must have been right above them, because it felt like being on one of those coin-fed massage beds. My other half went down to ask when they’d finish. The news wasn’t good, and they were coming back Saturday too. Adam the manager had no hesitation moving us to the “Presidential Suite” for both nights, well away from the noise. Bliss!

The location is great and the room was almost as described, but service was almost nonexistent and cleanliness wasn’t great. I’m writing this sleep-deprived at 2:30am, being “forced” to attend a music concert staged downstairs and reverberating incredibly loudly in my room. Nobody told me about it when I booked, which was neglectful. Who does this and shows such disregard for guests’ comfort? I don’t care how cheap the room is, this is unacceptable at any level. Book somewhere else.

Of the six pubs we checked out in Orange while on holiday, this was by far the worst. The staff didn’t know which wines were available and told me they had no Shiraz. When I tried to cash a Keno ticket, they surprisingly didn’t know how. The place is dated and has no character. Wouldn’t recommend a visit.

I was in Orange overnight for work and wanted a well-priced surf and turf. The Royal Hotel came out ahead of the nearby places, and I really enjoyed it. The steak was 400g, cooked well and full-blooded, with the surf added for around $50. Excellent value.