We loved our first experience at Hotel Ernest Bendigo, from the moment we arrived and were warmly welcomed by a staff member, who also gave us a sneak peek at the restaurant, and throughout our whole stay. Nothing was too much for the staff - all exceptionally friendly and helpful. Our suite was lovely with windows overlooking the park (featuring Electric Wonderland - all lit up at night), a well stocked kitchen and a sunny verandah (where we almost got sunburnt in winter!) We loved the gorgeous library of art/architecture books for a leisurely browse, and the bed and doona were exceptionally comfortable (king was appreciated). The hotel has the perfect location for a quick walk to appreciate the architecture, coffee shops and antiques, and of course, the gallery (Paris exhibition at the time), but also very accessible to the tram. Every day, while we were out, our rooms were tidied, dishes washed, and things folded so beautifully. We appreciated the art in the rooms, and also the care taken in selecting dishes - adding to the luxurious feel of the place. We look forward to coming back to suite 6 in the near future!

I have mobility issues so it was challenging going up to the top floor but I did it! I understand there is no solution due to heritage rules.

I appreciated the age, condition and character of the building. The decor is stylish, and reflects the character of the owners. Refreshing when there are so many other generic accommodation options available. We were fortunate enough to have been given a personal guided tour of parts of the property by David, one of the owners, who told us anecdotes about the history of the building, and the vision they have for its future.

I’m not fond of pod coffee machines. I would like to think that when the restaurant renovations are complete, real coffee would be available, as well as some simple breakfast options. For the price, fresh, (even poured into a smaller bottle) rather than long life milk would be more appropriate.

Prior to check in we received a detailed letter for our arrival of what to do upon checkin. Our hosts were lovely upon checkin and very informative and the rooms were devine! They were spacious, exceptionally clean and comfortable. The bed in particular was very comfortable! (if I hadnt bought a new one recently I would buy this one!) Plenty of space in the room, along with a good sized table, cutlery and tea/coffee making supplies. The shower was amazing, and I liked the fact that there was plenty of fluffy clean towels on a hot towel rack. The bathrooms themselves were exceptionally clean and well presented! Fresh bathrobes were supplied also. A lovely place to sit and have a drink down below in the reception area. We have a Toyota Sahara, so I was slightly worried about parking, but the ease of access down the lane way into the parking area was fine, there was more than enough room for each customer to park their cars. The accessibility into the building was all key pad and pin numbers which I though was great! Probably one of the best parts though was the position of the Accommodation, situated right in the middle of Bendigo, making the city fully accessible by foot! We wandered through the city, and had a lovely wine and cheese plater at the Dispensary (this was amazing also) then onto dinner at the Shamrock then a quick stroll back to the apartment! Would definately recommend this as a place to stay!

There really was nothing that we didn't like about the accomodation!

Location was in centre of Bendigo town - 2 doors from Art Gallery. We could park the car and walk everywhere. Room was cosy, clean, comfortable and warm. Highly recommend the Wine Bank across the road - lots of great wines & tapas food.

No vanity bench to put toilet bags on. No shower cap in bathroom. Patrons need to be aware that if you are on the first or second floor there is no lift. There are quite a few stairs. In the past 4 years we have travelled quite a bit within Australia and thought the accommodation was on the expensive side compared to other places we have stayed in that were a lot cheaper.

Beautifully appointed room with lux towels, linen and wonderful artwork. Very homely. A lovely room to rest your head. Fantastic location right next to park, art gallery and delish ice cream shop across the road 😀

It’s a beautifully restored heritage building - with that comes a fair few stairs up to your room. Rates per night are possibly on the high side -but you are literally right in the heart of town. Walking everywhere and park car at rear of property.

I have never felt as valued by a hotel before! The team at Hotel Ernest, especially Kapil, were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to assist me with an urgent check-in request. I also loved hearing the history of the building at reception. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the location is so convenient you could nearly fall into the town centre fountain when walking out the door

Nothing to dislike but maybe a suggestion… The building is stunning. However reception only seems to be open for check-in and check-out, meaning the amazing space (and that clever use of the old bank safe) is rarely seen or useable. The hotel rooms are by far the best offerings in the city so I’m sure if they opened the shared space up for drinks or breakfast this would also be one of the best social spots in town

Location, room/suite size, staff, availability of parking, lighting at mirror in bathroom.

Hotel facilities - lack of a restaurant, no bar facilities, no staff after 6pm, noise of the refrigerator in the room. Bed was comfortable but pillows could be better. Bed was too low for me and kept banging shin on sharp corners. Didnt like all communication was via SMS which was/is difficult for overseas visitors. Have an email option

The location was fantastic, walking distance to everything the city has to offer. The room was beautiful with a very comfortable bed, quiet and uniquely decorated. Nicole the head of house was so friendly, knowledgeable and nothing seemed to much or a bother. We will definitely be back.

No complaints on the property itself. My partner and I both have health issues that make stairs very difficult, we were on the top floor… this is something we should have asked at the time of booking, so I’d just beware of that aspect if you have trouble with stairs.

+ Beautiful heritage building and contemporary decor and art + Very comfortable bed and well decorated rooms + Fantastic location, waking distance to Bendigo Art Gallery, Valentines Antiques (next door), cafes etc. + Host, lovely and it was a pleasure to hear the history of the building.

- No breakfast! This was very disappointing. Coffee machines in room but only 2 tiny 15ml capsules of milk (hotels need to stop stocking these, they're pointless and replace them with 200ml long life - sorry pet peeve for latte drinkers! :) - Recommend BYO pillow, the two choices were firm and high or firm and high. This didn't make for the best sleep. - Prob a little nit picky but bathrooms didn't quite measure up to the reno that the rooms have had with the old corner spa etc. Sorry, but I thought the 'Cheeky Bum Squirt' in the bathroom was a little inappropriate/unnecessary. - No lift - wasn't an issue for us but something to be aware of for accessibility.

Ella our host was great, communication excellent. The room was on ground facing car park & exit door. This wasn’t at all an issue on our stay. It was very quiet. I loved how the old banks cells are now converted into sitting booths. Rooms were equipped with glasses for drinks in your room or out in the courtyard.

The bar area was completed but not open for drinks prior to 6pm and then after 6pm area was locked. The restaurant opening sometime soon.