The Hotel Shamrock
- +61354430333
- Bendigo, Victoria 3550, Australia
Published:
July 20, 2024
About The Hotel Shamrock
Warm rooms & suites in a palatial, 19th-century hotel offering a restaurant, a cafe & a sports bar. Set on a tree-lined main street, this polished hotel in a palatial, 19th-century former concert hall is a 7-minute walk from Bendigo Art Gallery and an 11-minute walk from Bendigo railway station. Warm, relaxed rooms come with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add whirlpool baths, while suites offer separate living areas. Room service is available. A continental breakfast buffet is offered. There's a relaxed restaurant and an elegant cafe, as well as a lively sports bar with betting services, a chic cocktail lounge hosting regular live music, and a beer garden.
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The Hotel Shamrock Reviews
Would not recommend dining here. My husband and I came in for breakfast and were less than impressed. Paid $15 for a single piece of toast and 2 tiny poached eggs. Lattes came out without teaspoons and were mostly milk froth. The building itself is lovely and in a great location and the staff were pretty friendly. Just a shame about the food!
- Danielle Graham
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
With only 2 Christmas buffets available in Bendigo, I chose the Shamrock. I agree with the earlier review, not worth $140 at all (plus drinks were extra). Quality and options poor. Food was not piping hot or fresh, Luke warm and felt like it had been there for hours. Dessert sitting out from the start, just on a table not chilled (except the ice-cream). I asked for disability access seating and was seated on the open balcony (zero atmosphere out there)with several steps for an elderly person to try to get up and down. No one mentioned how the buffet worked or if it was open/ready. Badly organised. The menu sounded better than it was in person. Very little gluten free options, besides maybe the meat. No ham, 2 types of pork, pork roll and roasted pork (that looked extremely dry). Baked fish, looked like something maybe eat for gym prep meal not on Xmas day. Would not recommend, so overpriced.
- Nick S
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
What a great reception we got. Nothing was a problem with their welcoming. A real heritage hotel. Dinner and breakfast was served with a smile or two. Entertainment on the balcony excellent on a Saturday afternoon. Relaxed atmosphere with plenty to choose from.
- Janine Culgan
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We went to the Christmas Buffet 2023 , family 3 adults.
Did fall short on the cost of $140 per person.
Do agree with the other reviews that the food had been pre pared to early in advance prior to patrons arriving for Christmas lunch.
Seems that perhaps there was a level of inexperience presenting a buffet style luncheon especially a Christmas lunch.
There also did seem to be some lack of organisation.
We were seated in a small area with only 3 tables, which we were happy with as was nice and quiet. Plus you can not find any fault with the rooms thru out this beautiful old landmark.
Considering the lay out of this beautiful hotel (120 year old approx) and the poor weather on the day not everyone were seated as they preferred. Most of the individual rooms were set up to host.
Over all it was a pleasant day, the staff were very happy and helpful including the lovely kitchen/restaurant staff and did their best considering.
We do acknowledge that sometimes not always do things run smoothly and that there was a small group people being totally unreasonable in their demands and a bit rude which was uncalled for.
We did speak to the manager on the day and expressed our thoughts on a couple ideas to help improve future Christmas funtions being atmosphere with decorations to suit the event, presentation of buffet extra.
The manger was very receptive of our comments and he acknowledged there were some shortfalls experienced on the day.
We thank the Shamrock and their staff for spending their time with us on Christmas day. 😊 and believe they will take on board the experience of the day moving forward
Recommend the Shamrock ☘️ to visit.
- David Gava
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We stopped in Bendigo on our way through to Melbourne and stayed at this lovely historic hotel. The hotel is quite pleasant and distinctive. Although quite hold they have done a good job keeping it clean and modern (as much as possible) with all the amenities available.
It is centrally located which is excellent which allows you walking distance to many of the wonderful things Bendigo have to offer.
This is quite good value for money
- Countrydiners2020
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We really wanted to love this hotel. A stunning venue with beautiful finishings. Food was great, not to mention the amazing garlic bread! Service was less than average, unfortunately. Not one staff member seemed like they wanted to be there. Personalities aside, some basic training wouldn’t go astray around greeting people at the door by the sign that says “please wait to be seated” instead of looking over a few times then yelling from behind the bar when there was no one else in the restaurant and serving some side plates for a shared entree and 4 people. We are huge for service and this place was just not it.
- Debra Butt
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Went to their Christmas lunch buffet with my partner today as a special celebration. The entry area was cramped as staff could not find some bookings in names to locate the right tables.
We both felt underwhelmed with the selection of food that was lukewarm at best it seemed. Our table was in a small lounge with two other tables and did give us a quiet area but was a long way to walk to the banquet hall. The service staff were lovely and friendly to everyone there however were not of a standard for this great venue
- Connor
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Went to Gold Dust last night with 2 other friends and as we entered the lounge I was quite astonished to see behind the bar working someone who is known for selling illegal substances. I was quite taken back and thought the venue would screen employees more thoroughly. My friends and I left immediately as we did not feel comfortable with the situation and unfortunately highly unlikely will return to venue again. Very disappointing.
# Just need to add the point of I actually posted this a few weeks ago but for some unknown reason didn't post properly and not showing up until now #
After seeing the response to my previous post by the owner I was quite pleased to see that my post was taken seriously and patrons were are priority for the Shamrock but after going out for dinner with my partner and going to the Shamrock after to have a quiet drink and dabble in the gaming I walked in to see the same person behind the bar working again. Obviously my post wasn't taken seriously and the venue is concerned about the type of people they employ and our safety definitely isn't of any concern to them. Once again myself and my partner left immediately and definitely won't be returning to the venue. Again, very disappointing.
- Carol Fordham
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We have just been here for the last two days, absolutely top customer service from all the staff. We were earlier than check in time and receptionist apologised, they offered to look after our luggage which was wonderful and then again today after checking out they did the same. Room was clean and very comfortable. Had breakfast this morning, again top service from all the staff especially Jarred. This will our go to place when next visiting Bendigo.
- Rituparna Chowdhury
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We had breakfast in this place. The food is basic seems they need some hands in the kitchen as it took more than 40 mins to bring the food in the table. The property is well maintained and worth a visit.
- Roz Schwenke
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We had a lovely lunch with friendly service. The food was very good. Lovely relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Bendigo.
- Jo Sibbison
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
We booked this accommodaton because the photos looked great, it was a piece of history. Unfortunately the room we were allocated was next to the stairs and not far from the elevator which sounded like a lion roaring. The room was very cramped, small and not very clean at all, the TV was old and the sound and picture was crappy. For $175.00 per night it is well and truly overpriced. We will not be back.
- Pat D
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
This was our second stay. We love this place…the location is fantastic! The rooms are very clean and well appointed. The bed was amongst the most comfortable of any place we’ve stayed at. Ask for a room off the main streets…we learned from our first visit. We had a double room (315) and it was excellent. There is a restaurant and a sports bar attached to the hotel. We enjoyed wine at the sports bar, but didn’t eat there. One can walk anywhere within the CBD. Ask the hotel for discounted parking at the council’s parking garage. We parked on the street and it was safe and just fine. Wifi is reliable and free. We highly recommend this place for its location and great value!
- Bilge Sahin
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Rude staff in the restaurant somewhat bothered with having to provide customer service. We waited 30 minutes for our coffee order and close to an hour for our breakfast
We watched other guests who arrived after us get their food, eat and leave. When we asked about our order we were told that they were understaffed.... no apology for the wait and arrogant rude mannerism which doesn't align with the rates charged for the experience. Stay at the hotel for awesome location but stay away from the restaurant.
- peter matheson
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Recently my wife Maggie and I had the absolute pleasure to stay at this iconic hotel overnight. Our stay was centred around a visit to the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Paris Exhibition which is currently featured. The Art Gallery is a short walk through the adjacent beautiful gardens. Having stayed at the Shamrock before we knew what to expect however we were once again amazed how beautiful this historic hotel is. Our room was warm, comfortable and spacious and and it’s presentation perfect The staff were helpful and charming. We dined in the street level bistro and enjoyed a quality meal at most reasonable prices. A good selection of wines and beer was also appreciated. A visit to the Shamrock (particularly during the current Paris Exhibition) is a ‘must do’. Off street secure parking is available right next door.
- Deborah Goodwin (Silasozzie)
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Pulled randomly into a street and walked into the first pub to pretty much avoid peak hours traffic in the pouring rain. Never been here before.
Ended up having a couple of drinks and dinner. The bar staff were exemplary, absolutely awesome people to chat with as well as ’hipster chef’
Jarryd is a lovely young man, very diligent about his job and a fabulous conversationalist. You can tell that the staff all get on well together and enjoy working at The Shamrock.
It’s a shame I don’t live in Bendigo. I’d be there all the time. 10/10 all round.
- Kev Barton
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
One of the BEST Stays we have had old world charm Great Staff excellent Food and easy walking distance to Bendigo Shopping District and Food outlets
- Liz W
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
My expectations were not met and sadly the establishment needs a bit of love put back into her. I wish I was warned to book the dining room for dinner. When I stepped in for a pre dinner drink I was then told that the Sports Bar was my only option. The Sports Bar was simply awful and just didn't suit the Shamrock. Bland and noisy and lacking in any nice space to sit. On the good side the bed was comfitable and the room clean. The windows could do with a clean. I shall stay elsewhere when I return to Bendigo as the Old Lady has lost her grandeur .
- andrew taylor
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
"Looking for a breakfast experience that'll leave your taste buds as sunny-side-up as your eggs? Look elsewhere! This place has mastered the art of overcooking eggs to a level that would make a rubber tire jealous. Seriously, if you want your eggs so well-done they could audition for a role in a hockey puck commercial, this is your spot. Just don't forget your dental insurance; you might need it to tackle those eggshells!"
- Irene Murdoch
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
I thought the Shamrock would be a lovely place for our USA family to have dinner on a Tuesday evening.
It was the worst meal we have had.
Service was ordinary. Ordered bitters lime and soda ...sorry out of bitters.
How could you run out of bitters?
Merlot.. what is a Merlot?
Ordered roast pork looked like it was left over from Christmas day.
Hamburger was nothing to write home about..
Daughter in laws meal never arrived.
As a local I was ashamed to be sitting close by with visitors from out of town town.
- susan lee
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Had lunch today the very nice friendly Lady who served us was very accommodating even though 1 order was messed up. The food was good but table was not cleared and sweets left for 15 mins before we collected them ourselves and then we were treated very badly by the young lady who dumped my plate on the table. One other table with 2 patrons and us very poor service shame had a lot going for it but it's what you expect from younger people who think they are owed by older people. You pay top dollar you expect courtesy.
- Briohny Mitchell
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Had been waiting all week to attend the re-opening of the Gold Dust lounge. They opened 5.30pm with live music from 7pm. Arrived at 7pm and we were the only two people there. Ordered a Prosecco and they didn’t have any. Said I would have any bubbles but they didn’t have any. Suggested they could get some from their main Shamrock bar but they told me they had no bubbles in the Shamrock. Which I find hard to believe and was annoyed as we were their only customers and they didn’t care. Anyway, had one beer, the music didn’t start at 7pm (probably because it was empty) so we left and went to another local venue with live music and Prosecco. Just a very disappointing experience, when we made the effort to go and the service was so average.
- Julie Dobbie
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
From entering the venue to leaving was a great experience. Staying one night and eating dinner. The receptionist was helpful and pleasant in the explaining car parking facilities The hospitality staff in the dining area were friendly and helpful. Jarrod and others went out of their way to assist us.
The food was delicious and the room was as clean and suitable.
We will return next year
- Susan Magar
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Comments re the Bistro
My husband & I went to the Bistro last week for dinner and we were very disappointed as it is a well known hotel. The service was slow and our meals were poor. Mine was cold (roast pork and vegetables) and some of the vegetables were raw such as the cauliflower and hardly any potatoes. We would never go again.
John & Susan
- Margareth L
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Booked 3 months prior, emailed hotel 1 mth prior and 1 day prior only to be called 1hr prior that they didn’t have the room booked. Also cold bkfast, people vaping in gold rush bar plus staff don’t do anything about drunks and spilt drinks, poor
- Isabella Harré
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Bec was super lovely and helped me with a surprise for my dad! Best service I’ve ever experienced. She went above and beyond (even on her lunch break). Blown away and can’t wait to stay at the Shamrock again.
- Michael Howard
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Beautiful hotel in the best location in Bendigo. The rooms could do with new carpet but that’s reflected in the price - I think it’s great value. Breakfast was surprisingly good and the staff were pleasant.
- Melissa Cole
20 Sat 2024 at 04.32 am
Accommodation is nice. Room is clean and decent size and you can’t beat the location. But our meal at the bistro was dreadful. Service was very slow and our steaks were basically inedible, the gravy was disgusting and the salad was just some undressed lettuce. They did bring dressing after we requested.
- Sarah