What springs to mind when you think of good olā fashioned Aussie pub accommodation?
Those Colonial times where travelers would pay in chickens for a bed for the night?
Or do you imagine backpackers, squeaky bunk beds and peeling 80ās wallpaper?
Maybe you think rowdy establishments with live music that shake the floorboards of the room youāve got above the bar?
Guess what? Times have changed, and pub accommodation is the only way to go if you want budget prices for contemporary, clean and stylish accommodation, previously only associated with hotel chains.
If youāve never given a pub stay a go, here are 7 things that might surprise you about this type of accommodation:
1. Choice
No two pubs are the same. From heritage listed to boutique, from modern contemporary to a budget friendly inn, Australiaās pub accommodation is diverse and unique. Youāre bound to find a room to suit your needs, with many offering family rooms, twin rooms for travelling mates, queen or doubles for couples- some even have connecting rooms for peace of mind like Acacia Ridge Motel.
2. Rooms
Pubs have certainly stepped up their game in terms of dĆ©cor and style to contend with other accommodation options. With higher-end pub rooms like The Bridgeview Hotel, itās not unusual to see tasteful art on the walls and matching modern furniture. Some even boast ensuite bathrooms.
There are also those inner city funky pub rooms, dressed to impress with definite themes like The Darlo Bar.Ā Room amenities may include flat screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities and fresh linen. Some even give a daily room service.
Of course, with more of the budget pub rooms, expect to find shared bathrooms and standard amenities. The joy is, itās totally up to you, your price range and requirements for your stay.
3. Food
Who needs to leave the confines of the Aussie pub when you have a bistro right there on premises? Never discount the pub menu as many, like The Charing Cross, have award winning dishes on offer- whether a traditional chicken parmy or a fancy gastro- pub entrĆ©e! Youād be surprised by some of the amazing and often international chefs that call a pub kitchen home.
4. Hospitality
One thing hasnāt changed from the good old days and thatās the local hospitality. Australian country pubs are especially known for their warm welcome and friendly staff who canāt do enough for you. If you hang around the bar at The Ulmarra or the Gunnedah Hotel youāre bound to hear a few yarns from the locals too, which adds to the whole pub experience. Letās face it, you wonāt get to hear about Robboās 200-pound Marlin he just caught if you stay at The Hilton.
5. Everything all under one roof
Many pubs are now classified sports bars too, like The Steyne in Manly or the Southern Cross Hotel in St Peters, so you can multi task to the max by watching the footy, having a cold one, smashing a shnitty and maybe even partaking in a little pub trivia while youāre at it. Thereās always something happening at a pub night, youāll never be bored or need to leave!
6. Price
When you stay in the city, you expect to pay city prices for accommodation. Not with pubs! With this type of room, you get bang for your buck – meaning more change in your back pocket for your city break frivolities. The Glasgow Arms Hotel in Ultimo, The Crown Hotel in Surry Hills, and The Criterion in Sydney CBD are prime examples of amazing Sydney budget rooms right in the heart of the city.
7. Location Location!
Whatās great about a pub stay is you can find them in the country as well as the city. There are numerous coastal pubs, offering sea views like Bermagui Beach Hotel in Bermagui, country gems in the mountains like The Gardners Inn Hotel in Blackheath, pubs with lake views like the Lakes and Ocean in Forster, pubs in the ski fields like Banjos in Jindabyne pubs in rural towns like The Amaroo Dubbo and little pubs full of character and history that make great pit stops on a road trip like Peel Inn in Nundle or The Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay.
City pubs also stretch far and wide, from CBD favourites like The Crown Hotel to suburban hotels that have a loyal clientele like The Grand Rockdale. Youāre sure to find pub accommodation wherever you need it from Bunbury to Batemans Bay.
Whatever your after, Aussie pub accommodation offers a truly unique point of difference to your average Hotel accommodation, B&B stay or even short-term rental accommodation.
Why not give it a go? you’ll find their friendly hospitality, range in comfort and bedding options, food and beverages, local atmosphere, and the vibrant people of course! plus, you may even be able to catch your favourite sporting team on the big screen, have a go at some trivia or even catch a live gig, maybe try your luck at some keno! You can get a vibe of the town your staying in.
Have you ever stayed in a pub? Let us know about your experience and if you’d give it another go.