Hotel had a lot of historical character and was in a great downtown location. We rate the hotel in part because of historical character.

Liked the building. Didn't like having no curtain (hard to have that with no curtain rod) on window. Stayed two nights and complained both times to different staff to no avail. Did like the breakfast. Lamb meal at $25 ran out so had to have an average (my medium rare steak turned out medium) steak meal at $44 which is expensive.

Quaint country hotel with a touch of nostalgia. Late check in was easy. My teenage daughter enjoyed seeing the original staircase and the display of old furniture, lounges, desk and typewriter etc. Enjoyed dinner and the complimentary continental breakfast in the dining room. The laminated placemat of the hotels history was a nice touch. Our room was adequate and the bathroom was recently renovated which was nice. Would have liked a pedestal fan as the room was a bit stuffy and the window rattled all night. Plus probably a little unsafe being on the second storey with no fly screen and as the door couldn’t be left open and the ceilings are high, the cool air outside didn’t have much affect. Did appreciate the large mugs for our tea/coffee and my daughter had her own space which was nice. Staff very accommodating and friendly. Conveniently next door to Queenstown train station for tourists which we also enjoyed the next day.

The Empire carries so much history. The Blackwood balustrade is amazing. There is such a feeling of majesty about the place. .

Not just a pub, my stay here exceeded my expectations.

We stayed there just for a night but felt like we should have stayed for 3. Nice hotel inside and out- and very friendly and accommodating staff. With a touch of history, and with a feel of elegance, this hotel is a true holiday palace. Superb.

Friendly and helpful staff.

The room we were allocated was so small there was not enough floor space to open our small cases so we were offered a larger room which was OK.

Good for one night stay.

This hotel has lots of history and character.

Room was very small. No tv and our heater was not working properly. By the time we went to have a shower the water was lukewarm. Meals were very nice and we had a continental breakfast which was good

I enjoyed my stay. It’s my kind of hotel. Character and some real history. I look forward to coming back.

I noticed ,when they started updating the place( huge task), they started with the bathroom facilities and they did a stunning job ! So for me the most important part is done already, so I didn't mind the room not beeing perfect. Everything was clean and we were very well looked after. I definitely would go there again !

Room was dark & dingy, carpet dirty, light switches didn't work, no towel rails or shelves. Overpriced.

Impressive and prominent with a lot of history attached. Well worth a visit and stay particularly for the rail buff, right opposite the station.

low interaction with staff… didn’t see anyone really other than the barmaid at check in.. & cleaner at Checkout! But all in all.. OK.. am I tweeting historic building worth a stay… I really could have been anybody walking in off the street.. they wouldn’t know… as o wasn’t checked for I’D

The Empire has a great country feel, the location is superb, the staff are awesome, the food is always superb, rooms are great, clean, quiet, and well-appointed. Perfect spot for a relaxing visit to a great part of the world.

This place has a long history ( for Oz) Lots of rustic charm with the decor being kept period

Room not much bigger than a cell,no window.

Only complaint would be that our room did not have aircon and not having any windows it was a little stuffy.

Room was quite small and stuffy, and in need of remodeling. No window or other connection to the outside world. No A/C, just a pedestal fan with a missing switch knob. The lobby is lovely, old woodwork, but the room was below par.

Beautiful old Historic Hotel.

Old-style charm. Comfortable bed. I would have preferred a room with a bathroom, but the compensation was a lower price. Furnishing was sparse. I'll go there again.

Room and bed was terrible for the $150 a night. Ordered three things off the menu before there was one available and when we got it it was wrong. Service in bar was an inconvenience to the staff.

Not happy to have a room without a window

Very interesting property but not very good value for money. Service was minimal.

We are a family of 4 and there was no fan or aircon in the room. Floors did not appear to have been properly vacuumed. Suspect the room is not used very often. Bunk beds flopped from side to side. Staff took us to the room via the smoking area, rear loading dock and fire escape. We didnt see if fit for a family to stay in, so left and found other accommodation.

Nice stay in a historic hotel in the town centre. Room was clean with basic amenities, and we enjoyed the styling. The simple complementary breakfast was enjoyable.

Dirty tissues behind "box/bedside table", room tiny, 2 multi power boards, instead of power points. Bathroom badly designed. 1 metal chair in room - no room for this really or anymore. Staff unhelpful. Told need to book for the dining room, but when arrived for the booked time, advised that kitchen/dining room not working so best to go elsewhere. No assistance as to where we could go. Upon our return, dining room with large groups of guests enjoying dinner!

Very ordinary room. Bed and chair. No tv no aircon no window screens.

Love the history of the Hotel and grand stairway