Oscar's Hotel & Cafe Bar

Business Details

Luxury Boutique Hotel & Restaurant in Ballarat

Oscar's Hotel & Cafe Bar is a privately owned and operated establishment rooted in Ballarat's rich history. Originally established as the Criterion Hotel during the gold rush era, our property has undergone extensive refurbishment to become an iconic destination blending heritage charm with contemporary design. We offer 13 boutique-style guest rooms, three versatile function spaces, and a modern Australian restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Our team takes pride in delivering exceptional service complemented by state-of-the-art facilities, including free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and onsite parking. Recognised through multiple regional hospitality awards, we specialise in creating memorable experiences for both leisure and corporate guests seeking premium accommodation and dining in Ballarat's cultural heart.

Services

Boutique Accommodation Conference Facilities Restaurant Event Spaces Free WiFi Onsite Parking Room Service Wedding Venues

Highlights and features

Over 150 years of hospitality heritage in Ballarat
Award-winning regional dining and event facilities
Fully serviced boutique rooms with modern amenities
Three unique function spaces for weddings and conferences
Central location near Ballarat's top tourist attractions

What people say

Exceptional service Modern amenities Prime location Award-winning dining Historic charm

Website

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Services

Boutique Accommodation

Our 13 modern boutique rooms combine contemporary design with historical elements. Each en-suite room features premium amenities, daily housekeeping, and free WiFi. Located in Ballarat's heritage precinct, guests enjoy stylish comfort within a restored 19th-century building.

Conference Facilities

We offer three dedicated event spaces for corporate functions, including the Long Room and Atrium. Facilities include audio-visual equipment, catering options, and flexible seating arrangements for up to 150 guests. Packages range from basic hire to fully serviced events.

Restaurant

The all-day restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine using local Ballarat produce. Open seven days for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with room service available. The menu features gluten-free and vegan options alongside classic pub fare with a contemporary twist.

Wedding Venues

Our Garden Room and Atrium provide elegant settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Packages include venue styling, catering, and accommodation for wedding guests. The historic setting combines with modern amenities to create memorable celebrations.

Event Spaces

Three versatile spaces accommodate events from 10 to 150 guests. The glass Atrium, Garden Room, and Long Room host weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Each includes catering options, AV equipment, and dedicated event coordination services.

Questions

What room types are available?

We offer Studio Rooms, Executive Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Deluxe + Bath Rooms, all with en-suite facilities and modern amenities.

Can I host a conference at Oscars?

Yes, we have three function spaces with capacities up to 150 guests, including audio-visual equipment and catering options for corporate events.

Are there dining options onsite?

Our restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine daily from 9am, with gluten-free and vegan options available.

Is parking available?

Free onsite parking is provided for all accommodation guests with limited spaces available.

How close are local attractions?

We're within walking distance of Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and Eureka Centre, with most attractions under 10 minutes away.

Do you have event packages?

We offer tailored packages for weddings and conferences including venue hire, catering, accommodation, and event coordination services.

Reviews (6)

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Chin Zhi Hui

Jan 20, 2022 Report

Had a happy American Mexican meal at the restaurant. Portions were big (3 dishes for 4 humans were sufficient for us) and the food was good. but the spice level has been tuned down to meet the needs of the typical clientele.

Leah Day

Jan 14, 2022 Report

They seem to be one of the only restaurants in Springdale still open in the winter. It was very crowded but we had only about a ten minute wait. The service was quick. The food was delicious and we also enjoyed the sangria! We also thought it was cute they had a little free library outside!

Srdjan Pantic

Dec 28, 2021 Report

Only place opened on Christmas Eve in city. So best place in city of course. For today at least. Other than that it look more like cantina then restaurant. They do have big menu, but waitress where not very attentive. I got pork burrito instead of chicken and chorizo one I ordered. It was ok at least.
Pulled pork was good according to my son. My wife had cheese quesadilla which looked (and tasted) more like modern pesto pizza (no tomato). To annoy my wife I ordered Vulcan brownie which was humongous. I took majority for go.

Preeti D.

Dec 26, 2021 Report

Food tastes good and portions are ginormous. But, you will get each dish with a twist. The quesadilla is more like a thin crust pizza, the burger is a bit dry. The enchiladas taste good. Service is excellent.

Chantel Parry

Nov 28, 2021 Report

It was a beautiful relaxing atmosphere with a beautiful meal. We left extremely full and satisfied. Would highly recommend.

Tfs- Thriftyfoodscientist

Nov 28, 2021 Report

We ate all of our meals(2 breakfast and 2 dinners) here and all of them were absolutely awesome. We had huevos rancheros, Belgian waffles, Popeyes omelette for breakfast. And for dinner we tried cod tacos, enchiladas, tamales and portobello Salad. All of them were really nice only small issues such as the cod was so crispy that it might have left some scabs in my mouth but i am not complaining since i happen to like crispy. And the tamales were a little on dry side. But overall really good menu, good food and good vegetarian options too.