Our Stay at Bendigo Ernest Hotel
In the early 1860s, Bendigo - then named Sandhurst - yielded more gold than anywhere else in the world. Selecting the site for the town’s newest bank building would have been a considered decision. Set slightly elevated on View Street, overlooking the town and Rosalind Park, this was a bank that was to have a prominent, commanding presence, a symbol of the region’s rapidly-growing wealth and global importance.
Today, the original Commercial Bank of Sydney houses the oldest banking chambers in Bendigo, and the city’s newest boutique hotel offering, Bendigo Ernest Hotel. Owners & hosts David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew have channelled their design skills and artistic flair into creating a luxury boutique hotel that’s truly worthy of international recognition.
Push open the heavy, original bank door and an elegant, quiet and retreat-like environment awaits, belying the imposing Victorian facade. A cleverly restrained, contemporary interior with designer elements and original artworks from David’s own collection, work in harmony with the building’s heritage features. Soft warm lighting, plush wool carpeting, luxurious textures like pure linen sheets and wool throws, velvet armchairs, and distressed leather sofas create an inviting feel.
Once the bank’s foyer area, the ground floor has been transformed into a relaxed space for guests, with striking arched windows and soaring ceilings. Behind the original iron bank vault door, encased in foot-thick brick & stone walls that used to house Bendigo’s gold, is now a secret guest lounge. Consisting of two small rooms with low, curved ceilings, pick-marked stone walls and flagstone floors, it’s so much more than a place to relax - these rooms are a living museum, with a unique atmosphere and deep sense of gold rush history.
A central cedar staircase leads to ten individual suites, each one unique, some with private balconies – and most have soaring ceilings, ample sunlight, king beds, designer furniture, and original Australian artworks. The attention to detail is obvious – an array of plush, jewel-coloured towels to complement the room’s colour scheme, lush fiddle-leaf figs and huge terrariums that bring the outside in, botanical Salus Body products, ceramics and quality stoneware, compostable coffee pods, complimentary sparking water & soft drinks, a selection of Australian magazines, and a curated guest library in the hall.
I stayed in Suite 10, named after artist Patrick Henigan, that features three of his significant artworks. More a large studio apartment than hotel room - with corner spa bath, and bay window overlooking established trees, heritage buildings and the iconic Alexandra Fountain, a Bendigo landmark built in 1881. David and Martin have keenly researched their hotel’s history, and I was interested to learn that Suite 10 was originally the bank manager’s housing quarters – standing at the window, it was easy to imagine him there, perhaps smoking a pipe and keeping a concerned eye out for a gold delivery, with the ever-present threat of bushranger robberies.
Breakfast at Bendigo Ernest Hotel is a real treat, and well worth the small additional cost - it’s as thoughtfully created as the hotel itself. There’s arguably the best croissants & pain au chocolat in Victoria - still warm from the oven - and house-made granola from Harvest Food & Wine, yoghurt with poached fruits from St David, Melbourne's only micro dairy, crumpets with locally-made preserves and butter, fresh seasonal fruit, and barista coffee made to your liking.
In the morning, you’re likely to want to stay in bed, cocooned in soft, washed linen and the most comfortable bed - but take a stroll through Rosalind Park and up to Poppet Hill lookout at sunrise, and you’re rewarded with magical views over the town. On your way back, walk down View Street and admire the architecture as stores & cafes open for the day.
It’s a short walk from the hotel to the Conservatory Gardens, with an ornate conservatory building dating to 1897. This is a special place to spend the afternoon - perfect for a picnic - surrounded by overflowing planter boxes and garden beds full of colourful dahlias bathed in golden afternoon sun. Afterwards, head back to View Street to sample regional wines at Wine Bank, then enjoy dinner at Borchelli Ristorante, both just across the road from your accommodation.
Every aspect of Bendigo Ernest Hotel is exceptional. But for me, the most special quality about this hotel is its atmosphere: elegant and upmarket, yet inclusive and welcoming. I’ve always thought true hospitality is about meaningful connection, and David & Martin have a genuinely kind and caring approach. The fact that the hotel is named after David’s grandfather, Ernest, is testament that this isn’t just another boutique hotel, but a deeply personal project. Together, they’ve created a wonderful regional escape that exceeded my expectations - and in terms of luxury, boutique accommodation, puts Bendigo firmly on the map.
Book direct and receive 5% discount off the room rate for 2+ nights - just mention Historic Stays.
