Heritage Hotel Motel Dorrigo — Hotel in Dorrigo

I stayed here recently in the motel units at the back of the hotel with a group of 11. We arrived just after sunset and made our way to the bar to check in. The guy behind the bar never welcomed any of us, was grumpy and it all seemed a little too much. We just spent nearly $1000 on accommodation. Questions to him about the dining room were also causing him to be rude and unhelpful. Just go and see them in there was his reply. Down to our rooms we went to discover two rooms didn't have power. Back up to the bar, and down he came in the dark to the main switch board to turn the power on. He didn't come and tell us when this was done, just too much trouble. Showered and refreshed we all went to the bar, now 7pm. During our second round of drinks he informed one of our party that we need to order dinner as the kitchen will be closing soon. We moved into the dining room and promptly ordered, now 7.30pm. Drinks can't be ordered from the dining room. Two bottles of wine were bought from the public bar. Meals arrived and were all nice, finished our meals, and two of us went to the public bar for two more bottles of wine to finish off dinner. Now 8.05pm. To our astonishment all stools had been placed on the bar, the barman on the other side ignoring us. A female employee was standing at the bar waiting for him to finish up. I enquired as to whether we could could purchase two bottles of wine to take back to our rooms, keeping in mind it was the third state of origin game. Answer was nup, tills been done. We spent $2000 between the eleven of us. We won't be back to Dorrigo to stay. Armidale or Bellengen will do thankyou. NB, there were only four locals drinking in the bar that night which we thought was strange, now...

Have to say we were hugely disappointed - it was gorgeous outside but only ordinary inside. Don't stay or eat here if you are hoping for classic country pub and value. Full-on heritage outside but much of that was stripped out or was just very tired on the inside. Public bar looks like it is was re-done in the 60's and is ripe for heritage restoration or an update. Not very inviting, 1 beer was enough. There was no lounge bar or equivalent. Rooms were expensive and VERY tired. But they were clean. Breakfast was included in the room rate but it was ABYSMAL - instants coffee, sugary cereals, rotting fruit (literally) and toast etc. The bistro is highly rated "Voted Best Dining North Coast 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022" but I cannot see why and maybe there has been a change in the restaurant's direction. Our meals were only ordinary (Salt & Pepper Prawns w Calamari and Grilled Barra). Maybe we should have tried the steaks but they were pricey even by capital city standards. There was a large selection but there no clear online opinion of which dishes they excel in. The wine list is nothing to write home about but prices looked ok.

We were hoping for a thought we paid enough to stay at a classic country pub and instead got tired roadside...

Awesome meal every time, quickly cooked which works well when doing lunch. Perfectly cooked steak. Recommend highly.

Revised after last visit I go here often for my lunch driving through, so I decided to take my flat mate for a drive on a Sunday saying how great it was, unfortunately she made the mistake of asking what is on the chicken schnitzel burger, she was abruptly told "Isn't it on the board? (Which it isn't) It's got like chicken burger stuff on it!" I myself ordered the Angus steak meal "which steak? There are a couple on the board!" Well no, there is one, there is a rump steak sandwich "Well what do you want?" The Angus steak on the menu. Okay so you want the Cape Byron angus steak!?" Yep, the only Angus or steak meal for that matter on the menu, I really loved this place as I grew up in this town. Food was great as always but we felt uncomfortable during our meal as this lady was rude and confused by the most simple of requests. Tallawood cafe across the road may be a better option. Reduced from four stars to two based on...