Play Pokies at The Empire Hotel Queenstown

I had a good stay . Food was great . Room basic but clean . Shower was good . Warm water and good water pressure . Locals and staff in pub were great . They even offered to lock my motorcycle in bottle shop for safe keeping . Good experience I love old hotels with character and creacky floors ❤️❤️

Kristy was fantastic - she got us a table quickly on a busy night and provided great, no-fuss service. She was efficient and straight to the point, which we appreciated.

However, the younger waitstaff could improve their communication with customers. For example, when kids order ice cream sundaes, they should be asked about toppings rather than receiving plain ice cream by default. I asked if toppings were available, and the waitress said, "You need to order it with toppings." But how would I know that without being told?

Similarly, when I ordered nuggets, the menu stated they came with tomato sauce. When I asked for sauce, the waitress said I needed to order it at the bar - even though the menu indicated it was included. I went to the bar, and Kristy ended up going into the kitchen to get it. The waitress responsible was working in the same area, so this could have been handled more smoothly.

Overall, Kristy's great service stood out, but a little more attention to detail and communication from the other staff would really elevate the experience.
Overall great meal but the desserts (chocolate pudding, sticky date and pavlova) need major improvements (frozen strawberries, and puddings were dry and hard.
Loved the staircase!

The restaurant and staff really need a shake up and rejuvenation.
We dined early on Saturday night before a show at the Paragon and to say it was underwhelming would be a compliment.
Staff barely interested in being there, half the menu not available and the dining room very dark and overheated.
Ordered the safe bet we thought, with steaks and identical meals to make it easy on kitchen.
Meals came out and waitress thumped them down on the table so hard I thought the plate might break.
We ordered porterhouse steaks with vegetables, medium rare with mushroom sauce and chips extra on one.
Steak plonked on top of some of the saddest chips to have ever come out of a kitchen and although we both ordered the same cut and cook way, one steak looked liked a porterhouse in size and was medium / well and the other steak which looked like a scotch in size and shape, however it was cooked to order.
Salad was dumped on my plate when I ordered veg and chips extra and ended up with one small bland overcooked piece of brocolli and one undercooked piece of cauliflower, no carrots, mash or beans etc.
The mushroom sauce was watery, tasteless and bland also.
The steak just tasted like a burnt grill with little to no meat flavour.
At + each, these meals were embarrassing to say the least and as we were time poor, couldn't afford a refire.
Staff didn't come near any of the tables in the room to ask or see if meals were of acceptable levels either and the dining room was far from busy.
Having dined at a pub in Wynyard just 2 nights earlier and having almost the same meal for half the price and having that satisfy in everyway, just shows chefs here with no heart in what they are cooking and plating and wait and bar staff not wanting to be there and management seriously taking the piss.
You want locals to dine here often and return and also tourists to rave about their meals, then listen and do better.
I don't think I would eat here again and have found much better offerings in Queenstown sadly.
You've got several places doing customer service, food and value well in town, sadly Empire isn't one I would suggest.

Beautiful old hotel, very interesting history with it's feature staircase. Food and drinks were great. Room was very well renovated and comfy. Perfect location if your doing the train.

Pleasantly surprised! We enjoyed our double room (ensuite). Rooms were spotless and the bathroom was recently renovated. The only comment I have is the continental breakfast should include some canned peach or pear to have with your cereal / toast.