Doing the Otago Central Rail Trail on a budget? Then be sure to put the fully licensed Criterion Club Hotel on top of your accommodation list.
One of Alexandra’s original main street hotels, the Criterion, ‘Middle Pub’ to locals, caters to both backpackers and budget travelers. The ground floor provides backpacker seven-bed dormitory style accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.
Upstairs is a step up to a range of budget accommodation options that include single, double and twin rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms are clean and basic with comfortable beds, fresh linen and in several, television. Upstairs guest facilities include a fully equipped kitchen complete with dishwasher and there’s also a comfortable lounge for resting saddle-sore bottoms.
The pub’s ‘Legends Restaurant’ is reputed to serve the best cod in town! There’s a sunny beer garden and the main bar with TAB betting facility and pokies has a welcoming environment. The Criterion Club’s location couldn’t be more central to the shopping and entertainment heart of Alexandra.
Why the ‘Middle Pub’? There was a time when the Criterion was the second of three pubs in a row. Over the road was the Bendigo, demolished in 2001 as part of Alexandra’s flood protection scheme, and just up the street another hotel that today is The Fat Badger Bar & Restaurant. |
