The Criterion Hotel, sited on the corner of Tyne and Harbour Streets is often described as the ‘flagship’ of Oamaru’s famous historical precinct. William Gillespie commissioned the building to be built in 1877; he went on to own the Hotel for four years The Hotel was designed by architects Forrester and Lemon. Architects who also designed many other buildings in Oamaru at the time. It clearly emits a Victorian Italianate style.
In 2012, Sally-Ann Donnelly acquired the building and has been renovating the interior a great deal. The building is now serving as a Bar and Hotel once again, with refurnished rooms and all day menus available. There is also function hire capabilities
We have eight upstairs rooms available, together with a breakfast room. These are the only rooms located in the heart of the historical precinct, the perfect place for tourists to stay in order to visit more of Oamaru's attractions.