Imperial - Maitland, New South Wales

J F.

Went for dinner with a group of 10. We were told there’d be a 50-minute wait — fine, we were willing to be patient. But after waiting 1 hour and 20 minutes, the food started coming out in random, inconsistent intervals. Some people finished their meals while others were still sitting there with empty plates. Not great for a group dinner.

To make matters worse, one meal was completely forgotten and only came out after we followed it up ourselves.

And then there was the schnitzel. $30 for a schnitzel with gravy — and it arrived looking like it had been pulled out of a deep fryer and left to drown in oil. It was genuinely disgusting (photo attached). Inedible. We had to ask for a refund, which we thankfully received.

With exorbitant prices, poor service, forgotten meals, and a chaotic kitchen, this was easily one of the worst pub dining experiences we’ve ever had. We won’t be back.

Alanna M.

I've been to the Imperial a couple of times now. Bar staff are friendly and helpful. Decor and atmosphere are great. I especially love their winter soup on the specials board at the moment. Thai Red Curry Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Bread. It's a must every time I'm there. Absolutely delicious! 😋

Melissa L.

Would love to talk to the owner I paid $350 for 3 nights and expect it be worth the price I paid for, I get the whole you get what you pay for just that I have stayed at better for that price with the same 3 nights stay.
I checked in early with my son but was spoken to really rudely a few times in person and over the phone.
No one helped me work out how to leave the motel so I had to find out myself as I was using the pub entrance.
We got offered room 8 which we were welcome to a leaky tap and the door had about 5 holes (which later after using the toilet they just stuck a few little chux pieces in the holes, the door wouldn’t lock so we got upgraded to room 1a which had a few problems itself (the rack on the wall was coming off, no fly screens in the windows, drawer knob was off and only had a screw in place, a bit of cupboard door frame was coming off exposing nails, the balcony door was unlocked no way to lock it, the main door had one hole in it and the bottom of the door had a gap)
I expected a room with a bathroom but as advised but it didn’t, kitchen area was okay but was confused, first shower we had it had no hot water, it was okay but water got everywhere, not enough hooks to place towels.
We had one other guest open our door with a keycard which was very unsettling at 9pm
We came back from an outing to the main door unlocked, key card didn’t work 2 times so had to get replacement ones.
Loud music which wasn’t advertised when I booked it when on for a few hours as well as loud talkers.
When asked when the restaurant was open they said 2:30 which was around the time I asked so me and my very hungry son had to find another place to eat. When going to the bathroom near the stairs it wouldn’t flush properly.
Also like to add this place has stairs no elevator.
I picked this place thinking it was perfect for my autistic son and I stay at while we were in town it wasn’t. I don’t do confrontation which is why I didn’t speak up at the time as well as my son doesn’t do well with yelling and he was always with me. I had to video chat my son on his iPad anytime I left the room to use the bathroom as I didn’t feel safe enough to leave him unattended.
Not safe for kids at all. Felt very unease and could barely sleep.

Teza M.

My first visit to the imperial, and I was surprised at how tight the venue was. Not a lot of room to move. The food was good, and they are good supporters of live music. Lots of young people cutting loose. All in all a pretty good vibe.

Margaret S.

Staff great. Please fix leaky taps! Room 8 cold water turned off so tight i couldn't budge it but dripped constantly. Same with kitchen sink. Very water wasteful

Rachel F.

Our friend was told music went on until midnight, we weren’t . I wish it was only until then . 01.30 then then punters chatted loudly until 02.00.
Come on guys hotel or music bar not both! Wouldn’t have stayed here if realised
To add to it all not en suite- really tiny discripter in ad talking about shared bathroom- prob wouldn’t have stayed if know. Dorm bathroom where despite pressing button in ladies shower room ( think some blokes had showered there earlier), couldn’t get showers water hot but cold shower at least stirred me as I was knackered. Husband also had cold shower
Finally tea and toast available but right outside our room. The guys talked loudly from 07.15
Clean sheets , good bed though. Shame was restricted in actually sleeping it in
Would not recommend unless you want to be listening to music etc until wee small hours
If could would give Zero stars
No idea why it has the high score rating it does
Possibly worst hotel stayed in for years

Greg E.

Service was pleasant. The bar area is very modern, the meals are good. The room is cosy, the place is very clean.

NM D.

FALSE & DECEITFUL ADVERTISEMENTS!
Promoted St.Patricks Day event, advertised cocktails, Irish music, Irish entertainment, karaoke, best dressed prizes, Irish bands etc.... All that was advertised was a lie ! There was nothing happening, not even music, not one bit of Irish decoration.
This pub is the most boring dead hole !

Asked for a Leprachaun cocktail, to be told there is no Irish cocktails, even though they were advertised !

Cancelled our room due to it being absolutely filthy, and full of pizza boxes, rubbish and wet dirty towels. More false advertising ! The website states rooms are spotlessly clean !