The Astra Hotel

What an amazing meal. We went to the Astra because it was dog friendly- the only place we could find. We were greeted warmly by a lovely staff member. We asked for recommendations and her response was that you can’t go wrong, no matter what you choose! How right she was! Our entrees of spring rolls, followed by perfectly cooked lamb rump and their signature dish of Don Carlo were sensational - up there with anything we have had when dining out before. Congratulations Astra and staff. We highly recommend this venue.

The Astra is the real deal. A generous comfy room with the bonus of the biggest cast iron balcony in Broken Hill. The staff were warm and the atmosphere was quiet. The experience made our visit to broken hill authentic.

The short story: The manger, Scott, is the let down for the rest of the staff here. The rooms, are big, but it’s noisy and the bed is really not comfortable. Greeted by a lovely woman at the bar when I went to check in (reception desk sign says to proceed to the bar). The manager had “just stepped out” (he walked past me as I walked in the door with my bags). Once he was back, no attempt at hospitality at all. The bartender told me I get 10% off with my room key on food and drink, Scott doesn’t mention this at check-in though. The rooms are nice. Heritage like. But the bed is awful. The room also faced a balcony , not in use by bar patrons on this stay, but would be an issue if you wanted to sleep and the bar was open with guests up there. The shower reached the bottom of my neck (I’m 6 foot), and it makes this screeching noise the entire time you shower. The street noise was unbearable. Cars revving and racing, and local homeless (??) screaming at the top of their lungs. I woke up every hour either from being uncomfortable or from noise outside the hotel. First night dinner was mediocre, the fine dining restaurant being closed (btw, the fine dining restaurant is fantastic, you should go here, if they don’t close due to low booking numbers). The casual dining was below average. I had a nasi goreng, which except for chilli, has NO flavour. I thought I had covid and had lost taste, I mean no flavour at all. I also ordered two grey goose martinis extra dry, that tasted like vermouth. The next night, I ordered the same to drink, and was told they don’t have grey goose. I said “I wonder what I had last night” and the bartender, manager, reception (Scott) came out and said a martini is with Bombay and vermouth, not grey goose, and pointed to “martini” on their drink menu. I tried to explain martinis, but quickly gave up, as Scott didn’t really care, and just wanted to argue with a customer about what I’d ordered vs what I got. I spent the rest of my meal listening to him shout to staff what able to seat guests at. The chicken schnitzel was ok, typical pub grub. The rest of the staff are very nice. I heard one tell an older gentleman and his middle aged son how much she enjoyed talking to them, and thanking them for their stay. The others are friendly, call you love and doll, and are attentive. The cafe in the morning is staffed by two lovely women, the coffee was delicious, and the bacon and egg roll with hollandaise was very nice. I wouldn’t come back, except for the fine dining restaurant. I’d stay at Ibis Styles or Red Earth, my usual places when I’m here a week or two a month for work. Unfortunately, they were full when I only had two days notice to book.

If you require parking arrive early as limited. Spacious room, downstairs breakfast bar available with dining room for dinner. Easy to reach centre of town as on the main drag. Large spacious bed with access to open verandah.

Had tasty meal at Astra on a cold Sunday evening. Enjoyed the food, of course - a tasty beef curry and an old favourite, Parmagiana. The standout was the personal touch of the engaging manageress. Thanks

we went out for lunch for mums birthday horrible service staff yelling at each other. lady behind the counter had a sour attitude, staff talking to other staff horribly over priced for what you get not quality at all nothing seems fresh, young girl did her best to accommodate us

We stayed here for one week and were treated very well by owner, Mary Anne and staff. Our room was large and very comfortable. Cleaned daily and well appointed. Large balcony and parking available, although limited. Central location. Would recommend a stay here at The Astra.

Lots of hotel choice in BH but on the whole happy with the Astra. Room, while a little dated in places, was very large and spotless. Liked extensive tea/coffe/milk supplies as well as other items in bathroom. Service was a little patchy having to find someone to check us in on a Sunday night. This impression of a need for more work in public areas supported by glasses left uncollected on the first floor veranda as well as as dire need for new carpet/paint in the corridors. Great pity as this hotel is well equipped with a bar/restaurant downstairs and pizza restaurant next door - which served excellent pizza. We were able to park in the hotels small car park to the side. Alternatively street parking for 2 hours during the day is available outside.

The staff were really friendly. Dogs allowed at outside tables so my pooch didn't have to wait in the car again after a lot of travelling earlier in the day. I had the BBQ chicken pizza which was loaded with topping. I highly recommend.