The Empyre Boutique Hotel

Absolutely stunning accommodation. Our hosts, Steve & Justin, were wonderful and made us feel welcome and like we were the only people staying. Nothing was too much trouble. Our room was immaculate and luxurious, and we loved Justin's charcuterie platter- yum! We can't wait to come back again.

We came back after three years and loved it even more. The modern touches the owners have made to the rooms and the public spaces are stunning. We also devoured a four course meal on the Saturday night offered to in-house guests. One of the best we have had for a very long time. The warmth of the owners and hospitality shown throughout our stay was impeccable. Thank you Justine and Steve and congratulations.

Justin and Steve were fabulous hosts who make a marvellous cocktail. Room spacious, sparkling clean and beautifully presented. The safe off street parking is terrific. Oh - and the breakfast. Yum. Could not decide whether Justin or Steve made the better coffee. Will need to return to find out! Well done guys. Super duper.

Gorgeous hotel that is beautifully decorated with an elegant mix of old meets new. Extremely comfortable room and top notch service from Steve. Can’t recommend highly enough. NB: Do yourself a favour and try the Malherbe on the cocktail menu. Delicious!

Thank you Justin and Steve for your hospitality last weekend at the Empyre. The Albion Suite, with it’s opulent decore and fire pace, provided a warm and charming escape from Melbourne. The deluxe charcuterie board made a delicious and substantial dinner. The evening was made complete with after dinner drinks in your beautiful sitting room by the fireplace. Breakfast the following day was superb and best coffee I have enjoyed in a long time. Can’t wait to return for another stay.
Jackie & Andrew

Pinnacle Accommodation of Castlemaine and Surrounds.
Enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Empyre Boutique Hotel last week in the spectacular Empyre suite. Beautiful classical building with just the right touch of modern chic and contemporary style. A lovely warm welcome by the owner / hosts Justin and Steve who were genuinely engaging to understand my needs, and provided some great recommendations on quality local wines. The room was lovely and spacious with amazing ornate furnishings, and opens onto a hug balcony with great views down the street over the town. There is also a beautiful little secluded courtyard in back area which is accessible for guests. Slept soundful and peacefully in the very comfortable (and sizable) bed. Location was ideal, at end of street providing seclusion, yet everything in town was just a short walk away. I LOVED the styling of the bar and carriageway and can’t wait for my next return to this high class establishment to enjoy a bottle (or two) of wine in the fantastic atmosphere the owners have created.

This boutique hotel is just exquisite and abound with old world charm, while juxtaposed with the owners contemporary flare. We were so warmly greeted upon arrival by Justin and Steve and entertained by their delightful company and amazing food and wine for the duration of our stay. We will definitely be booking another stay at this lovely establishment.

We just had the most wonderful time at this glorious hotel. The accommodation was spectacular and you will not want to leave your room. Dinner was amazing and pre dinner drinks in the lounge before is a must. I cannot praise the owners enough for thier hospitality and making us feel so welcome. We will be back and very very soon. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Glad we decided to stop in Castlemaine for the evening (with its charm) and in turn we found this gem. The owners have a keen eye for detail, the place was faultless. It was a shame the restaurant doesn't open on a Sunday... the menu looks delicious, however rest assured we will be back to try the menu, thank you to a wonderful host in Steve.. 10 Stars!

A very beautiful place to stay. Such attention to detail throughout the entire establishment creating a warm cosy and inviting ambience. The food and drinks were great as is the service from the staff. Castlemaine itself is a great little town to visit. Highly recommend.

Beautifully decked out, lovely food. Set menu with great options. Extensive wine list.... an intimate atmosphere; special occasion worthy, for sure! Thanks guys! Mum and I were delighted.

We came up from Melbourne on the train and had a wonderful 4 course lunch. Highly recommend. Next time we’re staying on, was a shame we couldn’t this weekend. Thanks for a great day! Oh did I mention how good the aperol spritz were? Too good😆

We’ve stayed in a fair few hotels in Australia & can honestly say Steve & Justin’s service, welcome, style, attention to detail & 4 course dinner was the best! Our iPhone charger was even delivered back to Melbourne after it was left behind in our room. Thank you guys & keep doing what you love :0)

What an absolutely stunning hotel in Castlemaine. Went there for work and was blown away, especially with an upgrade to one of their spectacular suites. Probably the loveliest room I've ever stayed in, with a delicious, home-cooked meal to top it off.

This place is just stunning. Steve and Justin are so friendly and so accommodating. Centrally located but nicely tucked away. If you are wanting to feel relaxed and in bliss whilst enjoying Castlemaine, this is the place to stay.

Amazing rooms - big comfy beds, storage for our clothing, tea and coffee making facilities and lovely bathroom. Thank you to our fantastic hosts - nothing was too much trouble.

Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! You will enjoy every moment staying at this hotel. It is beautifully appointed and the proprietors were very welcoming. Will definitely stay here again. Truly lovely!

Wonderful. Lovely staff, they took excellent care of us. Great coffee, some of the best I've had.

Facilities are well kept, the courtyard was nice and cool.

The Empyre is a delightful, boutique, period accommodation awaiting the weekend traveler just an hour out of Melbourne.
This charming olde worlde luxury hotel was built in the mid 1800s and has been expertly restored to it’s faithful early glory with some well integrated modernisation to make a guest’s stay most comfortable.
Our host was a congenial and patient gent - most gracious and hospitable, a perfect accompianment for this beautiful old building.
To quote an oft used colloquialism; “do yourself a favour”, drive over to Castlemaine and stay at the Empyre Boutique Hotel for a special taste of the Gold Rush days that built our most treasured towns.

Wonderful. It's like Hotel Coste opened an Australian hotel in Castlemaine. Beautiful comfortable rooms, modern bathrooms with quality toiletries. Great hospitality from the staff. Highly recommended.