Six years ago, my love affair with the Denison began.
As a career counsellor for a hotel management educator. I travel the Queensland coast from SC to Cairns talking to school leavers about this industry and the career paths within it. My days are long and exhausting with multiple classes to speak with and often a lot of driving on the (seemingly never finished) Bruce Highway.
Arrival at the Denison is usually after hours for me and it is a simple process of obtaining a room key from the outdoor safe and escape to the sanctuary of my very large room at the back of the hotel (north-east corner).
Being a lover of old architecture, I am particularly fond of this building.Once the main administration building for the railways, it is situated in the light industrial area of Rockhampton where the trains leave the shunting yards.
Several years ago, now, the abandoned building was bought, completely gutted and beautifully refurbished as a boutique hotel. The furniture was imported from Indonesia in shipping crates and suits the scale of the rooms with their lofty ceilings(around 18').
All rooms have a large triangular spa bath/shower in the main room(not my preference, but its ok),separate loo, a large four poster King bad, armoire, incredibly comfortable couch, desk etc. There are good tea and coffee making facilities.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and is a communal affair in the large airy reception room. Cooked breakfast is available and tables are shared by guests.
One disappointment(not the Denison) The Great Western Hotel across the road has steaks , salads etc. It used to be good value. Was taken over a couple of years ago and 'jazzed up' by the new management and prices were raised. The food is still quite good but $37 for a pub main course is too steep. Rodeos here every week if that appeals to you. I go and have a squizz at practice night(free) to see the cutest kids in 2 gallon hats trying out riding very confused calves! Not a rodeo person but impressed by families and togetherness of this community.
What is it about the Denison?
1.History
It's charming in a grand-old-lady way. I am not a train buff at all but I am endlessly drawn to the sound of the massive freights leaving the yards on their long, long road north and clanking quietly over the junctions near the front of the hotel. They are travelling so slowly and make very little noise, but it is a reminder of the vastness of this country and its reliance on rail.
2. Staff.
Staff are everything in the hotel business. Samantha, Helga and the staff are friendly, efficient and their service skills are wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
3. Ambience.
I have said it before and will say it again. You can keep the impersonal glass towers.
The Denison, is not perfect, but with its history, charm and magnificent staff has had my custom for six years and will continue to do so if they will have me.
See you in late July Samantha:)