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Craig's Royal Hotel

COST:

<p>Since 1853, Craig's Royal Hotel has anchored historic Lydiard Street in the town of Ballarat, about an hour northwest of Melbourne. The property's recent four-year, $3 million renovation erased years' worth of out-of-character add- ons, introducing a grandeur to the interiors that matches the elegant façade. In the 41 rooms, dropped ceilings were stripped back, revealing sweeping arches. Elsewhere, restored brickwork and uncovered marble fireplaces recall the high-flying times of Australia's Gold Rush era, when the hotel first opened, and have brought the property back to its original Victorian glory.</p>