Travel frequently for work and this has to be one of the most disappointing visits I have had to Townsville... I had been looking forward to staying having received a great room rate and belonging to such a reputable brand .. However my visit was awful!
Staff were rude, short tempered and lacked genuine concern for their guests. The hotel has a total 'shut down' between the hours of 10pm and 7am! That's right you cannot enter or exit the hotel between those hours! They lock the doors and the carpark....
My work often involves starting my day early (4-5am) and I was told point blank by the 'upstart' night manager that he was not authorized to open the doors or the Campark outside these hours....wtf??
After a lengthy 'discussion' he finally relented and the informed me ' it was company policy to keep area closed of between the specified hours and any future requests for 'early release' would be declined as he was breaching guidelines??"
In addition to this strange regulation, rooms are antiquated and tired looking, renovations are nothing more than touch up reprint work to cover stains and damage in bathrooms. Rooms have a constant musty smell and linen was not only damaged (holes and tears in pillowcases and sheets) but was also stained...
As a solo business traveller I often utilize room service and the menu for this was inaccurate and extremely limited... I called to place an order and was then informed the guest book outlining room service menu was redundant and a small selection of food displayed on a piece of cardboard was all that they offered (literally 4 selections of mains, none of which came with vegetables, when I requested some they seem surprised by my request?? And promotely declined it!)
I'm scheduled to return to Townsville again next week and will definitely NOT be returning..

Located in the trendy area of South bank Townsville and close to pubs and cafes. Whilst on business, I have stayed in a few hotels in town and this is the best value for money having booked a room for under $100. The hotel is an original in the area but the rooms have been renovated and include comfortable bed and furnishings. Being an older hotel the walls are better insulated and I didn't hear peep from the neighbours. There is small bar and restaurant with comparable prices.
Basically at this price it's a winner and I will be back.

My Company made a 3 night booking for me prior to my checking of the hotel on Trip Advisor
therefore I was a little apprehensive about what I would find.
Shouldn't have worried as it was fine, sure it's a little dated and in need of a refurbishment which I understand is underway, but the bed was super comfortable and clean as was the bathroom and rest of the room which is spacious.
I turned the air con off during the night as I found it a little noisy but that's a minor problem.
The yound lady at check in was very friendly and polite as were all the staff I happened to come in contact with.
The hotel is close to several restaurants should one chose not to eat at the hotel which I did find a bit expensive, but the breakfast (which was included in the reasonable rate) was plentiful, fresh and tasty.

I will be returning to Townsville next month on business for a week and have asked my Company to book me into Rydges again.

I just spent two days at this hotel, and I must admit, with a little trepidation when I read the online reviews.
I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it is up for a renovation as the mgmnt have often said, but in the meantime for the price this hotel is charging it`s a great place to spend a couple of days,
My room was on the top floor (7th), it was very quiet, spacious, clean, lots of hot water and plenty of BIG fluffy towels. The bathroom was shower only...great..how I loathe showers in the bath, too dangerous. Yes there were a few marks on the carpet and walls but it`s not a brand new place.
I had stayed at another newer hotel a few doors up from this one over Xmas, and it was double the price and definitely not worth it..newer yes, but facilities very light one. Rydges was terrific value for the money I paid.
Breakfast was fresh and plentiful.
If staying here please try the restaurant..great! Terrific staff and a really lovely meal to be had, quite busy the night I dined there, so that is always a good indication.
Back to the room..the bed..divine, large flatscreen TV..I had views out to the city, river and Castle Hill. A/C bit loud at night, but worked a treat, lovely and cool for the hot summer nights.
All in all, for the price excellent value, just don`t go there thinking it`s going to be the current "in" style of clean and bland! The Hotel does not profess to be a 5 star, and does not charge 5 star prices.