In the heart of Kalgoorlie’s historic city centre stands a grand reminder of Western Australia’s rich goldfields heritage—The Grand Hotel Kalgoorlie (GHK). Built in 1896, GHK is Kalgoorlie’s first permanent hotel, making it not only a historical landmark but also a cherished part of local history. From housing the first telephone ever installed in Kalgoorlie to offering modern, executive accommodation today, this remarkable hotel perfectly marries heritage with comfort.
If you’re looking for hotel accommodation in Kalgoorlie that offers both character and convenience, GHK is a standout choice. Let us walk you through how this heritage-listed icon continues to serve today’s guests—miners, business travellers, FIFO workers, families, and adventurers—without losing its old-world charm.
Source: Kalgoorlie Western Argus, published 6 August 1896.
Standing proudly on Hannan Street, the Grand Hotel was the first permanent hotel constructed in Kalgoorlie, established in 1896 by W. J. Reynolds. Having previously owned the Grand Hotel in Coolgardie, Reynolds saw Kalgoorlie’s booming gold rush era as the perfect opportunity to expand.
The Grand Hotel was built in the Federation Filigree style, a classic architectural tradition for two-storey Australian hotels. It shares its lineage with other historic pubs on Hannan Street — including the Palace, Australia, and Exchange Hotels. Although the original plan was to use brick, the untimely death of the brickmaker forced a pivot — and stone was quarried from nearby Mt Charlotte Gold Mine instead.
Designed by the architectural firm Moline, Summerhayes and Hawkins, the hotel featured a bar, 16 rooms (14 on the upper floor), a billiard room, and a roofed rear courtyard shaded by potted palms — a welcome escape from the harsh Goldfields sun. Beneath the bar sat a 9-foot-deep cellar, purpose-built to keep drinks cool. While Kalgoorlie lacked iceworks at the time, an American-style ice box was installed, with ice delivered daily from Coolgardie.
The hotel’s furnishings were imported from Adelaide, transported by sea, train, and land. Each bedroom was fitted with marble-topped washstands, mirrors, and carpet. The lacework balcony added a refined aesthetic, while the entire build came at a cost of £8,000 — a massive investment for the time.
In 1897, the Grand Hotel became a technological pioneer, installing the first telephone service on the Goldfields, connecting the main building to the stables. This was later expanded to include a line to Coolgardie and surrounding areas.
As with many hotels of the era, the Grand Hotel quickly became more than just a place to stay — it was a community hub, a centre for news, social gatherings, and, of course, a refreshing drink at the end of a dusty day.
Founded during the gold rush, the Grand Hotel Kalgoorlie is no longer just a place to stay—it’s a living part of Kalgoorlie’s story. Located in a central business zone, just 4.3 miles from Kalgoorlie Airport, this historic pub hotel has witnessed the town grow, evolve, and modernise. But rather than being left behind, GHK has been lovingly restored and upgraded to offer guests a truly unique accommodation experience.
For anyone fascinated by old pubs and taverns in Kalgoorlie, this is more than a stay—it’s a brush with the past, set against the convenience of the present.
GHK isn’t just historically significant—it’s also strategically placed. Located right on the main street, it offers stunning balcony views of Kalgoorlie’s iconic Mining Headframe, perfect for a morning coffee or a relaxed evening barbecue.
You’ll also find:
With free private parking available (just make sure to reserve it), GHK makes it easy to base yourself in the centre of Kalgoorlie without the usual travel stress.
At GHK, they’ve made it their mission to balance historic charm with present-day convenience. All rooms are equipped with modern appliances, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and free unlimited Wi-Fi—whether you’re unwinding after a long day or catching up on work.
They designed their accommodation options to suit a variety of guest needs, from solo travellers to families and corporate groups.
If you're searching for family-friendly accommodation in Kalgoorlie or need something more tailored, like executive accommodation for long shifts, GHK offers comfort and practicality rolled into one.
Every morning at GHK starts with a free continental breakfast—perfect for early risers heading off to site or guests planning a day of sightseeing. Enjoy your coffee while watching the sunrise over Kalgoorlie’s rooftops.
They have partnered with many nearby eateries, so you can enjoy a proper feed without fumbling with receipts or payment hassles. Companies can allocate daily food allowances to staff staying in GHK. Just show your room key card and ID, and the bill gets charged to your company account.
Breakfast & Crib
Lunch & Dinner
Whether you're after a pub meal, international cuisine, or just a reliable lunch bar, everything’s close—and on the tab.
One of the things that sets GHK apart is their dedication to day and night shift workers. They understand the unique challenges that come with mining rosters or FIFO rotations.
That’s why they made sure guests have got:
If you’re looking for self-contained accommodation in Kalgoorlie with flexible, worker-friendly features, GHK delivers on every front.
The GHK isn’t just about rooms—it’s about lifestyle. Take in the Kalgoorlie sunshine on our rooftop terrace, kick back on the sun deck, or fire up the BBQ with your team or family while watching the 75-inch outdoor smart TV.
It’s this blend of social and private space that makes GHK feel more like a community than just another hotel. It’s no surprise they’re often considered one of the best hotel accommodations in Kalgoorlie by long-term guests.
We know that feeling secure is just as important as comfort. That’s why GHK invested in:
Whether you’re here for work or leisure, you can rest easy knowing they’ve got safety covered.
GHK gets that plans change. Their flexible cancellation policy is designed to give you peace of mind when booking.
Standard bookings:
Peak season bookings:
GHK also highly recommends travel insurance for added coverage.
If you're searching for hotel accommodation in Kalgoorlie that blends history, comfort, and practicality—The Grand Hotel Kalgoorlie is your ideal choice!
A: Historic Kalgoorlie City Centre
M: 0438 940 814
Book in advance to secure free parking!
The Grand Hotel Kalgoorlie is living proof that heritage and hospitality can go hand in hand. Whether you're in town for work, passing through the Goldfields, or exploring Kalgoorlie’s colourful past, we invite you to experience the perfect blend of classic Aussie character and modern convenience.
So if you're asking yourself where to stay in Kalgoorlie that’s close to everything, has a story to tell, and makes life easy—you’ve just found it at GHK.
