Find answers to common questions about Great Western Hotels, including ownership of the Oban location, pool access policies, and comparisons with other hotel chains.

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Great Western Hotel Swindon: Free WiFi, restaurant and bar, adjacent to Swindon Railway Station · Great Western Hotel Oban: Tripadvisor-rated, comfortable rooms, breakfast included · Great Western Hotel Aberdeen: 26 rooms, lift, sports and wellness facilities · Great Western Hotel Australia: Hosts concerts and events, located in Australia

What is the Great Western Hotel?

The Great Western Hotel is not a single chain but a name shared by several independent hotels and former hotels across the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These properties have no common ownership or management. The most documented locations include the Rockhampton hotel in Queensland, the Oban property in Scotland, the Taunton hotel in Somerset, the former Vancouver hotel, and the building now known as the Brass Monkey Hotel in Perth.

Key facts at a glance

Documented Great Western Hotel properties

• Rockhampton, Queensland – Established 1862 at 37-39 Stanley Street. The venue includes four bars, a casual dining room, an air-conditioned gaming room, and a large entertainment arena. It claims to be “Australia’s Most Unique Pub.” Source
• Oban, Scotland – Located on Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5PP. This is a distinct hotel property, rated 70% on MyHotelBreak. Source
• Taunton, Somerset – An Edwardian hotel at Great Western House, Station Approach, directly opposite Taunton railway station. It houses the Purple Spoon Café. Source
• Vancouver, Canada – A former hotel built in 1902 at the northeast corner of Cambie and Water Streets. It was designed by W.T. Dalton, with an 1911 addition by Thomas Hooper. Source
• Perth, Western Australia – Now the Brass Monkey Hotel. The building was constructed in 1896 and designed by Michael Cavanagh. Source
• Great Western, Victoria – Built in 1930, originally known as the Shakespeare Hotel. The property is historically significant at a local level. Source

How we researched

We compiled this guide by cross-referencing official hotel websites, heritage databases, and reputable travel listings. We prioritised primary sources such as the Rockhampton hotel’s own site, the Canadian Register of Historic Places, and the Victorian Heritage Database. For each property we noted the address, key features, and any historical significance. We excluded unverified social media posts and forums.

“Established in 1862, Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel has a rich history and is today a national tourist destination.”

— Great Western Hotel, official venue

“The Great Western Hotel caters to in excess of 260,000 patrons each year.”

— Great Western Hotel, official venue

Related reading: Saracens Head: Meaning, History, and UK Pubs Behind the Name · Queensland Hotel: Three Namesakes and How to Choose

Frequently asked questions

Is the Great Western Hotel a chain?

No. The properties named Great Western Hotel are independent and share no common ownership, management, or brand standards. The name simply reflects the historical branding of railway-era hotels near Western Railways or the geographic area.

Who owns the Great Western Hotel in Oban?

The Oban property is a distinct hotel located on Corran Esplanade. The specific ownership is not publicly disclosed on the hotel’s official listings, but the property is independently operated. We verified the address and rating through MyHotelBreak.

Are there pools at Great Western Hotels?

Based on our review of all documented locations, none of the properties currently operating under the Great Western Hotel name offer swimming pools. The Rockhampton venue focuses on bars, dining, and entertainment; the Oban property is a standard hotel; and the Perth building is now a backpackers’ hotel.

Is Best Western considered a budget hotel?

Best Western is a separate international hotel chain and is not related to the Great Western Hotel properties. Best Western operates as a brand franchise with varying price points, from budget to upscale, and should not be confused with the historic Great Western Hotels.

What happened to the Great Western Hotel in Perth?

The building in Perth, Western Australia, was originally constructed in 1896. It is now known as the Brass Monkey Hotel, a popular hostel and bar. The property retains many of its original architectural features and is a listed heritage building.

The bottom line: The building in Perth, Western Australia, was originally constructed in 1896. It is now known as the Brass Monkey Hotel, a popular hostel and bar. The property retains many of its original architectural features and is a listed heritage building.