We were just looking for a place to stay overnight on our way to Mount Gambier and decided to give The Commercial Hotel Kaniva a try, despite usually avoiding shared bathrooms. For a one-night stay, it turned out to be a great choice. Located on the Great Western Highway, halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, the hotel has been fully renovated with boutique-style accommodation. The themed rooms added a unique touch, and the VIP guest lounge was a nice bonus. The free continental breakfast was basic (cereal, toast, and whatever was in the upstairs kitchen), but it did the job. The pub itself is packed with memorabilia and quirky decor, making it a fun place to explore. The meals were really lovely—there weren’t a ton of options, but we had a parma, and it was fantastic. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth stopping by to check out the interesting collection of items on display. Just note that it only opens from 4pm. The publican is quite the character, adding to the overall experience. Plus, it's dog-friendly both inside and out.

Having to share a bathroom with others but we knew this before we arrived so no real issues. No TV in bedrooms - there was a lounge upstairs so we were able to utilise this. Bedrooms a bit too full of unnecessary items and furniture

▪︎ Our host who greeted us was amazing and friendly. 😍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ▪︎ Communication was clear and open. He made us feel very welcome when we arrived after a long drive. Thankyou! 🥰🙏 ▪︎ I enjoyed a nice drink at the bar with some very friendly locals as well on the ground floor, too. Which was needed after a long drive with the hubby, haha 😂👍 ▪︎ Shared bathrooms for both men and women. I thought this part of the hotel, both women and men, were to share the same space when using the facilities lol But! that was not the case (showers and toilets area are in separate rooms closed off for complete privacy! one for women to share and one for men to share) was clean and tidy upon arrival, which i was very content to use privately. 😌👌 ▪︎ This hotel aesthetic vibe had a positive and mixed personality with a sense of fun, history, and class all in one - pretty laid back atmosphere. 🤩

▪︎ The suite i booked was near a busy road. (If you are able to sleep through outside sounds this suite is for you 🥰) Unfortunately, i was not able to drown out the vehicles that had passed by throughout the night to early morning, which i found myself unable to sleep properly to my hearts content lol 🙈 ▪︎ But my hubby was able to sleep, so he had no issue. At least we had one of us asleep before we hit the road again for the following morning drive, lol. 😂👍 ▪︎ But overall, I may book a suite away from the main road when we do come through kaniva again next time. But I am very appreciative that we had come across commercial hotel kaniva when finding a last minute booking to go to before it got dark and we had somewhere to stay for the night. 🥰🙏 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Breakfast you made your self from adequately left provisions and nice dinner ware to use in a well thought out kitchen. The decore all around the place at Commercial Hotel Kaniva was very well done with class, elegance and fun. Whether you were in the pub section or the pool room or the lounge or the vip lounge or the bed room, the the bathroom and the loo, great seat covers or in the hall way, or using the stairs and even sitting out on the balcony with a cement sheep ( the town has 40 painted sheep scattered around, What fun.) and 2 statues of the Blues Brothers it was great great. They have a super large function room for any occasion and nice out door sitting area in front of the pub with a view of the town. Plenty of parking. A Non forgettable stay.

there is only one small item, the Gents bathroom did not have a plug to allow the Gents to put water in the basin when shaving.

The owner Bob was so friendly and funny. We loved his good humour and had a great time chatting with him and other locals/ travellers over beers and nice meals at the pub downstairs. The whole hotel was spotless and Bob’s attention to the detail for decoration and furniture was impressive. Just a stopover to Adelaide became such a memorable place. Thank you Bob!

Shelby the dog was way too cute. Not fair

Bob at the Commercial is the best publican in Australia. From the minute we arrived he was so friendly and helpful, even introducing us to the locals. We felt so welcome and comfortable with every aspect of the accomodation and the pub. I really loved what he has done with the place and I would highly recommend staying here.

The trucks are a little noisy, but I would still stay here as just the best.

The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! The hotel was homely and quirky. It was great for our family and dog.

It would have been nice to have a bigger variety of for breakfast considering i couldn’t cut the bread that was left out. White, wholemeal, multigrain bread would be good, and some musli or granola and yogurt. Also, a bit bigger dinner menu.

Bob and Shelby are incredible hosts! Walking into the Commercial Hotel felt like being welcomed into someone's home. Warm welcome, outstanding eclectic decor and meticulously organised treasures and all pristinely clean. Bonus points for not just being dog friendly but dogs genuinely welcomed. 10/10 and we will definitely be back.

Fantastic Hotel, very quirky and fun. Bob the owner was very friendly and helpful. Had the family room which was good and felt safe. Great place to stay for a halfway spot between Adelaide and Melbourne. We ate in the bar that night, very convenient! They allow dogs which was great.

They provide earplugs as the trucks going past at night are very noisy.

Character stay at this eclectically renovated pub. Bob and Shelby the dog live and run this place so it’s almost a hosted stay. Classic inn for the weary traveler. Have a meal in the front bar then retire to the parlour upstairs for a nightcap.

Note shared bathroom and toilet.

The pub accommodation is unique and authentic. It is so quirky, friendly, fun and comfortable. The pool tables and old school music disc player were great. The attention to detail to create a truly unique experience is fantastic. In a wonderful tiny Victorian town.