Built during the 1860s to provide accommodation and livery services for travellers and miners the Cardrona Hotel is a testament to the area’s fascinating gold mining history.

Today’s owners Cade and Alexis Thornton have fully embraced the historic character with their charming country style accommodation, restaurant and bar.

“We have lots of relics from the prosperous gold rush of the 1860s dotted around the hotel including a mineshaft in the floor in the bar area,” says Alexis.

“The hotel has such a diverse customer base it’s important all our guests feel comfortable and at home when they stay here. There is nothing pretentious about the place which resonates with a lot of people. Whether it’s a family with young children, groups of friends travelling together or solo travellers everyone feels as if they can truly relax.”

“Cardrona hits that sweet spot of being a quiet relaxing, country getaway with world-class activities on the doorstep so people don’t get bored,” says Alexis. “ The carting and biking up the Cardrona ski area is fun, the distillery offers cocktails and tours and local horse treks and quad biking excursions suit all ages. The hotel makes the perfect base from which to explore not just the valley but further afield too.”

All Round Experience

Cardrona Hotel owners Cade and Alexis Thornton’s say the most common feedback they receive is praise for their hotel’s restaurant and its atmosphere. 

“People can be surprised by the calibre of our evening dining experience and to discover so much more than standard pub fare on our nightly restaurant menu. We also often hear from customers that they find the atmosphere of the hotel quite unique,” says Alexis. “Our aim is to combine the history and character of the buildings and traditional rural pub vibe with excellent food and service.”

The hotel’s historic barn which was badly damaged by heavy snow in 2022 has recently been restored.

“This was a fairly big project pulling down the old barn, inserting steel framing then putting it back together piece by piece to look exactly the same as before. We’re excited to offer this space for small private gatherings and we are hosting our first functions there this season.”

The Cardrona Hotel comes into its own during summer with outdoor dining and hospitality.

“In summer our lush cottage garden is a welcome respite from the otherwise dry Cardrona Valley landscape,” says Alexis. “There’s plenty of shade with lots of seating to enjoy an al fresco breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. We’ve added five glasshouses each seating up to six people which can be booked for dinner offering shelter and a semi-private dining experience.”