Bright Oriental Our Story

OUR STORY

Bright's Historic Oriental Boutique Hotel 4 Star Accommodation and French Ala Carte Fine Dining Restaurant, which is currently known for its top standard in both accommodation and restaurant, was originally named The Empire Hotel and was built in 1862 by Thomas Tanswell who later when onto build the "Tanswell Hotel" in Beechworth, in the late 1880's the 2nd section which is the brick section, where the restaurant is and above. The name was changed to The Chalet Hotel in 1895, and later became the Oriental Guesthouse in the late 1800's early 1900's by Mrs Welsh who remained the proprietor for many years. The Oriental only changed its name twice afterwards, once during the 1940's to the Shamrock, and in the 1990's to Bright Central Motel and Lodge. In 2003 The Newman family changed the name back to the name that is known and loved by the locals of Bright "The Oriental". It has been lovingly restored to the Grand Old Lady and the beautiful 4 Star Guesthouse it is today. Unit accommodation and residence at the rear was built in the 80's, this area was originally stables and a coach house.

The Oriental has had a wonderful past with the property not only being used as accommodation, but as a dance hall, home to the Governor of Victoria in the early 1900's, a temporary Morgue and Coroners Court in the late 1800's. With all this history, you can imagine The Oriental has its own long life members, which creates the most amazing atmosphere so that everyone who visits The Oriental, actually experience this even if its only the fact that guests say " It just has a great feeling when you walk in and fantastic ambience" but we all know its really the "Spirit of The Oriental" which in essence is the past and present of The Oriental that creates this.