[1] It replaced a single-storeyed timber hotel, known also as the Criterion, which existed on the site from the 1860s, owned by David Bugden.

Born in Ireland, Allman arrived in Australia in the mid 1860s, establishing himself on the Darling Downs and acquiring a hotel in Stanthorpe in the early 1870s.

[1] In 1899 a notice appeared in the Warwick Argus advising that the goodwill and plant of the Criterion had been purchased by Perkins and Co, the reason for the sale given as Allman had decided to take a long holiday.

[1] Another notice appeared in the Warwick Argus in 1900 from J Allman to inform customers and the public that "having purchased the above hostelry, he has had the premises thoroughly renovated, rendering the CRITERION one of the best appointed hotels in the district".

[1] Tenders for a new (brick) Criterion Hotel were called by Warwick architects Dornbusch and Connolly in December 1912, and again in March 1916.

The long street frontage features a two-storeyed filigree verandah running its full length with a masonry parapet above, whose central bay announces the hotel's name, and 1917 as its date of construction.

At ground level, the street frontage has a series of decorated entries to the different areas of the hotel and an adjoining tenancy.

The openings to the lower level of this facade are decorated with moulded plaster archways with keystones, cornices and projecting window sills and are separated by fluted pilasters.

The recessed entry vestibule leading to the Stair Hall features tessellated floor tiles.

Above the verandah roof is a rendered entablature and balustraded parapet with pedestals topped also with a clover leaf motif.

[1] The rear wings are generally of unpainted brickwork, including several brick chimneys decorated with cornices and corbels.

The Public Bar also has leadlight windows, and a pressed metal ceiling featuring the face of the "Virgin Mary" keeping watch over the patrons.

The polished cedar stair has moulded square balusters, carved newels and a panelled spandrel beneath.

From the Stair Hall run two corridors through the accommodation wings, a lounge leading to the western verandah, and the former Lobby and Ballroom which are now part of the manager's residence.

There is also an extensive range of pressed metal ceilings, including the unusual "Virgin Mary" motif in the Public Bar.