John Cooper's Imperial Hotel was one of three that consequently lost their licences, as reported in the Queensland Times of 2 April 1891.

The Government Gazette on 28 January 1904 announced the granting of a licence to Thomas Murray at the then-named Hotel Cecil.

[2] In 1999 the hotel was expanded along the Lowry Street frontage which houses a new dining and poker machine area.

The middle section of the building previously accommodated a drive through bottle shop and is now a dining courtyard.

Built in 1887, the Hotel is constructed of brick with a rendered ruled ashlar finish with a continuous sill to the ground floor walls upon which semi circular headed openings with cement rendered architraves finish on plinth blocks.

[1] Verandahs on timber posts with cast iron valance extend over the footpath with balconies above to both street frontages.

Centrally located on the parapet of each street frontage is a curved gable which bears the words HOTEL CECIL A.D. 1887 in raised lettering.

[1] The interior of the hotel has been recently renovated in a style that replicates details from the period in which the building was constructed.

Surviving original interior elements on the ground floor level include the cornices, ceilings and roses, the cedar fireplace mantle and staircase and the walls to the stairhall.