In June 1846 Joseph Howard, proprietor of the Union hotel in Elizabeth Street, purchased Crown Allotment 8 with the intention of building a hotel facing the sea. By July 1847 the Royal Hotel was complete and operating.
| Other Names | Mooney's Royal Hotel |
| Date Built | 1847 |
| Architect | Unknown architect: main building 1848 Sydney William Smith (1826-1886): roof repairs 1862, (additions 1864?) William Joseph Ellis (d.1883): verandah & balcony 1876, brick additions 1881 |
| Owners | Joseph Howard |
| Demolition | March 1927 |
View showing corner additions ca. 1864 - City of Port Phillip Collection
| Source | Summary or [note] | |
| 1. |
Argus 1846.6.9 p.3 |
This delightful little village will not be much longer without a Hotel, and on too that will not disgrace the beauty and pleasantness of its situation. Mr Howard of the ‘Union’, Elizabeth St, having purchased an allotment of ground there with the intention of building one upon it. |
| 2. | Argus 1847.3.30 p.2 | Mr Howard, late of the Union Hotel, Elizabeth Street, has erected a splendid house at St Kilda, for which he purposes obtaining a licence. |
| 3. |
Argus 1847.4.23 p.2 |
Applications for New Licences Granted: Joseph Howard, Royal Hotel St Kilda |
| 4. | Argus 1862.4.12 p.3 |
Tenders are invited until Wednesday, the 16th inst., for slating roof of Royal Hotel, St Kilda. Plan and specification with Sydney W. Smith, Town-hall, St Kilda. |
| 5. | Argus 1864.1.6 p.3 |
Tenders: Sydney W Smith invites tenders until 5 o'clock on Wednesday, the 13th inst., for building brick hotel at St Kilda Plans, etc. at his office. Town-hall St Kilda. |
| 6. | Argus 1876.8.24 p.3 | Tenders required for the erection of verandah and balcony at the Royal Hotel St Kilda. Willian J Ellis, architect, 100 Elizabeth-street. |
| 7. | Argus 1880.6.9 p.3 | Tenders required brick additions Royal Hotel St Kilda. Willian J Ellis, architect, 100 Elizabeth-street. |
| 8. |
Argus 1927.3.7 p.2 |
Tenders required for the purchase and removal of the Royal Hotel, Esplanade, St Kilda. 163 William St, City |
Royal Hotel ca. 1912, St Kilda by the Sea 1913, SLV