Southern Cross Hotel - Dunedin

A chameleon of a Hotel which has survived the decades by rolling with the times. It's heritage goes right back to Early Dunedin Settlers the Sidey Family, who owned the land here from 1848 until 1966. The Grand Hotel was born when Hoteliers the Watson Brothers leased this section from them and commissioned Italian architect Louis Boldini, in 1883. Only resident in Dunedin some ten years, Boldini rose to the Victorian classical style of the times and made a hotel which stands proud, much of the ornate plasterwork and carving intact.

It's location and atmosphere made it a very popular watering hole and music venue throughout the 20th century.

When the Sidey family sold it on in 1966, the hotel name was changed to the Southern Cross, and it went through a rowdy patch, changing hands several times since. The old building is now is given to Casino activities and is connected with a tourist hotel next door.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE SCENIC HOTEL SOUTHERN CROSS

Image Credits: Grand Hotel, Dunedin, 1883-1885, Dunedin, by Burton Brothers studio, maker unknown. Purchased 1943. Te Papa, (2)Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photographers.