Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Dunedin, Dunedin ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

118 High Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, 9016

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin's largest and most established hotel, dating back to 1883. The property has undergone extensive refurbishment, combining contemporary style with historical charm. It offers a prime location in the city center, close to various attractions, shops, and dining options.

Location

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is centrally situated, just a short walk from the Octagon and nearby attractions like the Otago Museum and the Grand Casino Dunedin. The hotel offers convenient on-site parking for a fee, and public transport options are readily accessible, making it easy for guests to explore the city.

Rooms

The hotel features 178 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort during your stay. Options range from generously proportioned Superior Rooms to spacious Presidential Suites, accommodating up to four guests. Each room includes features such as a flat-screen TV, mini bar, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms.

Eat & Drink

Multiple dining venues are available, including the Carlton Restaurant and Ports O’Call Bar & Grill, offering diverse menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An all-you-can-eat buffet service showcases favorites like seafood and a carvery selection. The Boldini Café and Wine Bar, located off the lobby, provides lighter meal options and quality coffee.

Leisure & Business

The hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers, with extensive event facilities including nine function rooms. Guests can also enjoy modern amenities such as a fitness center and 24-hour room service, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. The hotel’s event coordinators can assist in planning personalized functions and corporate events.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Executive King Suite

Max:

4 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

2 Queen Size Beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Presidential Suite

Max:

2 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Presidential Interconnecting Room

Max:

6 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Dunedin700 ft

Airports

Dunedin (DUD) 17.9 mi

Train

Dunedin Railway Station2300 ft

Taieri Gorge Railway3700 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Spacious and Comfy

“The bedroom was impressively spacious, allowing us to relax comfortably, and the beds were incredibly cozy, ensuring a great night's sleep.” view full review

Delicious Dining

“The food here was exceptional! It was not only affordable but also offered generous portions with outstanding service that made every meal a delight.” view full review

Easy Parking

“Parking at the hotel was a breeze. The process was straightforward and it felt safe, allowing us to focus on enjoying our stay.” view full review

Lavish Entrance

“The entry point to the restaurant and casino was stunningly designed, reminiscent of the opulence of the Titanic, making us feel special right from the start.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Baggage storage
Elevator
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Spa & Leisure

Casino

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

118 High Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, 9016

Map view

118 High Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, 9016

City landmarks

Museums

Toitu Otago Settlers Museum

3600 ft

42 Royal Terrace

Olveston Historic Home

3800 ft

Square

The Octagon

3800 ft

Museums

Otago Museum

4300 ft

Gallery

Dunedin Public Art Gallery

3800 ft

Church

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral

3800 ft

Public Building

Dunedin Town Hall

3800 ft

Garden

Dunedin Chinese Garden

3600 ft

Stadiums

Forsyth Barr Stadium

1.3 mi

22 Anzac Ave

Dunedin Railways

3600 ft

Anzac Ave Dunedin Railway Station

New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

2300 ft

Garden

Dunedin Botanic Garden

1.7 mi

University

University of Otago

4300 ft

Church

Knox Church

4200 ft

Museums

The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery

4700 ft

Mall

Meridian Mall

3100 ft

Cnr Littlebourne Road & Upper Stuart Street

Hydroslide

3800 ft

Dunedin Railway Station

Taieri Gorge Railway

3600 ft

Nearby

Casinos

Grand Casino Dunedin

1000 ft

Church

First Church of Otago

1200 ft

The Octagon

Robert Burns Statue

1600 ft

Church

St Joseph's Cathedral School

1500 ft

200 Rattray St

Speight's Brewery

1000 ft

Museums

Whakamana Cannabis Museum

400 ft

Gallery

Gallery De Novo

1700 ft

Garden

Queens Garden

1000 ft

192 Princes St

Whakamana: the Cannabis Museum of Aotearoa

500 ft

Gallery

Milford Galleries

400 ft

441 Princes Street

2nd Floor Yoga

1200 ft

55 Princes St

Moray Gallery

1200 ft

Restaurants

Speight's Alehouse

800 ft

200 Rattray Street 200 Rattray St

Dunedin Casino

100 ft

118 High Street

Zucchini Bros

300 ft

286 Princes Street The Exchange

The Carlton Restaurant

100 ft

118 High Street

Taste Nature

100 ft

131 High Street

Ports O' Call Bar

100 ft

118 High Street

Parcels Restaurant

400 ft

6 Liverpool Street

Catalyst

400 ft

286 Princes Street

Punjab Indian Tandoori Restaurant

500 ft

192 Princes Street

Vanguard

700 ft

329 Princes Street

Etrusco at the Savoy

1200 ft

8 Moray Place First floor

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

76%

liked the hotel and would stay again

friendly staff

good location

price for value

discrepancy from photos

7.6/10

Very good

Rooms

8.0

Location

8.0

Service

8.4

Dining

6.8

4/5 based on 1094 reviews

#26 of 61 hotels in Dunedin based on Tripadvisor

Helen

United Kingdom, May 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at the hotel! The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable, making it one of the best stays I've had. The service was lovely and very helpful, and the location was fantastic, close to main shopping areas and eateries. The dining experience was very nice with a wide selection, though coffee could improve. Overall, a great value for money.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, clean, and very comfortable.

Service

9.0

The service was lovely and very helpful.

Location

9.0

The location was great, with easy access to shopping and dining spots.

Dining

8.0

The dining was very nice, offering a wide buffet selection.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were clean and tidy, perfect for our short stay.

Matthew

United Kingdom, April 2024

7.0/10

The hotel is in a prime location right in the heart of Dunedin town center. The rooms, though clean and comfortable, have a tired feel with noticeable stains on the carpet and furniture. The 24/7 noise from the nearby lift made it hard to get a good night's rest.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms, although clean and comfortable, are a bit tired with noticeable stains on the carpet and furniture. The noisy lift opposite the room disturbed my sleep.

Service

9.0

The service was exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff always ready to assist, from room service to tour information.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location is excellent, right in the middle of town, making it convenient to explore Dunedin on foot. However, noise from the busy footpaths outside could be bothersome.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was a letdown, with unimaginative hot food lacking seasoning. Breakfast items like scrambled eggs and bacon were underwhelming.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offers parking overnight, but the lackluster dining options detract from the overall facility experience.

Pamela

United Kingdom, February 2024

8.0/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel. The room was spacious and clean with a super comfortable bed. The staff was amazing, always friendly and ready to help. The location was excellent for exploring the city, and the dining options were good. However, the room wasn't ready upon our arrival, and the area felt a bit dodgy.

Rooms

8.0

The room was quite lovely, comfy bed, nicely decorated, and good facilities like tea/coffee making and a fridge.

Service

9.0

The staff were friendly and helpful, particularly the lady in the Ports o' Call.

Location

8.0

The location was great with easy access to shopping and dining areas.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was nice with a reasonable range of choices.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel had room service, dry cleaning, laundry, and tours/ticket assistance.

John

United Kingdom, January 2024

7.6/10

The hotel rooms were nice and large, spacious, clean, and the bed was good and comfortable. Although the restaurant and food were good, I opted to have breakfast elsewhere due to personal preference. The staff were pleasant and friendly, but the overall experience didn't quite match the expectations set by the photos for the price paid.

Rooms

8.0

The room was spacious and clean, and the bed was comfortable.

Service

8.0

The service was delightful, with staff even taking care of details like tucking stuffed toys into the beds. However, there was a slight disappointment when our friends had to be moved to different rooms.

Location

7.0

The location was good for us as we could easily return from dropping off our rental car. It was also great with convenient access to shopping and dining options. Unfortunately, the parking facilities were a bit of a letdown.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was good with great staff, although there was room for improvement in the coffee quality.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel facilities were well-equipped to cater to various needs and preferences.

friendly staff

price for value

Dan

United Kingdom, May 2023

7.2/10

I had a pleasant stay at the hotel, with lovely rooms and friendly service. The location was convenient, although the dining options were not ideal. Overall, good value for money.

Rooms

8.0

The room was quite lovely, with a comfy bed and nice decor. It was equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and a fridge, which was convenient. The only downside was the lack of outside views and it was a little hot.

Service

7.0

The staff, especially a lady in Ports o' Call, were friendly and helpful. Despite a small issue with the room, they managed to accommodate us and even offered a slight discount. However, some staff members seemed disinterested at times.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location was good for my business needs, being central and within walking distance to the Octagon. It was close to attractions like Speights Brewery and Ale House, making it convenient for activities. However, the area felt a bit dodgy.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were satisfactory with a reasonable range, but as a severe coeliac, I wished for more gluten-free choices. The homemade muffins were a nice touch, but I wouldn't rely on them for a full meal.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offered basic facilities like room service, dry cleaning, and laundry services. Nothing extraordinary but functional.