Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Hotels
8.2 (2346 reviews)
118 High St, Dunedin 9016 , Dunedin , nz

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Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Tour desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Parking problems

Categories

Cleanliness
7.53
Concerns about unclean pillow cases and lipstick on wine glasses.
Service
8.5
Mixed reviews; some staff were friendly and helpful, but front desk staff were not responsive in one instance.
Location
9.04
Convenient location with walking distance to attractions.
Room Quality
7.99
Generally good, but some furnishings are dated and some noise from the elevator.
Amenities
8.02
Basic amenities were present, but parking situation is lacking.
Value for Money
7.98
Some reviews suggest the presidential suite lacked value for money.
Food and Beverage
8.53
Christmas biscuits were praised, indicating decent quality.
Overall Experience
8
Overall pleasant stay with some noted issues that could improve.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 10:57

Property Description

Historical Charm and Modern Amenities
Built in 1883, the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross in Dunedin offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in the city's rich history while enjoying a well-equipped fitness centre and free WiFi.

Dining Options and Entertainment
With two restaurants, a café, and a bar on-site, guests at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences. The hotel is also home to Dunedin Casino, providing premium entertainment for visitors looking to try their luck.

Prime City Centre Location
Conveniently located in the heart of Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is just a short walk from key attractions like The Octagon, theatres, and shops. Whether exploring the city or relaxing at the hotel, guests can enjoy easy access to everything Dunedin has to offer.

Experience the perfect blend of history and modern comfort at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross. Book your stay now for an unforgettable Dunedin getaway.

Important information:

Please note that there is a 1.5% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Please note that when booking 5 or more rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Parking charges for in-house guests is $25 per night, per vehicle. Cost for oversize vehicles / trucks / campers / trailers may vary.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: DUD

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs NZD 25 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 2346 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.53
Service: 8.5
Location: 9.04
Room Quality: 7.99
Amenities: 8.02
Value for Money: 7.98
Food and Beverage: 8.53
Overall Experience: 8
W
Wendy • couple • nz
10
Very good
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
J
Julia • family_with_children • nz
8
Nice warm room, affordable, comfortable bed.
Pros:

Location is great - walked to shopping restaurants. Very comfortable bed and nice warm room and furnishings. Bathroom needs upgraded but clean and everything worked well.

2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • nz
9
2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
B
Blair • solo_traveller • nz
5
2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
M
Malcolm Henham • solo_traveller • nz
8
Pros:

Very close to the function we were attending. Comfy warm room with a great shower

Cons:

Nothing really it was all good

2026-06-03 • via Nuitee
M
Melissa • couple • nz
6
Pros:

The bed was really hard - very uncomfortable. The bathrooms are in need of a makeover.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
L
Lawrence • solo_traveller • nz
7
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
J
Jen • couple • nz
5
Staff were excellent, but the king bed in the room we had was just awful need upgrading
Pros:

Good location within walking distance to town

Cons:

Worst bed ever. These beds need a total upgrade

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
B
Benjamin • couple • nz
10
Perfect, Thank you
Pros:

I have a bad back and the bed was prob the best bed i have ever slept on in a Hotel. It was a King bed room 604

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
L
Lia • family_with_children • nz
8
Cons:

I would have paid $25 for parking at the hotel if I had known the parks straight across the road would have left my car completely covered in pigeon poo, I think the hotel staff should mention this on check in, particularly when I said I was across the road.

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
F
Freddie • solo_traveller • nz
8
Really nice stay in a centrally located hotel.
Pros:

The staff were very helpful and friendly. I like the central location of the hotel and the fact that the hotel had a car park.

Cons:

The hotel could do with being redecorated (wear and tear) and soundproofed better.

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
J
Janine Altenburg • family_with_children • nz
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
B
Bronwyn • solo_traveller • nz
5
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • couple • nz
10
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
G
Greg • couple • au
6
There seemed to be a couple of issues for customers checking in while we were there.
Pros:

Location was quite good. Easy walking to Train Station, Octagon, St Pauls, City Centre. Some good street art nearby

Cons:

One of the beds looked like it was going to swallow my wife. The photo of the hotel in Booking.com largely features the Casino next door to the more modern hotel on the left. Indicated we wanted check-in after 2pm. Room wasn't ready by 3pm. Took longer than necessary to check-in. Not much open nearby if there on a Sunday. However lunch at the casino was fine.

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
K
Katie • solo_traveller • nz
8
Pros:

Lovely staff, always enjoy staying at the hotel

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
S
Saane Hanipale • solo_traveller • nz
9
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • solo_traveller • nz
7
Hotel was perfect for my reunion at OBHS
Pros:

Location was easy to find

Cons:

Coffee machine could have produced a better product

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
T
Tiri • couple • nz
10
Fabulous stay, will definitely return
Pros:

Location, customer service was excellent, breakfast was beautiful, heater in the room was perfect

Cons:

N/a

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
T
Tania • family_with_children • nz
7
Pleasant stay will be back
Cons:

coffee and milk provided was not sufficient for room as 4 people in room and 2 coffee cups etc and I sufficiently towels. Didn't like that no resturant after 10 pm

2026-05-27 • via Nuitee