Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Hotels
8.2 (2329 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 2329 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
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
N
Nicole • couple • nz
10
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
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
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
E
Eleanor • solo_traveller • nz
8
Close to city centre, clean, comfortable bed and friendly staff.
Pros:

Walking distance to downtown and railway station.

Nice cafe across road.

Cons:

As a solo traveller did not feel completely comfortable walking in the area in evening when dark.

2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
R
Ramai • extended_group • nz
9
Very comfortable stay thank you
Pros:

Close proximity to casino and nice restaurant

Cons:

Didn’t win anything at the casino!

2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
S
Shane • couple • nz
6
2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
J
Joel • family_with_children • au
9
Welcoming/friendly staff and convenient location
Pros:

Convenient location with friendly and helpful staff

Cons:

Parking was an issues- tight spaces and casino parking was confusing
Only issues was when room was made up daily- bathroom was tidied or cleaned

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
F
Fiona • couple • au
5
This is the second time I have stayed at the Southern Cross, however I will look elsewhere next time
Pros:

The room was lovely and warm upon arrival. Room was a good size, however was tired looking and in need of redecorating.
The breakfast buffet had plenty of options.

Cons:

The bed was quite uncomfortable due to a ridge in the middle and sloping downwards on both sides. Felt like we were slipping off the sides.

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
R
Roy • extended_group • nz
7
Cons:

Bed in 396 was not comfortable

2026-05-24 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • extended_group • nz
9
Great stay shame about the restaurant but otherwise great
Pros:

Very handy
Staff were very helpful

Cons:

Port of call restaurant staff not helpful

2026-05-24 • via Nuitee
D
Deidre • couple • nz
3
Not booking again
Pros:

Not a lot

Cons:

Very dated

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
T
Teresa • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
H
Hayden • solo_traveller • au
10
Really cosy place to stay
Pros:

Was a nice place

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
P
Pam • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
S
Sonya • solo_traveller • nz
8
Overnight stay
Pros:

Comfy beds, clean and quiet.

Cons:

25 bucks overnight parking fee

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee