20 BEST Hotels in Dunedin 🛎️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Hotels in Dunedin

Dunedin is an unmissable stop on the New Zealand itinerary. With grand architecture, a wealth of interesting museums and the wildlife wonderland of the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin has plenty to offer leisure travellers. But where should you stay in New Zealand’s second-largest city? We go through some of your best options in this list of hotels in Dunedin!

Find alternative accommodation in our 20 Best Motels in Dunedin – many to hotel standards with the addition of kitchen units. Plus, plan what to do with our 20 Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

1. Ebb-Dunedin – Best Hotel in Dunedin

Breaking the mould of the usual historic-building-turned-hotel vibe that Dunedin usually inspires, Ebb-Dunedin is your ultra-modern five-star offering in the city centre. Choose from a range of five stylishly appointed rooms, from your standard king or twin to a two-bedroom suite, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, an ensuite with either a walk-in shower or a deep-tub bath, a smart TV with streaming services and more. You’ll also want to book yourself a table at the on-site Ebb-Cafe in its airy atrium garden setting.

Check Ebb-Dunedin out:

2. Distinction Dunedin Hotel – Luxury Hotel in Dunedin City Centre

This once 1937 Chief Post Office has been elegantly transformed into the Distinction Dunedin Hotel. The 4.5-star hotel boasts 121 modern and stylish suites and studios with a basic kitchenette and laundry facilities. Ensuites feature walk-in showers with double showerheads. There are many areas to enjoy at the hotel, including the stylish Post Bar to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, as well as the Parcels Restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also private dining experiences available too in the original vaults of the post office refurbished into individual private dining rooms. See more upmarket stays like this in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check the Distinction Dunedin Hotel out:

3. Fable Dunedin – 5-Star Hotel in Dunedin

One of the most prestigious five-star hotels in the city centre, Fable Dunedin is an obvious go-to for beautifully appointed accommodation in a historical setting. Each of the 50 luxurious guest rooms is as lavish as the last with rich premium fabrics and furnishings inspired by the Scottish settlers of the region. Indulgence is at your fingertips with a wide selection of teas and a coffee machine in your room, as well as smart TVs and an interactive hotel compendium. If you manage to drag yourself from your room, The Press Club is awaiting, whether you fancy high tea or something from the extensive whisky menu.

Check Fable Dunedin out:

4. Law Courts Hotel – Cheap Hotel in Dunedin City Centre

The Law Court Hotel is one of the closest (and cheapest) hotels to The Octagon. While the rate at the hotel seems almost too good to be true, the Law Court Hotel is extremely well-appointed with modern furnishings. The boutique hotel is made up of four single, six twin and 14 double rooms, each including an ensuite, TV and other basic hotel amenities. The hotel sits just above the Jury Room Bar, offering a classic pub-style watering hole and affordable breakfast, lunch and dinner. See more hotels like this in 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check the Law Courts Hotel out:

5. Hotel St Clair – Upmarket Hotel at St Clair Beach

Swap the inner city for an unbeatable waterfront location along St Clair Beach. The award-winning Hotel St Clair features 26 self-contained rooms and suites with underfloor heating in the bathrooms and a kitchenette. Most rooms offer a glorious ocean view, while others have luxurious features like a deep-sunk spa bath and extra-large balconies.

Check Hotel St Clair out:

6. The Victoria Hotel Dunedin – Hotel in Dunedin Central

Located moments away from Dunedin’s major city attractions, staying at The Victoria Hotel makes exploring Dunedin simply too easy! There is a range of rooms to suit different budgets and group sizes, from uninspired “Standard Rooms” to the ultra-luxurious “Victoria Executive Suite”. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Well Manor Restaurant, which also provides room service. Other facilities at the hotel include a gym, free Wifi, car parking at a cost and Tesla chargers.

Check The Victoria Hotel out:

7. The Chamberson – Luxury Apartment Hotel in Dunedin

Another gorgeous apartment hotel in the heart of the city, The Chamberson is a top choice for discerning travellers who want all the home essentials at their fingertips. This heritage-listed building makes the most of its original features while tastefully styling around them. Kick back in your modernised suite with elaborate windows that capture views of the city. Other services available include car parking on-site, local food platters made to order, laundry, dry cleaning and more. For more options where you can make your own meals, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check The Chamberson out:

8. Highland House Boutique Hotel – Boutique Hotel in Dunedin

Escape the hustle and bustle to the outskirts of the city centre and the edge of the Dunedin Botanic Garden at the Highland House Boutique Hotel. The heritage terraced dwelling has its original fixings like fireplaces and high ceilings, putting you into the old-worldly spirit of Dunedin, yet you still have a TV, small kitchenette (coffee plunger, kettle, microwave, toaster and fridge) and an ensuite, usually with both a bath and shower, at your fingertips.

Check Highland House Boutique Hotel out:

9. Scenic Hotel Southern Cross – Dunedin Hotel with a Spa

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is more than just a lodging in Dunedin city, it’s a landmark. Set in an 1883 heritage building, the hotel radiates historic charm. Yet, it’s fully refurbished with contemporary-style guest rooms and amenities, from Tesla charging stations to, of course, free WiFi. There are room types to suit just about any style of traveller, from more affordable “Standard Rooms” to “Superior Rooms” and “Suites” featuring his-and-her basins in the ensuites. But at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, it’s more about the downtime, whether it’s indulging in spa treatments at the Amaia Luxury Spa or trying your luck at the casino. What’s more, all of this is right next to The Octagon.

Check the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross out:

10. Scenic Hotel Dunedin City – Popular Hotel in Dunedin Central

Another hotel from the Scenic Hotel Group, the Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is a more contemporary offering in the centre of Dunedin. Relax in spacious guest rooms with local artwork on display, free WiFi, Sky TV and an ensuite. There’s an on-site restaurant serving a buffet breakfast, as well as a breakfast and dinner a la carte menu with 24h room service available. Facilities such as the fitness centre, free WiFi and Sky TV may also prove useful during your stay.

Check the Scenic Hotel Dunedin City out:

11. Quest Dunedin – Self-Contained Accommodation in Dunedin

If you prefer utmost privacy in your own sleek and modern apartment, then Quest Dunedin might just be for you. Affordable, spacious yet incredibly well-appointed, these serviced apartments can hardly go wrong. The accommodation is ideal for long stays on business, a couple’s getaway and even family stays in the “Studio”, “One- and Two-Bedroom Apartments” available. Each accommodation has a well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, ensuite, Sky TV, free WiFi and 24-hour check-in. What’s more, the apartments are within walking distance of the city centre and are located right next to a New World supermarket – too easy!

Check Quest Dunedin out:

12. Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction – Family-Friendly Hotel in Dunedin

Set on park-like grounds spilling in from the Botanic Gardens, Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction offers an idyllic setting for all traveller types. The garden hotel has a wide range of room layouts, complete with an ensuite bathroom, plenty of storage space, Sky TV and free WiFi. Dinner is made easy thanks to the on-site McGavins Restaurant & Bar – located on the former site of Dunedin’s original brewery. For more family-friendly options, also check out the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Dunedin Leisure Lodge – Distinction out:

13. Bluestone on George – Apartment Hotel on George Street

Ideal for a romantic getaway or a business retreat, Bluestone on George provides an “adults-only” stay in Dunedin. The upscale apartment hotel offers studio apartments with their own kitchenette, laundry and ensuite. While you’ll have your own kitchen facilities, we recommend at least one morning indulging in the continental breakfast or afternoon enjoying the antipasto platters delivered straight to your room. See more stays ideal for couples in the 15 Most Romantic Accommodations in Dunedin.

Check Bluestone on George out:

14. March Apartments – Studios Near Roslyn and Mercy Hospital

Live like a Dunediner in your own studio or one-bedroom apartment at the March Apartments. Nestled in the residential suburbs of the city, this apartment complex is close to the Mercy Hospital, Roslyn shopping area and a short drive or bus journey from the city centre. There are a variety of apartments designed for solo travellers up to groups of three, with the smallest having basic kitchenette facilities and the largest having a fully functional kitchen with a washing machine included.

Check March Apartments out:

15. Kingsgate Hotel – Affordable International Hotel in Dunedin CBD

A popular and relatively affordable hotel in Dunedin is the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin by Millennium Hotels. All of the hotel’s 55 rooms have a private balcony soaking up city views. Just about any visitor to Dunedin will find a room to suit here with twin, double, interconnecting and family configurations available. While the “Standard Rooms” do the job, the “Junior Suite” offers more space with a separate lounge and a larger balcony. However, your stay is not complete without having dinner at the on-site restaurant, Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen where you can sample Kiwiana favourites.

Check the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin out:

16. Otago Village – Campus Rooms Available in Summer

Affordable single and double rooms, as well as apartments await at this campus stay near the Forsyth Barr Stadium and Otago Polytechnic. That’s right, this eco-constructed accommodation built as a student halls of residence doesn’t go unused in summer when travellers can also make use of this affordable and well-appointed facility. Otago Village is available through December and January until the first couple of weeks of February.

Check Otago Village out:

17. The Stables Dunedin – Unique Hotel in Dunedin

A boutique studio hotel one block from the city centre, The Stables Dunedin provides a unique stay in a heritage building. While the old-worldly charm of this 1879 building is still evident in its exposed brick walls and timber beams, the studios have been cheerfully modernised with fully tiled walk-in showers, desks or kitchenettes with all of your breakfast-making essentials or even a full kitchen if you choose.

Check The Stables Dunedin out:

The Stables Dunedin on Booking.com

18. Aurora on George – Hotel-Standard Motel in Dunedin

This attractive motel on George Street is certainly one to compete with the hotels in Dunedin. Aurora on George is a four-star motel with modern studios and suites with comfortable king beds, robes, slippers, Sky TV, free WiFi, ensuite, a fully-equipped kitchen and even an umbrella for the Dunedin weather. Each room is extremely well-appointed with modern furniture, while the gem of this property is the beautiful inner-city flower garden. Other facilities include a fitness centre, as well as a cafe and restaurant on site. See more recommendations like this in the 20 BEST Motels in Dunedin.

Check Aurora on George out:

19. Superior Dunedin Apartments – Apartment Hotel Between Dunedin and Mosgiel

No, we couldn’t believe the price of these stylish self-contained apartments either! If you’re looking for a home away from home, and don’t mind staying on the outskirts of town, then Superior Dunedin Apartments is well worth considering. All apartments here are studio apartments with a double bed, but each can be interconnected with other studios to make a two- or three-bedroom apartment. While apartments are roomy, including an ensuite and kitchenette, the cooking facilities are limited to more breakfast-making items.

Check Superior Dunedin Apartments out:

20. Leviathan Hotel – Cheap Hotel Near The Octagon

Step back in time to the Leviathan Hotel, set in a heritage building beside the Queen’s Garden and mere moments away from The Octagon. Not only does the budget hotel in Dunedin offer private single, double, twin and triple rooms at affordable prices, but there are backpacker dorms available too. Should you want to upgrade, choose larger hotel rooms called the “Standard Rooms” or one of the “Suites” which include a spa bath. Find the quietest rooms around the courtyard area. For more stays with backpacker dorms, take a look at the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Dunedin.

Check the Leviathan Hotel out:

[CLOSED] Wains Hotel Dunedin

[Update: Wains Hotel is now Fable Dunedin – see above].

Get a taste of that Victorian elegance that Dunedin is so famous for when you stay at Wains Hotel Dunedin. The 3.5-star hotel, located in Dunedin city centre, is situated in a grand Victorian-era building containing 48 guest rooms. The rooms include all the hotel basics, as well as free WiFi, Sky TV and secure parking is available for a fee. The double rooms are your most affordable option, while upgrades to king rooms, superior twin rooms and suites offer something a little more flashy. Wain Hotel also features an on-site restaurant with room service and buffet breakfast available at cost.

More About Hotels in Dunedin

That’s it for our list of the best hotels in Dunedin. For more handy guides to plan your trip to the architectural and wildlife capital, check out these:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Dunedin.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page