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Summary of reviewsFable Dunedin consistently earns high praise across multiple facets of its service, contributing to an overall highly recommended stay. The hotel's prime, central location in a beautiful heritage building offers guests convenient access to Dunedin’s key sights, restaurants and cafes while providing a quiet and charming atmosphere. The hotel’s stylishly renovated interiors and the personable, hospitable staff enhance its appeal.
The breakfast experience at Fable Dunedin is celebrated for its quality with many guests noting the excellence of the cooked options and the overall taste and presentation. However, some guests point out occasional slow service and a desire for more variety in the offerings. Despite these minor critiques, the breakfast is generally seen as a good start to the day.
Dinner at the hotel also garners positive reviews with guests frequently praising the food's taste and presentation. Highlights include the beef burger and sticky date pudding, along with the ambiance and service at The Press Club. However, there are occasional notes of inconsistency, such as cold dishes or slow service.
The rooms, while elegantly decorated and well-maintained, are noted to be on the smaller side with limited natural light. Guests appreciate the luxurious bedding, modern amenities and high standards of cleanliness, though some mention practical issues like ineffective shower designs and lack of soundproofing.
Cleanliness is a standout aspect with many guests commenting on the impeccable presentation of both rooms and common areas. The staff's friendliness, professionalism and attentive service are frequently highlighted with guests appreciating the warm and welcoming atmosphere they help create.
While the free WiFi is appreciated for its speed and reliability, there are occasional issues with connectivity, particularly concerning the iPads provided in each room. Parking, though convenient with valet options, is considered expensive and sometimes challenging to navigate.
The beds at Fable Dunedin receive consistent acclaim for their comfort, significantly enhancing guest satisfaction. The hotel is generally seen as a luxurious, five-star establishment, though some guests note that certain aspects, like the small room sizes, do not fully meet five-star expectations. Nonetheless, its artistic décor, exceptional service and stylish interiors contribute to a sophisticated and comfortable stay.
Business travelers find Fable Dunedin well-suited to their needs, thanks to the efficient service and convenient location. The hotel balances luxury and business-friendly features, making it a preferred choice for work trips.
Overall, Fable Dunedin offers a luxurious, charming experience with top-notch service, stylish accommodations and a prime location, making it a highly recommended destination for both leisure and business travelers. Show more
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Luxury Hotel
This 5-star luxury boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian-era building. It offers 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites, features an on-site high-end restaurant called The Press Club, and provides amenities such as designer toiletries and complimentary unlimited WiFi.
Family Friendly Hotel
The hotel is a family-friendly option.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Fable Dunedin provides guests with a comfortable and connected experience through its free Wi-Fi service. The hotel's commitment to quality and convenience ensures that guests can easily access the internet for all their needs. It offers a blend of modern amenities and reliable connectivity.
Business Hotel
This 5-star hotel offers meeting spaces for up to 250 delegates. It has 50 luxurious guest rooms and suites, LCD televisions, mini bar refrigerator, tablet-controlled telephone, unlimited complimentary WIFI access and concierge services.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers parking and a quiet, relaxing ambience in a central location. It is highly rated by travelers and provides a convenient base for exploring Dunedin.
5-Star Hotel
This 5-star hotel is located in a beautifully restored Victorian-era building in the heart of Dunedin. It offers 50 well-appointed luxury rooms with contemporary decor, an on-site restaurant that showcases locally-sourced organic produce, and is within walking distance of the Octagon city center.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Luxury RoomThese Luxury rooms are inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. These boutique rooms feature a 49 inch Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of coffee blends are provided. Complimentary bathroom toiletries are also included. The hotel is a member of the Weka plastic recycling programme.
Junior SuiteThese Junior Suites are inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. These boutique rooms feature a separate lounge area, a 49 inch Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of coffee blends are provided. Complimentary bathroom toiletries are also included. The hotel is a member of the Weka plastic recycling programme.
Mason SuiteThe Mason Suite is inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. These boutique rooms feature a separate lounge area, high ceilings and sweeping views of Princes Street. Also included is a 65 inch Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of coffee blends are provided. Complimentary bathroom toiletries are also included. The hotel is a member of the Weka plastic recycling programme.
Wains SuiteThe Wains Suite is inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. These boutique rooms feature a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub and a shared entrance with an interconnecting room next door for added privacy. Also included is a 65 inch Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of coffee blends are provided. Complimentary bathroom toiletries are also included. The hotel is a member of the Weka plastic recycling programme.
Superior King RoomBe enveloped in warm, classic luxury of our Superior king rooms inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. Superior king Rooms have a seating area with a work desk. Each room boasts a 49 inch Samsung Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of exquisite Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of Coffex blends will refresh and revive. Our Marihi Aotearoa amenities combine iconic design with seductive fragrances and a social conscience. Our hotel is a proud member of the Weka plastic recycling programme. Superior king Rooms have a seating area with a work desk.
Classic RoomBe enveloped in warm, classic luxury of our CLASSIC QUEEN rooms inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. Each room boasts a 49 inch Samsung Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of exquisite Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of Coffex blends will refresh and revive. Our Marihi Aotearoa amenities combine iconic design with seductive fragrances and a social conscience. Our hotel is a proud member of the Weka plastic recycling programme.
Superior Queen RoomThis double room features a flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee maker.
Be enveloped in warm, classic luxury of our Superior Queen rooms inspired by the heritage of Scottish settlers. Superior Queen Rooms have a seating area with a work desk. Each room boasts a 49 inch Samsung Smart TV, a digital compendium and complimentary high speed WiFi. A selection of exquisite Pure Leaf Single Origin teas and a capsule coffee machine with a range of Coffex blends will refresh and revive. Our Marihi Aotearoa amenities combine iconic design with seductive fragrances and a social conscience. Our hotel is a proud member of the Weka plastic recycling programme. Superior Queen Rooms have a seating area with a work desk.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
Fable Dunedin boasts an impressive and central location, making it an ideal choice for visitors wishing to explore the city. Guests consistently highlight its proximity to key sights, restaurants and cafes with most attractions, including the popular Octagon area within easy walking distance. The hotel’s heritage building adds to the charm, providing a beautiful and historically rich environment right in the heart of Dunedin. Visitors appreciate the convenience, whether it's for a leisurely stroll to the city center or easy access to public transport. The neighborhood is quiet yet central, offering a perfect balance for guests. Both the stylish, renovated interiors and the friendly, hospitable staff align well with the superb location, making Fable Dunedin a highly recommended stay for travelers.
Breakfast
Fable Dunedin boasts a breakfast experience that has garnered a variety of reviews from its guests. On the positive side, many guests have highly praised the breakfast for its taste and quality. Highlights include the great coffee served in the morning and terms like fabulous, excellent and outstanding often appear in descriptions. Guests have particularly enjoyed the hearty cooked options, such as eggs benedict and mushrooms cooked in red wine and cream. The breakfast presentations are also frequently noted as beautiful and appetizing.
However, the breakfast experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Some guests find the breakfast service slow, especially on weekends and a few have mentioned that the timings could be better managed. The a la carte breakfast, while tasty, includes constraints such as limited food and drink choices and any extras come with an added charge. This policy has led to disappointment among some guests who expected more variety and flexibility, especially given the cost of staying at the hotel.
The continental breakfast has received mixed feedback. Many find it delicious and well-presented, appreciating its fresh and healthy options. Yet, others feel limited by its fixed nature and repetitiveness, wishing for more variety, like additional fruit, cheese or meats. There are also several mentions of the continental breakfast being overly sweet for some tastes.
In summary, while Fable Dunedin delivers a generally positive breakfast experience with high-quality food and excellent service, some guests find the options restrictive and the service slow. Overall, it provides a good start to the day with room for improvement in variety and service efficiency.
Dinner
Fable Dunedin offers a culinary experience with a mix of excellent and somewhat inconsistent reviews. Many guests praised the restaurant's delicious and beautifully presented food, describing their meals as fantastic, exceptional and scrumptious. Highlights include the divine beef burger, fabulous Christmas dinner and the frequent commendation of the sticky date pudding. The Press Club, in particular, received accolades for its fantastic food and efficient staff.
However, not all experiences were perfect. Some guests noted issues, such as food arriving cold, slow breakfast service and a few dishes being underwhelming for the price point. Room service also faced criticism for not meeting expectations fully. Despite these occasional lapses, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive dining experience with the restaurant’s ambiance and food quality often standing out in a beautifully designed setting.
Rooms
Fable Dunedin offers a blend of elegance and modernity set within a beautifully refurbished heritage building. Rooms are tastefully decorated with stylish furniture, luxurious bedding and high-quality amenities, providing a comfortable and cozy environment for guests. Despite the aesthetic appeal and attention to detail, the rooms are notably small with many guests mentioning a lack of natural light, compact layouts and occasional cramped feeling. Some rooms have limited views with windows often facing walls or restricted by frosted glass, making natural lighting and outside views a rarity.
The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness with impeccable presentation of both rooms and common areas. The comfort provided by the beds is consistently praised and numerous guests admire the modern bathroom fittings and spa-quality toiletries. However, some practical issues, like ineffective shower designs and the absence of soundproofing, are noted.
Overall, while the size and light conditions of the rooms might not be ideal for everyone, the exceptional decor, comfort and thoughtful amenities make Fable Dunedin a charming place to stay. It’s particularly suited for short stays or travelers prioritizing stylish interiors and a touch of luxury.
Beds
The beds at Fable Dunedin have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, who frequently highlighted their comfort and quality. Many reviews praised the beds as very comfortable, often describing them as extremely comfortable, super comfy or even the most comfortable ever. Words like amazing, a dream and cloud were used to capture their plush appeal. Guests routinely expressed appreciation for the big and luxurious beds, noting how well they contributed to a good night's sleep. Although a few guests mentioned that the mattresses were a bit bouncy or too firm, the consensus leaned heavily towards a pleasant sleeping experience. Additionally, the comfort extended to the pillows, which were also frequently mentioned as enhancing the overall coziness. All in all, the beds at Fable Dunedin seem to be a standout feature, contributing significantly to the overall guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
Fable Dunedin impresses visitors with its exceptional cleanliness and modern charm. Guests frequently highlight the spotless nature of the rooms, emphasizing the immaculate upkeep and fresh ambiance throughout the hotel. Many travelers appreciate the beautifully decorated and recently renovated interiors, which contribute to a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Rooms are often described as clean, tidy and well-equipped with comfortable and appealing furnishings that enhance the overall stay.
The cleanliness of the bathrooms is also noted for being specifically superior with some guests mentioning spotlessly clean conditions and superb maintenance. The hotel staff consistently earns praise for their politeness and helpfulness, especially the janitors and concierge, who leave a positive impression on visitors with their respectful and attentive service.
However, there are occasional comments regarding inconsistencies in housekeeping standards. Some guests reported issues such as unvacuumed floors, missed cleaning services and overlooked details, which have affected a few stays. Despite these instances, the majority of reviews reflect a high standard of cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere, making Fable Dunedin a preferred choice for many discerning travelers.
Staff
The guest reviews for Fable Dunedin consistently underscore the exceptional quality of the hotel's staff. Reviewers frequently highlighted the friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness of the staff with many describing their interactions as warm and welcoming. The reception staff, including individuals like Romano, Locklyn, Troy and Roy, were often mentioned for their attentive and personalized service. Guests appreciated the seamless check-in process, often citing excellent greeting upon arrival and the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, such as upgrading rooms and providing detailed assistance.
The valet and concierge services received high praise for their convenience and efficiency with multiple guests noting the staff's promptness in handling luggage and vehicle needs. The overall ambiance of the hotel was enriched by the enthusiastic and approachable demeanor of the staff, contributing to a quality, boutique hotel experience.
While the majority of reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few noted inconsistency among staff and the occasional perception of artificial friendliness. Despite these minor critiques, the general consensus was that the staff’s excellent service, combined with the hotel's stylish and well-maintained facilities, created a memorable and enjoyable stay for guests.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Fable Dunedin have shared mixed experiences regarding the hotel’s WiFi services. Many appreciated the efficient, reliable and fast WiFi, which was described as solid and very good. The hotel offers an interesting tech-forward feature with an iPad in each room, serving as a personal concierge for calling reception or ordering room service, a touch many found wonderful. However, some guests experienced issues with the WiFi, noting that it was not operational in the restaurant and faced intermittent problems. There were instances where paid WiFi did not improve the situation and some guests had to visit reception for services due to issues with the iPad connectivity. Despite these hiccups, guests enjoyed the complimentary WiFi and the added perk of free movies. To improve the experience, some suggested providing room chargers for longer battery life of the iPads.
Parking
Fable Dunedin offers a variety of parking options, though guests generally find them to be on the expensive side. Valet parking is frequently mentioned and praised for its convenience and efficiency, although it's not available before 7:00 AM and can come with a steep fee of around $40 per night. The valet service often includes a helpful touch, such as assisting with luggage, which many guests find commendable.
On-street parking is another option, often described as convenient and sometimes free on weekends, but it can be challenging to find a spot and may require using meters located blocks away. Some guests have noted that there are no dedicated hotel parking spaces, which can complicate things especially during busy times. Additionally, the on-site parking lot is described as small and congested.
Despite these challenges, the organized parking services leave a positive impression on many visitors, particularly those willing to opt for the valet service. However, the overall sentiment is that parking can be a bit of an issue, often cited as expensive and tricky to navigate.
5 Star
Fable Dunedin is often perceived as a five-star hotel by guests, who praise its classy and modern ambiance, luxurious and clean rooms and the artistic, high-quality décor that graces the facility. Visitors frequently highlight the great attention to detail in the hotel's design, which contributes to its sophisticated appeal. Many reviews commend the staff for exceptional and excellent service, adding to the overall high quality experience.
However, there are mixed opinions about the hotel's true five-star status. Some guests feel that despite its beautiful restoration, the small room sizes and certain aspects of the service do not fully meet five-star expectations. Nevertheless, it is considered a top-quality hotel in the area, providing an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable stay. The hotel is often described as both luxurious and clean with a modern design that elevates the overall guest experience.
Business
Fable Dunedin emerges as an ideal choice for business travelers thanks to its efficient, attentive and professional staff. Guests frequently highlight the helpfulness of the staff, both before and during their stay. This dedication ensures a smooth experience, whether one is booking a room or relying on business facilities for critical tasks like a four-hour Zoom interview.
The location is convenient for business use, well-supported by public transport available right at the front door. Although the rooms might lack desks ideal for working, the overall amenities cater well to the needs of business guests. The hotel's services, described as quick, efficient and tailored to business travelers, make it a fitting choice for those on work trips.
While the Chromecast update may occasionally struggle, it does not significantly detract from the overall positive experience. Fable Dunedin strikes a good balance between catering to local budgets and meeting the expectations of corporate guests, underscoring its suitability for business purposes rather than holiday stays.
Luxury
Located in an excellent part of Dunedin, Fable Dunedin offers a truly luxurious experience from the moment guests lay eyes on its stunning architecture—the most beautiful building on the block. The hotel's interior continues to impress with its tasteful decor and exceptional styling, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and cosy. Guestrooms are described as perfect, stylishly decorated and providing a sense of luxury and comfort. The overall ambiance of the hotel exudes class and charm, making it a boutique destination that yells sophistication and elegance. The breakfast is fabulous, adding to the overall superior experience that this luxurious and stylish hotel provides.
No, Fable Dunedin doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Fable Dunedin.
No, Fable Dunedin doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Fable Dunedin.