Fable Dunedin

The hotel is celebrated for its beautifully renovated heritage building, seamlessly blending old-world charm with contemporary elegance, making it a memorable destination. Its central location positions guests perfectly for exploring the city's attractions, appealing greatly to sightseers and couples celebrating special occasions. Many guests highlight the exceptional staff service, the comfort and stylish decor of the rooms, and the high-quality dining experience at the on-site restaurant. The hotel is particularly well-suited for those seeking a luxurious and intimate stay, including business travelers who appreciate its professional yet welcoming atmosphere. To ensure the best experience, it is advisable to book the restaurant well in advance due to its popularity, and be mindful that room views and sizes can vary, so clarifying preferences upon booking may be beneficial.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's thoughtful amenities, which enhance their stay. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences such as an iPad for accessing hotel information, restaurant menus, and direct communication with reception, along with the ability to stream from your phone to the TV. A Nespresso coffee machine is provided for in-room beverages, and guests appreciate the control offered by dimmer lights and a central thermostat. The hotel beautifully preserves its historic charm with an ancient elevator, complemented by a newer elevator for general use, though some guests note it may not reach all floors directly, requiring a short walk up or down stairs. Inviting public rooms, such as a library, offer comfortable spaces for relaxation and socializing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its accommodations. Guests consistently find the rooms to be very clean, well-maintained, and nicely decorated, with many highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. However, feedback on room size and views is mixed; while some enjoy spacious rooms, many describe them as small or tiny, sometimes lacking adequate space for luggage. Some rooms also have no window view or look onto internal shafts, leading to a dark or claustrophobic feel. Bathroom experiences vary, with some praising luxurious rain showers and excellent pressure, while others report water pressure issues, fluctuating water temperature, inadequate shower curtains leading to water spillage, and a lack of shelving. Noise can also be a concern, with mentions of traffic noise, street noise, and persistent extractor fan or air conditioning noise in some rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly its on-site restaurant, are consistently lauded by guests. The restaurant, often referred to as The Press Club, is described as exceptional, offering divine food and drink options in a great atmosphere, making it a highly recommended dining spot for both dinner and high tea. The bar also receives positive remarks for its offerings. While the breakfast is generally praised as outstanding and very good quality, some guests note issues with slow service and inattentive staff, and a few find the menu options limited or not equal in value. Specific feedback on breakfast beverages includes mentions of undrinkable filter coffee and extra charges for barista-made coffee. Room service is also available, with guests finding the food delicious, though one instance of cold delivery was noted.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous city attractions, including the Octagon, museums, and various restaurants and shops. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot. However, parking is a frequently mentioned challenge. The hotel itself does not have a dedicated car park, and guests often find street parking difficult to locate, expensive, and subject to time limits. Consequently, the valet service is a popular, albeit costly, option, with many guests recommending booking it in advance due to limited availability. Some reviews also touch upon the immediate surrounding area on Princes Street, noting the presence of less desirable establishments, which can detract from the overall ambiance outside the hotel. Within the hotel, some guests note that not all rooms are directly accessible by elevator, requiring a short flight of stairs.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Many guests highlight their attentiveness, efficiency, and willingness to go above and beyond, from providing a welcome drink upon arrival to assisting with luggage and accommodating special requests like early check-in or late check-out. The valet service is also frequently commended for its efficiency and the courteousness of the attendants. Guests celebrating anniversaries or birthdays often receive thoughtful amenities and personalized touches. While the majority of feedback is positive, a few guests experienced instances of inattentive or understaffed service, particularly during breakfast, and some found the front desk occasionally understaffed, leading to waits.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects and recurring themes not covered elsewhere. The hotel utilizes an in-room tablet system for information and communication, which, while innovative, some guests found buggy or difficult to use without clear instructions. A significant concern raised by multiple guests is the hotel's overbooking issues, leading to unexpected room downgrades or even guests being left without accommodation, which has caused considerable frustration and disappointment. Furthermore, while the hotel is often marketed as a luxury property, some guests feel that certain aspects, such as the small room sizes or specific service shortcomings, do not align with a true "5-star" experience. The hotel also lacks a gym or spa on-site, which some guests might expect from a higher-end establishment.