Fable Dunedin (ex-Wains Hotel)
by the TopOfHotel team
Fable Dunedin is a central Victorian hotel with real character, anchored by the Press Club restaurant downstairs pouring Otago wines.
Fable Dunedin is a central Victorian hotel with real character, anchored by the Press Club restaurant downstairs pouring Otago wines.
In-Depth Review
Fable Dunedin was renamed from the Wains Hotel — a long-running Dunedin hotel set in a Victorian building at 310 Princes Street, right in the heart of the city. Its 50 rooms carry a classic atmosphere you simply don't get in a new build, and a 7.8/10 review score paints the honest picture: a downtown hotel with real charm and a few things still worth knowing before you book.
Rooms and decor
Rooms run fairly roomy for an older building, and several come with city views that genuinely impress. Guests like the overall feel — there's a real sense of period in the air, the kind that comes with a heritage Victorian property rather than a modern fit-out. Every room is backed up by practical touches: voice mail, a clock radio, an in-room safe, a direct-dial phone, and free Wi-Fi. Some reviewers note that certain rooms show the age of the building, but they read as clean and warm rather than tired.
Food and amenities
The Press Club is the highlight of Fable Dunedin — a restaurant and bar set in a striking Art Deco room downstairs, serving New Zealand dishes alongside Otago wines that make it a favourite haunt for wine drinkers. The wine list is the reason a lot of guests choose this hotel over a newer build nearby. There's also a drinks vending machine on site, and the front desk runs during working hours.
Location and getting there
Princes Street is one of the city's main arteries, and it's about a 5 to 8 minute walk to The Octagon from the door. Speight's Brewery, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and First Church of Otago are all close by, with plenty of restaurants and cafes in the surrounding blocks. Parking is charged separately.
Things to know before booking
A couple of honest caveats. Some guests say it doesn't feel like true 5-star, and certain rooms clearly show the age of the building — go in expecting heritage character over modern polish. Parking is an extra charge on top of the room rate, so budget for it if you're driving. The front desk also isn't staffed around the clock, only during working hours, which matters if you're planning a late arrival.
Our take
Fable Dunedin is the right pick for travelers who love an old building's atmosphere, want a central location, and plan to have dinner at the Press Club — rather than anyone chasing luxury or sleek, modern rooms. Come for the character and the wine list, and the dated edges won't bother you.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A beautiful Victorian building — the kind of heritage atmosphere that's hard to find at this price point in Dunedin.
- Strong central location on Princes Street, about a 5 to 8 minute walk to The Octagon and surrounded by restaurants and cafes.
- The Press Club restaurant downstairs serves food and drinks in a striking Art Deco room, with New Zealand dishes and Otago wines.
- Roomy rooms for an older building, and several come with memorable city views.
- Free Wi-Fi in every room, plus practical touches like an in-room safe, clock radio, voice mail, and a direct-dial phone.
- Some guests say it doesn't quite live up to a 5-star feel, and a few rooms clearly show the age of the building.
- Parking is charged separately — an added cost to budget for if you're arriving by car.
- The front desk only runs during working hours rather than 24/7, so plan around late arrivals.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Dunedin
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Insider Tips
- Book a dinner at the Press Club and ask for an Otago wine pairing — it's the standout reason to stay here.
- Request a higher room for the city views, since the older building means rooms vary in what they look out on.
- Skip the on-site parking charge by leaving the car and walking the 5 to 8 minutes into The Octagon and the main sights.