Grand Pacific Hotel
The Grand Pacific Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the Pacific. It was built in 1914 to offer a more luxurious style of accommodation for cruise ship tourists. It was recently renovated and extended but it retains many of its original colonial architectural designs.
Last updated on 06 May 2024
Timeline
1908
The Union Steamship Company of New Zealand began plans to construct a luxury hotel in Suva to cater for its steamship tourists who would often stop in Fiji enroute to Australia, New Zealand or Hawai’i.
1910
Managing Director Sir James Milles commissioned the project to begin on reclaimed land at Suva harbour, next to the site of the old Suva Hotel. The building was designed by New Zealand architects with large French windows and broad verandahs.
1914
On 23 May the Hotel opened with 35 rooms. There was a Roof Garden for guests to enjoy an evening drink, and a Drawing Room for ladies, a Billiard Room for men, a smoking room, a writing room and bar. Unfortunately the bathroom facilities were shared. Initially rooms cost 15 shillings.
1915
World-famous Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba stays at the hotel.
1928
Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith stays at the hotel during his trans-Pacific flight. He landed his plane, the “Southern Cross” on Albert Park to refuel for the next leg to Australia.
1953
Queen Elizabeth II attended a Grand Ball at the hotel during her first official visit to Fiji with the Duke of Edinburgh. The event featured a Fijian Methodist choir and a fireworks show on the harbour.
1958
Ownership of the hotel was transferred to Cathay Hotels (Fiji) Ltd. The exterior was painted pink to resemble the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
1960
A new air conditioned wing was built with 45 extra rooms, as well as a swimming pool, a larger dining room and bar.
1973
Queen Elizabeth visits Fiji for a second time and attends a state dinner in the dining room.
1992
After a gradual decline and a number of ownership changes in the 1980s, the hotel closed in 1992. It was abandoned for the most part, but at one stage it served as a barracks for the military to protect it from squatters.
2011
A joint venture by the Fiji National Provident Fund and PNG investors led to the restoration of the building. Architects and builders took care to maintain some features of the heritage site.
2014
The Hotel reopened in May and celebrated its centenary.
References
Cockrem, T. 1995. Icons of an Era, Islands, Vol. 3: 15-17.
Grand Pacific Hotel, 2018.”About Us – Grand Pacific Hotel Fiji.” (available online) , accessed 10 August 2018.
Gravelle, K. 2000. Fiji’s Heritage: A History of Fiji, Nadi, Tiara Enterprises.
Keith-Reid, R. 1992. Old Suva Town, Islands, Vol. 2: 10-19.
McFadzean, M., 2015. “Dame Nellie Melba, Australian Opera Singer, 1861-1931.” (available online) , accessed 10 August 2018.
McLean, G., 2016. “2. – Shipping – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.” (available online) , accessed 10 August 2018.
National Geographic AU, 2018. “Who Is Charles Kingsford Smith | Australia | National Geographic AU - National Geographic.” (available online) , accessed 10 August 2018.
Schutz, A.J. 1978. Suva: A History and Guide, Sydney, Pacific Publications.
Simmons, M. 2013. Some Famous Landmarks around Levuka and Suva, Mai Life, October: 28-30.
Usher, L. 1987. Mainly about Fiji: Selected Writings, Broadcasts and Speeches, 1930-1987, Suva, Fiji Times Ltd.
Walker, N. 1936. Fiji: Their People, History and Commerce, London, H.F. & G. Witherby.