Fable Dunedin

The staff were exceptionally helpful from check-in through check-out, and room service for both dinner and breakfast was simply excellent. We had a great time at Fable Dunedin. Its wonderful facade was a welcome change after all those boring rectangular modern buildings. The bath in our Waine Suite was ridiculously large and fancy, and felt amazing after days tramping in the bush. We understand the hotel can’t magically add windows with a street view, but a little more “fresh air” to our colourful wall decoration, perhaps a colourful painting or fine art photograph, would improve the whole aesthetic.

Chloe made our special day even more memorable. She went out of her way to look after us, and her service really stood out. The Fable was spotless, the room was stunning, and the location was great. We’ll be back, especially knowing Chloe is there.

The high-quality furnishings were the one clear plus, but our two rooms were nowhere near alike. At check-in we were told, “Both rooms are the same.” Room 209 felt like a junior suite; 316 felt like a basement room. Its tiny windows were more like loopholes, neither openable nor useful to look through, and the air was poor. There was barely room for one suitcase, let alone two. The bath was cramped too, with almost no space between you and the toilet paper holder. Such a design flaw. Breakfast wasn’t a buffet, you had to order a menu. You could choose an omelet or risk leaving hungry. My pancakes were burnt, and the breakfast staff seemed confused: side dishes meant for someone in our group were put on another person’s menu, not on a separate plate. I don’t know how this place got a five-star rating. I’d give it three. If you’re driving, there’s no reserved hotel parking, so you need to find a public spot. Street parking beside the hotel is free on weekends, but you have to move your car before 9 a.m. Monday.

The bed was really comfortable and the bathroom was nice. The building is lovely inside, though the walls are thin enough that street noise carries in when people walk past. Finding the place and checking in was frustrating. There was no curbside welcome or clear sign, and I had to circle the block several times to find a place to park. Once inside, the gentleman at reception kept ignoring me while busy, so the wait was a long one.