· Open -

1914

· 1st Owner -

Union Steamship Company of New Zealand - to meet their customer's needs

· AKA -

GPH / "The Pink Palace of the Pacific" / "Grand Old Lady of the Pacific" / "The Raffles of the Pacific" / "The Pride of Suva"

· Stars - *****

· Guests -

King Edward VIII / King George VI and the Queen Mother / Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip / Dame Nellie Melba / Sir Charles Kingsford Smith / Sir Donald Bradman / James A Michener / Burt Lancaster / Somerset Maugham / Prince harry and Meghan Markle / Noel Coward

· History -

The Union Steamship Company of New Zealand built it so that their customers would have decent accommodation. It was planned in 1908 and built on 2 acres of land reclaimed from Suva Harbour.

In 1958 the hotel was painted pink in the style of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

In June 1928 Charles Kingsford Smith landed his plane the Southern Cross opposite the Hotel on his epic trans Pacific flight from the USA to Australia. They had to cut two rows of trees in Albert Park to accommodate his landing. He had flown from Hawaii which was the longest ever ocean flight and arrived to a hero's welcome in Fiji.

Smith and his crew recuperated at the hotel and addressed a crowd of 10,000 from the balcony. A public holiday was declared and they were the guests of honour at a ball that evening. From here they flew to Brisbane in Australia.

In the 1980's the hotel went into decline and ended up closing its doors in 1992. It began to deteriorate and looked destined for demolition.

It was saved by a joint venture in 2011 and has now been reinstated back to its former glory. It had a massive renovation in 2014.

· Signature -

Colonial Style - wide verandas, wicker furniture, wooden floors and dressed up doormen

The Queen Elizabeth Suite

Wall of Fame - pictures of staff who have worked here for a long time

· Rooms -

113 Rooms and suites @ $325 - $1,350 - Rooms in the old building have more character

· Tales -

After the hotel had closed its doors the army used it to billet junior soldiers in the hotel to keep squatters at bay. And then it wasn't fit to live in at all.

It became an ugly reminder to all of Suva's decline from its glory days. Due to the problems Fiji experienced with violence and political problems investment finance wasn't forthcoming.

A period of national stability finally saw the Grand Old Dame reopen on her 100th anniversary.

· Claim to Fame -

It appears on the Fiji $10 bill

· Innovations -

The hotel was built on a floating foundation, a raft of reinforced concrete.

Hot and cold salt and fresh water baths - in the old days

· Feature -

It has the prime location for viewing incredible sunsets

· View -

Sea Views over Suva Harbour - Albert Park - Thurston Garden - Pool

· High Tea -

On the Heritage Balcony with sweeping views of Suva Harbour - every Sunday 2 pm - 4pm max 20 people so bookings are essential

· Facilities -

Gym / Day Spa / Infinity pool with pool bar and harbor view

· Unique -

Torch lighting ceremony to the beating of drums every night at sun set

· Restaurants -

Prince Albert Restaurant - the premier restaurant with flavours of the Pacific

Levuka Restaurant - al fresco terrace leading to the pool deck which overlooks Suva Harbour, Buffet Breakfast with Juice Bar and Barista Coffee - daily specials for lunch and dinner - can get this menu 24 hours a day with room service + live entertainment Fridays and weekends

Victoria Lounge - wide veranda and panoramic views of Suva Harbour - private area for guests in the more expensive rooms - special Breakfast Buffet and evening canapés and cocktails

GBH Bakery - all the usual treats with Barista made coffee or take away - also specialise in Wedding and Birthday Cakes

· Bars -

Na Toba Pool Bar - best place for sundowners - extensive range of cocktails and snacks by the pool

Steamship Bar - open late and a good place to meet up

· Sights -

Museum of Fiji / Presidential Palace / Local markets

· Extra -

Have a look at Fiji in 'Islands'.