Thursday 28 August 2014


GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL
584-618 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji

Visited: 10th August 2014

Design: Well it was a nice change to finally get out of the resort and see some of the countryside and the nearby islands. We have been exploring the cultural riches of the island and today made our way down to the capital, Suva. Only to realise that everything was closed and most people were at church. However, in our search for lunch we came across the beautifully restored Grand Pacific Hotel. Built by the Union Steam Ship Company in 1914 for their passengers travelling the Transpacific route, the rooms were made to look identical to the first-class staterooms onboard the cruise ships. Queen Elizabeth II and Charles Kingsford Smith were just some of the guests that have stayed here. This year being the 100 year anniversary, a Government run investment group brought the 'Grand Old Lady' back to life. To see the images of it back in 2010 and earlier of it run down and weather beaten and to see it fully restored to its former glory with contemporary touches throughout was amazing. The whole building screamed,'White British Colonialist' with its pompous grandeur and Titanic interior decor. I always find these buildings beautiful, but find they feel awkward and out of place on Continents or Islands that are outside of the UK. There is a pretentious air that permeates you as you wander the grounds. Apart from that, an amazing job had been done and it felt like it had been built yesterday. The reception door was outstanding with concierge and bell boys dressed like characters from a Wes Anderson film. You are instantly transported to another era once you enter the foyer. I found the white double doors with the French windows, accompanied by the two palms, marine pendant lights and the soft grey walls complemented each other a perfectly. The brass handles were divine on the hands and there was an effortless push on the open.

Door resistance: 2
Closure mechanism: Manual
Draft: Medium
Squeak level: 0




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