When most folks think of Fiji, beaches fringed by turquoise seas come to mind. And while that’s certainly the major draw to the 333 islands that make up the nation, travelers intrigued by the thought of an urban getaway should read up on Suva, Fiji’s capital and largest city. And, if understanding Fijian history and culture is a priority, a stay at Grand Pacific Hotel is an ideal place to start.
Waterfront City Landmark
Sometimes referred to as the “grand old lady” of the Pacific, the hotel opened in 1914. The property has welcomed a long list of royalty throughout the years, including Queen Elizabeth II. Black and white photographs hanging throughout the hotel chronicle her visits in 1953 and 1973.
Accommodations
At first sight, the hotel’s colonial architecture makes it clear you’ve arrived somewhere unique. There’s a feeling of being transported back in time, as they simply don’t build hotels like this anymore.
Grand Pacific Hotel offers 113 rooms in two distinct categories: Heritage Rooms and Suites in the original, colonial-style building, and modern-day hotel accommodations located in a new wing of the property.
I stayed on the second floor of the historic building in a Royal Suite. The room enjoyed a classic and welcoming elegance thanks to thoughtful design touches.
Some of my favorite accents included the floral-patterned headboard and the clusters of black and white images of Suva proudly displayed on the walls. Vibrant red ceiling-to-floor window dressings framed French doors that spilled onto the huge porch that wrapped around the entire second floor of the colonial structure.
The bathroom design felt strikingly modern in comparison with the rest of the room. The single sink vanity offered just enough space for two travelers. The bathroom and walk-in shower lined one wall. The single glass door that slid back and forth between the two provided minimal privacy. Pure Fiji toiletries were provided in refillable bottles.
From coffee and tea selections (with milk in the refrigerator) to an ironing board and safe, all of the modern touches travelers have come to expect were accounted for.
Bottled water has traditionally been the safest source of water in Fiji; thus, a disturbing amount of single-use plastic bottles are utilized in the hospitality industry. It’s good practice to carry a reusable water bottle and ask for filtered water from the hotel restaurant. Hopefully, water refill stations will become standard operating procedure.
Public Spaces and Facilities
The pool is located on the backside of the property, overlooking Suva Bay. A small, shallow offshoot square section provides a spot for younger guests to splash around and call their own. Loungers, tables, and chairs make the space a nice place to relax and enjoy the sunset, even if you have no plans to get wet.
The Grand Pacific Hotel Day Spa features just a half-dozen treatment rooms, but there are pages of treatments to choose from, ranging from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., guests can book a spa service before or after a day of exploring Suva.
The spa features a small fitness center with an assortment of physical training equipment. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dining Options
Levuka Restaurant serves three meals a day; breakfast is offered buffet-style. I recommend grabbing an outside table with a view of the pool and the waterfront. Selections might include Fijian goat curry, cumin rice, sausage, bacon, fruit, and assorted pastries. Cooked-to-order eggs, omelets, pancakes, and waffles are also available. Along with tea and coffee, look for a selection of juice blends such as pineapple with ginger and turmeric, and watermelon with beetroot and carrots.
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The Passport to Flavors culinary series takes place monthly at Levuka Restaurant. Each month highlights a different destination. Previous dining experiences have focused on India, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Fiji. Appetizers, side dishes, and desserts are presented on a buffet. Main dishes are served family-style.
Prince Albert restaurant is open for dinner service only. I didn’t have an opportunity to dine here, but you should anticipate a more upscale experience. The dress code calls for smart casual, and guests must be age 18 or older.
The menu at poolside Na Toba includes spring rolls, potato croquettes, sliders, and more. For a twist on a gin and tonic, try GPH’s signature G & Tea cocktail. It’s a mix of Earl Grey tea, lemongrass, and Blue Turtle Gin, the first gin distilled in Fiji. In addition to Fijian sugar cane, the craft spirit features other notable local foraged ingredients, including kava, ginger, and fresh curry leaf.
On the first and third Sunday of every month, the Grand Pacific Hotel serves High Tea in its Victoria Lounge or on the wraparound porch. Sweet and savory treats pair nicely with views of Suva Harbour.
Good to Know
Grand Pacific Hotel is located steps away from myriad government buildings, including Fijian Parliament, the Fiji Museum, and Thurston Gardens. Poet and tour guide Peter Sipeli runs guided walking tours of Suva that highlight the city’s history and landmarks.
Nausori Domestic Airport, which serves primarily Australia and New Zealand, is just under a 20-mile drive. However, there are frequent connections to Nadi International Airport. If traveling by car, it can take approximately four to reach Nadi International Airport. Buses run regularly between Suva and the international airport. At less than $10, they offer an economical way to see the Coral Coast, but the trip can take four to five hours. Coaches are typically air-conditioned, but leg room is limited, and buses may not have a bathroom.
With the exception of the GPH Bakery, the hotel is cashless.
The resort offers three rooms in the new wing that are adapted for guests with mobility issues.
Rates for a stay in Royal Suite 4 start at $394 (FJ$900). There is no resort fee, however, a preauthorization of $175 ($FJD 400) per night, per room, is required upon arrival. Additionally, a 2.5% surcharge applies to all international debit/credit card transactions.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Grand Pacific Hotel, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
