The Grand Pacific Hotel opened in Suva on 23 May 1914, built by the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand to provide luxury accommodation for cruise passengers. After a FJ$70 million restoration and a management takeover by InterContinental Hotels Group in 2020, it operates as Suva’s premier five-star heritage property. This guide details its century of history, current ownership, royal connections, and what guests can expect today.

Last checked: 2026-07-31

Name: Grand Pacific Hotel (Fiji) · Location: 584-618 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji · Year Built: 1914 · Chain Affiliation: IHG Hotels & Resorts · Notable Feature: Queen Elizabeth Suite · Nearby Landmarks: Parliament House, Fiji Museum

Grand Pacific Hotel at a glance

1 1914 Opening

• Original opening on 23 May 1914, following land reclamation from Suva Harbour in 1910. (Grand Pacific Hotel official history)

2 Royal Connection

• Queen Elizabeth II first stayed in 1953; the Queen Elizabeth Suite commemorates her visits. (Robb Report India)

3 Restoration Capital

• A joint venture of Fiji National Provident Fund, PNG Superannuation Fund, and Lamana Development invested an estimated FJ$70 million; the hotel reopened in May 2014. (German Wikipedia)

4 IHG Management

• InterContinental Hotels Group took over management in 2020, adding the property to its global portfolio. (Robb Report India)

Name	Grand Pacific Hotel (Fiji)
Location	584-618 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji
Year Built	1914
Chain Affiliation	IHG Hotels & Resorts
Notable Feature	Queen Elizabeth Suite
Nearby Landmarks	Parliament House, Fiji Museum
Room Count	113 rooms and suites
Original Owner	Union Steamship Company of New Zealand

Who owns Grand Pacific Hotel, Fiji?

The hotel is owned by a joint venture signed in 2011 between the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), the Papua New Guinea Superannuation Fund, and Lamana Development Limited. FNPF holds a 50% share, while the two PNG partners each hold 25% (German Wikipedia). This structure—Pacific superannuation capital funding a heritage tourism asset—is unique in the region. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) took over management in 2020, and guest communications indicate a planned rebrand to InterContinental Grand Pacific Suva.

The bottom line: The joint venture rescued a derelict colonial icon and repositioned it within a global luxury hotel group, providing both preservation and brand reach.

When was the Grand Pacific Hotel built?

Planning for a luxury hotel on Suva’s waterfront began in 1908. The Union Steamship Company reclaimed roughly two acres from Suva Harbour in 1910, creating the site on Victoria Parade. Construction used reinforced ferro-concrete and was carried out by Hall Hogg & Company of Dunedin, New Zealand. The design, by the firm Salmon and Vanes, featured high ceilings and large louvered doors opening onto broad verandas—a deliberate response to the tropical climate (Wikipedia). When the hotel opened on 23 May 1914, it was among the first large ferro-concrete buildings in the South Pacific (Grand Pacific Hotel official history).

The original facility included roughly 35 guest rooms, separate ladies’ drawing and billiard rooms, a smoking room, and a roof garden. Local media quickly began calling it the “Grand Old Lady of the Pacific,” a nickname that has endured for over a century (South Pacific Tourism Organisation).

“The Grand Old Lady of the Pacific has hosted royalty, heads of state, and high society for over a century.” — Pacific Island Living

After decades of changing ownership and eventual decline, the hotel closed in 1992 and sat largely derelict for nearly 20 years (FijianHistory.com). The restoration that began in November 2011 blended conservation of the original colonial façade and interior public rooms with a modern wing. The project increased capacity to 113 rooms and added a large conference hall. The fully restored hotel reopened to guests in May 2014, precisely 100 years after its original opening.

The pattern: The restoration expanded the hotel from roughly 35 rooms to 113 while preserving the historic core, allowing it to compete as a modern five-star venue without losing its heritage identity.

Where did Queen Elizabeth stay in Fiji?

The Grand Pacific Hotel has hosted multiple members of the British royal family, but its most famous guest remains Queen Elizabeth II. She first stayed here during her 1953 royal tour of Fiji—her first overseas tour as monarch. She returned on subsequent visits, and the hotel now houses the Queen Elizabeth Suite, a dedicated space commemorating her stays (Observer).

“The royal connection is integral to the hotel’s brand story—it’s what separates the Grand Pacific from any other business hotel in Suva.” — Robb Report India

The suite is one of the property’s most requested bookings. The hotel also hosted Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, cementing its status as a royal family favourite.

The bottom line: The Queen Elizabeth Suite is not just a marketing label but a historically documented space that directly ties the hotel to Commonwealth history.

Where is Hotel Grand Pacific located?

The hotel sits at 584-618 Victoria Parade in central Suva, directly opposite the Parliament of Fiji. It is 328 feet from the Fiji Museum and faces Suva Harbour. This location places it at the intersection of government, commerce, and cultural tourism (Wikipedia).

Nearby landmarks include the Thurston Gardens, the University of the South Pacific, and the Suva Municipal Market. The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from Nausori International Airport, which serves domestic and regional flights.

The implication: The hotel functions as an urban base for business travellers and government delegates, occupying a very different niche from the island resorts further west.

What is the most luxurious resort in Fiji?

The Grand Pacific Hotel markets itself as a five-star property and is widely described as “the only true five-star hotel in central Suva” (South Pacific Tourism Organisation). Across Fiji, however, luxury takes a different form—secluded island resorts offering all-inclusive seclusion.

Hotel	Location	Known For	Price Range (per night)	Historical Significance
Grand Pacific Hotel (Fiji)	Victoria Parade, Suva	Heritage luxury, colonial architecture, urban business hub	From approx AU$235	Opened 1914; hosted Queen Elizabeth II; reopened 2014
Leading luxury island resort (e.g. Likuliku Lagoon Resort)	Mamanuca Islands	Overwater bungalows, adults-only, high-end seclusion	Premium all-inclusive tier	Opened 2006; modern luxury focused on natural immersion
Tony Robbins’ resort in Fiji (Namale Resort & Spa)	Vanua Levu	Wellness retreats, personal-development programs	All-inclusive premium tier	Boutique resort; known for lifestyle transformation events

The trade-off: Staying at the Grand Pacific means access to Suva’s government quarter and cultural sites, with over a century of history built into the walls. Island resorts offer beachfront seclusion and water sports. Most Fiji itineraries can accommodate both.

Grand Pacific Hotel Fiji reviews, prices, and menu

Guest review scores for the Grand Pacific Hotel average around 8.7 out of 10 on major aggregator platforms, with service scores consistently exceeding room-condition scores (Hotel-Scoop). This pattern reflects a common tension in restored heritage hotels: staff training and hospitality meet modern standards, but some room interiors—particularly bedding and noise insulation—still draw critiques from guests accustomed to newer properties.

Dining options centre on the Royal Victoria Lounge and several on-site restaurants. The hotel is known for its high tea service, a tradition that reinforces its colonial-era branding. Rates typically start from AU$235 per night, placing the Grand Pacific in the upper-midscale to luxury band for the Suva market.

The bottom line: The Grand Pacific Hotel earns strong marks for service and historical atmosphere, while its room-condition scores represent the main area where guest expectations and heritage reality sometimes diverge.

Best for which traveller?

• Historical Enthusiasts: The 1914 architecture, Royal Victoria Lounge, and Queen Elizabeth Suite offer a tangible connection to Suva’s colonial and royal past.
• Luxury Travelers: Five-star facilities with IHG standards in a capital-city setting, for travellers who prioritise service and brand consistency over beach proximity.
• Business Travelers: Directly opposite Parliament House and close to government ministries, with a large conference hall and reliable business infrastructure.

• 1908 – Planning begins for luxury hotel on Suva waterfront.
• 1910 – Land reclamation completed on Victoria Parade.
• 23 May 1914 – Grand Pacific Hotel opens with ~35 rooms.
• 1953 – Queen Elizabeth II stays during her first royal tour.
• 1992 – Hotel closes after decades of decline.
• 2011 – Joint venture of FNPF, PNG Super Fund, and Lamana begins FJ$70m restoration.
• 2014 – Hotel reopens, marking its 100th anniversary.
• 2020 – IHG takes over management; InterContinental rebrand follows.

For a closer look at another business property in the capital, see our Tanoa Plaza Suva guide. The Grand Pacific is managed by IHG; travellers familiar with the brand’s standards in Australia can compare it to the InterContinental Perth City Centre Hotel.

Who owns Grand Pacific Hotel, Fiji?

A joint venture comprising Fiji National Provident Fund (50%), Papua New Guinea Superannuation Fund (25%), and Lamana Development Limited (25%) owns the hotel. It has been managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) since 2020.

When was the Grand Pacific Hotel built?

It opened on 23 May 1914, after planning began in 1908 and land reclamation from Suva Harbour was completed in 1910.

Where did Queen Elizabeth stay in Fiji?

She stayed at the Grand Pacific Hotel during her 1953 royal tour. The property now features the Queen Elizabeth Suite in her honour.

Where is Hotel Grand Pacific located?

At 584-618 Victoria Parade in Suva, directly opposite the Parliament of Fiji and a short walk from the Fiji Museum.

What is the most luxurious resort in Fiji?

The Grand Pacific Hotel is Suva’s leading five-star property. Island resorts such as Likuliku Lagoon Resort and Kokomo Private Island are frequently ranked among the most luxurious nationwide.

What resort does Tony Robbins own in Fiji?

Tony Robbins owns Namale Resort & Spa, an adults-only all-inclusive resort on Vanua Levu.

Is Fiji nicer than Bali?

Both are top tropical destinations. Fiji is known for its remote island luxury, marine biodiversity, and warm hospitality. Bali offers a denser mix of cultural temples, more affordable accommodation, and a varied culinary landscape. The choice depends on travel style and budget priorities.

Where do celebrities stay in Fiji?

The Grand Pacific Hotel has hosted the British royal family. Celebrities seeking privacy often stay at Kokomo Private Island, Vomo Island Resort, or Laucala Island.