THE-EXCELSIOR HOTEL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11714, 23 April 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE-EXCELSIOR HOTEL.

R. MACKENZIE, PnoraiETOit.

In the eyes of the travelling public the status of a city is largely judged by the substantiality of .its business houses,' and, more particularly, of its lint sis. New Zealand offers more than ordinary attraction to tliu tourist and sightseer, and it is of the utmost importance that its hos--telries shall be commodious, modern, and thoroughly up-to-date. Chief among the newer hotels in Dunedin is the Kxcelsitir, into possession of'which Mr R, MacKenzie entered in December of last year. The building, which is most substantially constructed, is centrally situated at the corner of Princes and Bowling streets, occupying a frontage of 70ft to the main thorou"]^ fare, and 100 ft to "Dovvlmg street. The structure immediately attracts attention from its lofty height, its handsome stone frontage, and its external appointments. The outside is no falsa indication of the interior. A wide entrance from Dowling street leads to a front snloou bar. and to what is known in local terminology as the ''Dive"—viz., an underground bar, vrliieli forms an excellent resort in ihe summer weather for thn heated and thirsty traveller. A broad, carpeted stairway, with oaken banisters, takes one to tlio upper floors, of which there nre three, the whole structure, including the cellar, consisting of five floors. On the first floor arc situated ;i dining room, commercial room, drawing room, and bedrooms, and suites. .The dining room is large and lofty, excellently lighted, and capable of accoir.modat.ing 100 persons. The commercial room is one of the finest apartments in the hotel, is luxuriously furnished, supplied with all the leading pajjers and jieiibdicals, writing

materials, and the" many conveniences which distinguish a', first-class- house; '" Included .among lhe appointments of'the commercial room is afiue-toncdgrarid.pia'nb,' an attraction wliioli no otliei- local hotel provides in; -that ■ department of. its accommodation. .The sitting,rooms.are, also well-appointed, y ancl -are..furnished ' with' libraries "of "solid and light literature. The secondhand third .floors are entirely used for. sleeping apartments,' and the total bedroom accommoda*tion of the hotel is for 90 persons. During the'eontingent week there was!an extra .press'on space, and over !LOO persons were" housed -"n .the Excelsior.' Porcelain 'baths and other modern conyenienceß are attached to every floor, and most .admirable provision has been made -by means' of outside iron stairways for" escape .'in the event of a fire. The .front bar, which is situated on the ground floor, ,is furnished in the manner of a luxurious saloon,, and therein, as well as in the spacious and heavilystocked cellar, Mr MacKenzie keeps the best brands of wines, spirits, and ales. ' Mr R. MacKpnzie, the proprietor of the establishment, is. a native of Ross-shire, in the Highlands of Scotland. He has.had an experience in Dunedin as 'a,- hotelkeeper' extending over 11 years, and for five years had possession of the Oban Hotel, named after the well-known centre in the Western 'Highlands. Mr MacKcnzic is aii enthusiastic Mighlandman, and he never forgets the great land that gave ' him birth, nor the ancient tongue, which he learned to speak at his mother's knee. As a director'of the Caleuonian Society he invariably acts as judge- in the piping, competitions - which are he.d from time to time. He is also a member of the Usielie Society, and is often to be seen wearing the full Highland dress, with the tartan of the ancient Macs from ■whom lie is sprung. In 1898. he proceeded to the old country, and tlie Gaelic Society testified their regard for his services by giving him a send-off and presenting him'with a gold-mounted walking stick. On his return, Mr MacKenzie brought with him 600 gallons of genuine smoky Highland whisky, and it is worth mentioning, in honour of his country, that he always obtains the best of this spirit. He is a member of the Stewart Lodge of Masons.