THE CITY HOTEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11714, 23 April 1900, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE CITY HOTEL

COM-70R AND HARRIS, Proprietors.

Among the chief institutions of Dunedin is the City Hotel, .conducted by Messrs Connor and Harris, well known' members of the local commercial wprld. An hotel is undoubtedly as important to a city as a commercial house, "it is the homo'of thp travelling public, and as such is indispensable. Strictly spanking, a hotel is judged by its recommendations in this -regard, 'for it it does not present the features of a home the visitor will not be satisfied, with anything. Those who have travelled to any extent understand the pleasure aiforded the tired wanderer when he finds that iie has put up at a hostelry which gives him a sensation of home comforts, ;i iec'.hi"- cf contentment that is never found where" the land lord is grasping, and makes a god of the bar trade. 'Die City in Dunedin possesses the highest of all" recommendations• it is comfortably furnished, homely, and well managed. Founded about 20 years ago, the City was one of the pioneer first-class .hostclrie's m .Dunedin, -md the position it v/on th«n it hits uever relinquished. iir Michel Murphy, the original proprietor, is known m this business all over Australia, :-ml he won a reputation for the (JiU' which Las been carefully upheld by subsequent proprietor?. Ths present gentlemen took Hie business over 12 months ago, and have m-■niaugm-iiteil substantial improvements throughout the builtiiug, a three-^to--ev .structure standing at the corner of IWes street a:id Jim-ay place. While they had not any extended exparience in. conducting such'- a business, Messrs Connor and Hnrrs were men of observation who hud -Wppcd essentials, and were not slow to piJt them into practice. There are two entrances to the City Hotel, one from iioiv.y place and the- principal from Princes street. Standing in the centre ot the city, no better .•situation could be had for the" convenience of the travelling public, or for local residents. To tlie left of the main entrance is a bar psi-lour ar.d' saloon bar. suitably furnished, where a parly of friends may gather and, as they loungo in ease, sip' delectable liquids, -smoh», and chat. The front bar is at the corner of. the two thoroughfares, is spacious, nicely panered. ard equipped in an agreeable manner. All the liquors are superior, Messrs Connor and Harris being too experienced as bus-ness men not to be particular in this department. The spirits ay« thoroughly to be relied on, and their wines and "ales are of the best brands. The bur is a popular rendezvous for meal people who are connoisseurs. On the ground floor, and immediately behind the bar, is the hilliard room.

the largest in Dunedin. This is provided with two of Alccck's improved tables, and all the equipments are of the best. . These .tables are decidedly superior to those usually found in hotels, and many :;. pleasant gam's is played there.. Ascending ths stairway to the first floor the dining room is reached, also the largest in the city, being able to accommodate upwards of J.OO persons. It is furnished after the manner of up-to-date hotels. The proprietors' employ an' experienced chef, so that the menu is all' that could be desired. Adjoining is a smoking and commercial room, containing cushioned armchairs, cushioned straight-backed chairs, couches, writing Utbles and materials, and a varied stock of periodicals, newspapers, guides, &c. Next "to this is the ladies' drawing room, the decorations of which are in excellent taste, and resemble those of a private house. .Several bedrooms and suites and bathrooms complete the complement of rooms on the first iloor. On the second floor is another drawing room, and the remainder of the bedrooms. These latter_ are roomy, well ventilated, and have luxurious beds and other furnishings. The wall decorations here, as elsewhere, are bright. There are four batlirooms in tl-ie hotel, supplied with hot and cold water at all hours of the day and night, a. hot shower being as possible as a plunge. An admirable arrangement is observable here, the kitchen being on the second or top floor, so that no fumes go through the building. This modern arrangement is only found in the best hotels. In every respect the City is a superior hostelry, arid I reflects credit on the management, who are sparing neither pains nor expense to keep it 'homely and popular. The firm of Messrs Connor and Harris arc also the proprietors of the Commercial Hotel in Cromwell, and of the Caledonian Hotel in Alexandra. The latter is the largest hostelry on the goklfields, and is conducted by "Mr Ail. Harris, whilst the former, managed by Mr J. J. Connor, jun., is the principal house in Cromwell. - Quite I recently Messrs Connor and Harris added to the already extensive concerns of which they, are the proprietors by the purchase |of the Criterion Hovel, in' Princes street, Dunedin. This old-established house is situated at the corner of Moray Place and the main thoroughfare, and is almost immediately opposite the City. In earlier times the Criterioir was the groat resort of the squatters and* landowners, of the province, and was in those days the premier hotel of Dunedin. With its commanding situation and excellent accommodation, .he Criterion only requires the management of a shrewd business man like Mr Connor to regain all its old prestiges and prominence. ■ The building i.s two storeys high, and is fitted up with all the convenience and comfort which distinguish a modern hotel. . There' is bedroom accommodation for 70 persons, whilst a large and well-fitted diniiiffroom on tiie upper floor is capable of seating an equal number of people. In addition io single* bedrooms .there are well-furnished suites, and the hotel lias three sitting rooms oil the upper floor, whilst there arc ■■ u \vo on the ground flat. A large billiard room with two of AiAck's best tables.' attract:; the knights yf the cna, and ths propristarv has shown il-s enterprise in secT.riiu; life services as marker of Mr Redding, who is well known throughout the colonies as the most successful billiard expert of New Zealand. The ground Jleor also contains a large banquetting hiiii, aunjirablv s;ii!ed to the conduct of public meetings: ' There are two bar?, a front bar and a saloon, the hitter being graced with the comfort and luxuriance B which bespeak a Srst-class house. Altogether, Messrs Connor and Harris must be ranked as amongst the largest hotel proprietors in New Zealand, and they bring to this business valuable experience gained during many years of commercial life.