Dunedin Leisure Lodge is a garden hotel at 30 Duke Street in Dunedin North, set in two acres of gardens and lawns next to the Dunedin Botanic Garden. The website describes it as Dunedin's only garden hotel. It has 76 rooms and suites, with double glazing, heaters, flat screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities and free unlimited Wi-Fi, and complimentary off-street parking. Superior rooms have a patio or balcony facing the lawns. The hotel is part of Distinction Hotels Group and is Qualmark 4-star rated.
The hotel was built in 1978 on the site of the former McGavin Brewery. The old malting kiln, the Oast House, is now a conference venue for up to 50 people, and the McGavin Room holds up to 100. The website says weddings are held in the gardens, and McGavin's Restaurant serves meals, with al fresco dining on warm evenings. It is six minutes' drive from the city centre and a short walk to the Otago Museum and the University of Otago, with Forsyth Barr Stadium within walking distance. Our pick in Dunedin for a garden stay near the Botanic Garden.