Owned by Gayleen and Phill McEwan, the High St motel opened on Waitangi Day after a seven-month construction period.
‘‘We took possession on July 1 and the digger came the same day,'' Mrs McEwan said.
The Dunedin Palms Motel is on the site of the 10-unit High St Court Motel.
‘‘It has been completely shelled-out and redeveloped.
‘‘There is also a new block with 10 studio units, an office and a house.''
The project had cost ‘‘several million dollars'' and the result was ‘‘beautiful - it just looks amazing'', Mrs McEwan said.
The complex includes luxury units, studios and executive one and two-bedroom units.
There was a ‘‘definite need for more upmarket accommodation in Dunedin'', Mrs McEwan said.
Originally from Oamaru, the McEwans built and operated the Blenheim Palms Motel and then returned to farming near Ashburton before buying the Dunedin motel.
