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Commercial Hotel
Commercial Hotel Fremantle.jpg
Commercial Hotel in 2017
Former names Albert Hotel, Southern Cross Hotel, Sundancer Backpackers Hostel
General information
Architectural style Inter-War Free Classical style
Address 80 High Street
Town or city Fremantle
Country Western Australia
Coordinates 32°03′17″S 115°44′43″E / 32.05461°S 115.74537°E / -32.05461; 115.74537
Completed 1840
Renovated 1908
Height
Architectural Federation Free Classic
Technical details
Floor count 3
Design and construction
Architect John McNeece
Architecture firm John McNeece and son
Type State Registered Place
Designated 1
Part of West End, Fremantle (25225)
Reference no. 921

The Commercial Hotel is an old and important building located at 80 High Street in Fremantle, Western Australia. It has three floors and is built in a special style called Federation Free Classic. This building was officially recognized as a heritage place in 1978. Today, it is known as the Sundancers Backpackers Hostel, a place where travelers can stay.

What is the Commercial Hotel?

The Commercial Hotel is a historic building in Fremantle. It stands out with its three floors. The building's design is known as the Federation Free Classic style. This style was popular around the early 1900s.

The hotel was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1978. This means it is considered a very important place. It is part of Australia's national heritage.

A Look Back: The Hotel's History

The story of the Commercial Hotel began a long time ago, in 1840. A man named Captain John Thomas built the first hotel on this spot. It was originally called the Southern Cross Hotel.

Captain Thomas's wife helped manage the hotel. She took care of things while her husband was away at sea. Over time, the hotel changed its name. First, it became the Albert Hotel. Later, it was renamed the Commercial Hotel.

In 1891, a person named E. Jonas was in charge of the Commercial Hotel. They were known as the publican. This person ran the hotel and its services.

From Old to New: Rebuilding the Hotel

The building you see today is not the original one from 1840. The hotel was completely rebuilt in 1908. It might have also been renovated that same year. This was a time when many old buildings in Fremantle were being torn down.

A newspaper from 1907 mentioned this change. It reported that old, run-down buildings were being removed. This made way for new and improved structures. The area around the Commercial Hotel was also part of this big change.

What is it Used for Today?

Around the year 2000, the Commercial Hotel changed its purpose. It was no longer just a hotel. It became the Sun Dancer Resort backpackers' hostel.

A backpackers' hostel is a type of lodging. It offers budget-friendly accommodation. It is popular with young travelers. They often carry backpacks and explore different places.

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