The Metropolitan Hotel on Gordon Street has been a cornerstone of Mackay’s history for well over a century. 

The original two-storey timber building was constructed in 1882 and was first known as Fay’s Hotel, after its early licensee Michael Fay. Fay was among the earliest European settlers in the Mackay district, playing a key role in the region’s growth and prosperity. Under the Fay family’s ownership, the hotel became a hub for locals and travellers, serving the community for several decades. 

In 1923, the hotel was renamed the Metropolitan Hotel, reflecting Mackay’s evolution into a thriving regional centre. A decade later, in the 1930s, the original timber structure was replaced by a more substantial brick building, marking a new era for the venue while retaining its place as a central meeting point in town. 

The Fay family maintained ownership of the hotel until 1949, after which the Metropolitan continued to grow and adapt with the city around it. Through name changes, rebuilds, and the passing of time, the hotel has remained one of Mackay’s most enduring landmarks. 

Today, the Metropolitan Hotel stands as both a reminder of Mackay’s pioneering past and a living part of its present – a venue that has welcomed generations of locals and visitors alike.