[4] In 1884 the building was extended along Marine Terrace to the corner of Collie Street and renamed the Hall of Commerce.

[5] The extension was built with locally quarried limestone and the shingled roof and verandah were continued in the new portion of the building.

In 1903 the building underwent significant alterations, designed by Joseph Herbert Eales,[8] reorganising the interior structure and renovating the facade with the inclusion of an ornate dome shaped corner turret, new windows, verandah balustrades and a decorative parapet.

[9][10][full citation needed] In 1985 the building was enlarged by the owners, Winterbottom Holdings, in preparation for the anticipated influx of visitors for the 1987 America's Cup.

The extensions were bigger than the original hotel building increasing the capacity to 140 bedrooms, providing function and convention facilities, a 130-seat restaurant and swimming pool.

[13] The Esplanade Hotel was entered into the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission on 21 March 1978.