Where to stay in Auckland: Best Hotels in the CBD
/After over two years of border closure, New Zealand is finally ready to welcome the world again!
Auckland central is especially excited to finally see the hustle and bustle of international travellers in its streets. While you were gone, Auckland revamped some of the city’s streets, worked on its CBD transport system, added new amazing restaurants and (rooftop) bars to the mix, a fancy new shopping mall and…they built and opened a bunch of new hotels!
Find out where to stay in auckland: Best hotels in the cbd and enjoy a view like this one with your bath (pic: accor)
With this many new kids on the block, you probably wonder where to stay in Auckland for the best experience. Not to worry, I’ve got your back. I’ve visited all of the below hotels and will show you their location, rooms, the pros and cons of each property. You then decide which hotel is the right one for your needs.
Read on to figure out where to stay in Auckland: Best hotels in the CBD for 2022 and beyond
In this article you'll find Auckland CBD hotels in
- Britomart (Hotel Britomart, Auckland Harbour Suites, So/Auckland, Grand Mercure)
- Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard (MSocial, Hilton, Park Hyatt, QT Auckland, Travelodge)
- Queen Street (Fable, Airedale Boutique Suites, Four Points by Sheraton, CityLife, Avani Metropolis)
- Sky Tower & Victoria Park (Sudima, Rydges, Ramada Suites, Heritage Hotel, Swiss-Belsuites)
A note on Managed Isolation (MIQ)
Even though I’m a little reluctant, I feel it’s important to talk about the hotels that are and were managed isolation facilities (MIQs).
For those of you who don’t know, managed isolation facilities are hotels that are/were being used as a way to quarantine when arriving in New Zealand from overseas to ensure Covid-19 stayed out for as long as possible. It started off with airport hotels but quickly had to be extended to city hotels as well.
With the opening of the NZ borders and ceasing of isolation on arrival, most of these hotels are no longer needed as quarantine facilities and, after a deepclean and renovations, are ready to join the regular market again.
The hotel list below does mention hotels that were MIQs. Most are currently renovating and the first ones are expected to be back for public stays from May. You’ll see a star (*) next to the hotel name if it was a managed isolation and isn’t ready for stays just yet. Once the hotel opens back up, I’ll remove the star.
You can find an updated list of the managed isolation facilities here.
Where to stay in Auckland: Best Hotels in the CBD
Britomart
Britomart is currently the newest and hippest kid on the block. Located behind the name-giving Britomart train station (Auckland’s main station), Britomart manages to keep an industrial-modern look. Lots of exposed brick, pipes and festoon lights at night. Fancy shops, amazing restaurants and bars are waiting to be explored.
Auckland ferry terminal, Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter are easily and quickly reached on foot.
Britomart tips:
For the best bread, croissants and coffee (and lunch, dinner), visit the popular Amano Cafe.
Britomart Saturday Market happens - you guessed it - every Saturday from 8am to 2pm on Takutai Square.
For your sweet tooth, visit Miann Britomart (delicious macarons) or eat the artsiest gelatos at Giapo.
Takutai Square in britomart auckland
The Hotel Britomart
Official Rating: 5*
The Hotel Britomart is New Zealand's only 5 Green Star hotel. This means they catch and use a majority of water from rainwater collectors on the roof (not for your drinking water, of course) and they use as many sustainable materials for the hotel as possible. They even have biodegradable slippers (I’m sorry but I still can’t get over the slippers, that’s so genious!). 80% of the material used to built the hotel was either recycled or re-used and all of the artwork in the hotel is by Kiwi artists.
The entrance is bright, light and looks inviting. Instead of your typical reception desk, there’s more of a work station to check you in. There are lots of seating options, from little nooks to long tables.
Kingi Restaurant is a stunning seafood restaurant and part of the Hotel Britomart. Their kai moana (seafood) is locally sourced by a handful, carefully selected fishermen who are even mentioned by name on the menu.
warm colours in the hotel britomart’s lobby
The 99 guest rooms all have the same size. The different rates are based on where which floor the room is located on and what its view is. They’re 22sqm | 237sqft in size and cleverly built to make the most of the room.
The 5 Landing Suites are named after bays at The Landing in the Bay of Islands (the two hotels belong together) and differ in size. The ones with balcony have a very cool New Yorker feeling and are great for romantic stays or to entertain guests.
Highlights:
The Kingi Restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, in a modern yet industrial look, with bricks and lots of glass and wood. You have to see it!
I absolutely loved the balcony suites at the Britomart, they even have an outdoor gas fireplace
I still can’t get over the biodegradable slippers
Special tip:
Guests looking for peace and quiet are invited to retreat to the guest-only space The Libraries.
Cons:
The guest rooms are one of the smallest in Auckland, especially in a 5* hotel.
For me, a 5* hotel, be it in the city or elsewhere, needs a designated spa area and/or a pool.
Conclusion:
Great for people who like to stay central, in a modern, stylish and eco-conscious hotel, who don’t mind a smaller room as they’re hardly home or like to splash out for a (pretty amazing) suite with private balcony.
One of the guest rooms at the hotel britomart
Auckland Harbour Suites
Official Rating: 4*
I love Auckland Harbour Suites! I like to send my friends there and stayed there myself. Not only is this a central Auckland accommodation in one of the best locations (over the road to Britomart with restaurants, pubs and shopping. It’s also near the ferry, opposite So/ Sofitel with its rooftop bar and right next to Giapo Ice Cream). But it also offers amazing value for money.
The rooms start at 25sqm for a Studio and increase in size for the 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. They come either with Harbour View or City View (even though some of the City View rooms still have partial Harbour View), the rooms are nicely furnished and modern, all with a kitchenette (studio), kitchen (higher categories) and washing machine/dryer.
There’s an outdoor lap pool and a small gym in the building (both of which I haven’t actually seen in person)
Highlights
Great location and one of the best value for money hotels in Auckland.
All room windows can be fully opened
Big emphasis on keeping their guests safe with 24h reception and you can only operate the elevators with your room key.
Cons
It might get a little loud at night, especially on weekends.
The rooms don’t have built-in air conditions. There is a mobile aircon during summer and fans but it can get a little stuffy, especially if you don’t like to open your windows.
The entrance could do with an upgrade.
Special Tip:
Have at least one ice cream at Giapo’s next door. It’s not just gelato, it’s an experience in itself.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for an unpretentious and super central hotel in Auckland that is clean, feels nice and won’t break the bank, Auckland Harbour Suites is your place to stay.
Bedroom in a 1-Bedroom apartment at auckland harbour suites
SO/ Auckland
Official Category: 5*
So/ Auckland It’s ultra-modern and just “so hot right now”. There are only a handful SO/ Sofitel hotels worldwide and So/ Auckland is the first one in the Southern Hemisphere.
The volcano-nerd in me loves the fact that the entire hotel is volcano-themed, albeit in a very artsy way (and not sure if I’d noticed hadn’t I been told).
Everything is built to look awesome on social. There’s a giant chandelier in the lobby (not a hanging one, though), the indoor pool area comes with an inflatable flamingo and a giant screen, as well as a spa pool, sauna and steam bath. A modern gym and day spa are on the same floor.
On the highest floor of the hotel is Harbour Society Restaurant. The kitchen is open-plan so you can watch the chefs doing their cooking magic. The dining experience isn’t cheap but it’s nowhere near as expensive as you’d expect of a 5* Deluxe hotel.
And of course, there’s the roof bar. Stylish, instagrammable, with all the best DJs from the country and the world.
As everything is volcano-themed, the rooms are sub-themed into the various stages of magma in an eruption: Liquid, vapour or solid. Depending on which theme you get, the room has a different ambience.
Rooms are big, starting at 32sqm, and, like everything else, are just stunningl. The bathroom is relatively open so probably best for couples and friends rather than business partners.
Highlights
The whole So/ Auckland is one huge highlight!
I love that this central Auckland hotel has a whole floor dedicated to wellness with a spa treatment area, a lap pool, a Finnish sauna and a well-equipped gym. One of the Auckland best hotels for a girls pampering staycation.
With some luck you can spot some celebrities staying here.
Cons
Not ideal for sharing a room with a work colleague as the bathrooms are semi-open
Special tip
Guests of So/ Auckland Club Signature Rooms have access to a VIP lounge and terrace with complimentary afternoon tea and evening canapes as well as drinks. The full pamper package.
Conclusion:
Want to know where to stay in Auckland that is quirky yet luxurious, a celebrity hotspot with one of the best wellness and spa floors in Auckland plus a rooftop bar? Book the So/Auckland!
One of the stunning rooms at So/Auckland
Grand Mercure
Official Rating: 5*
Looking for a central Auckland accommodation? It can’t get any more central than at the Grand Mercure Auckland! Located at the beginning of Queen Street, next to Britomart train station, a one-minute walk to the ferry terminal and surrounded by the best restaurants and bars of the new Britomart quarter. Everything you need is only a stone-throw away.
On the rooftop, Grand Mercure Auckland has a lovely bar and restaurant with great views over the skyline or the harbour, depending on where you sit (which is why it’s called Vue Restaurant). Your breakfast buffet is served up here, as well as High Tea.
The rooms are newly renovated and start at 20sqm | 215sqft in size. If you’re visiting Auckland with kids, the best room for a family at the Grand Mercure is a Queen Superior with 2 queen beds.
Highlights
Ultra-central location but still quiet thanks to double-glazing.
Custom Lane Bar is cool. An unimposing delivery drive-through by day, it turns into a fun street-side bar by night.
Cons
Vue Restaurant is indoor-only and doesn’t have a balcony. It makes perfect winter dining, though.
Again, for me to be a 5* hotel, it needs a spa and/or pool area. However, the hotel does have a gym.
Conclusion:
Good and super-central hotel with modern interiors. The perfect starting point for day trips in and around Auckland.
Room at the Grand Mercure
Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter
Locals and tourists alike LOVE Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. It’s the perfect spot for those tropical holiday feelings. The waterfront is jam-packed with restaurants and bars, all looking out to the harbour where giant yachts gently sway on the turquoise water. Every time I’m there I’m getting serious St Tropez feels.
Viaduct Harbour as we know it today has been around for about 2 decades. Originally built for the 2000 America’s Cup, it has since become the place to be for fancy outdoor dining. Wynyard Quarter was built on reclaimed land as a continuation of Viaduct Harbour and saw its first proper use during the Rugby World Cup 2011. Both waterfront areas have now become one, connected by a passenger drawbridge and are host to many free outdoor events during summer.
Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter tips:
Silo Park is the place to be in summer. Chances are you find a free event (concerts, outdoor cinema etc) happening on the weekend.
Auckland Fish Market is a great place to eat and extremely popular during lunch time. It’s part indoors, part outdoors and while you do find a lot of seafood dishes (as one would hope with such a name), vegetarians and carnivores still have plenty of choices.
instant holiday feelings in wynyard quarter looking towards viaduct harbour and the sky tower
MSocial Auckland (* MIQ until 30 June 22)
Official Rating 4*
I find the MSocial one of the coolest hotels in Auckland that won’t break the bank. As the name implies, it’s all about being fresh and Insta-worthy without overdoing it.
The lobby is small but stylish in a boutique hotel kind of way, with lamps that look like swings dangling off the ceiling.
MSocial is on Auckland’s Waterfront right across the ferry terminal and in walking distance to Queen Street and the restaurants on Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. It’s a great starting point to exploring the city and the Hauraki Gulf Islands like Waiheke or Rangitoto.
All rooms look towards the waterfront. On level 1 - 4 you find the Social Rooms, some with more, some with less view of the water. From level 5 and higher, the rooms stay the same in size with a different name (Social View Rooms) due to the exceptional Auckland Harbour views you get. The Corner Rooms are bigger, a good deal and work well for families with up to two kids.
Highlights
I’m loving the style, the happy colours and the fact that this is a cool hotel that still doesn’t break the bank.
Great views, great location
Cons:
Nothing comes to mind right now.
Special tip:
MSocial Auckland can become a bit of a Celebrity Hotspot when a concert or rugby game is on as the stars often stay here.
Conclusion:
Great hotel for the young and young-at-heart. I find it can absolutely keep up with the 5* hotels in terms of its looks but am happy it’s officially a 4* as it makes it more affordable.
Room and views at the msocial Auckland
Hilton Auckland
Official Rating: 5*
Everyone knows and loves the Hilton brand, and why wouldn’t they. Hilton stands for great service and a certain level of sophistication. Hilton Auckland combines the classical 5-star hotel flair with modern elegance and a hint of marine life. Perfectly located on Princes Wharf, it’s surrounded by water and is designed to feel like you’re on a cruise ship.
The heart of the hotel is an airy lobby with modern fireplaces. Bellini Bar right behind is loosely themed to the marine look and offers delicious cocktails and High Tea. On the first floor, you find Fish Restaurant which serves a delicious and surprisingly affordable breakfast (with a great buffet!) as well as dinner.
There’s also a gym and an outdoor pool with a glass front that looks to the water. The pool looks extremely enticing looking from outside but to be honest it’s a lot smaller than I expected.
High tea in bellini at the hilton auckland is pretty spectacular!
The rooms are large, starting at 29sqm | 312sqft and most of them look towards the water (some Guest Rooms look to the “yard” on the wharf). All rooms have a large balcony, which is rare in a city hotel. Room and balcony sizes vary slightly depending on which floor you’re located on. The highlight of the rooms is the King Suite With Harbour View which is located in the ‘bow’ and surrounded by the ocean.
Highlights:
Great location on the waterfront, surrounded by water
High Tea at Bellini and the breakfast buffet
Cons:
I wish there was more space to sit outdoors at Bellini. Unfortunately, it’s not possible due to the outdoor space being public.
Special tips:
If you’re a group of four people or more, it’s worth booking a Cocktail Class at Bellini. You get to try three cocktails and learn to make one of them. A platter is included, too.
Ask for one of the newly opened rooms on the top level. The room category is the same (Guest Room variations) but the whole floor was newly opened in 2019.
Conclusion:
Great hotel for a couple of romantic nights overlooking the water and still central to explore the city and go out for dinner.
hilton auckland’s unique location (pic by hilton)
Park Hyatt
Official Rating: 5*
The Park Hyatt is one of the newest places to stay in Auckland. It’s located right next to the passenger drawbridge in Wynyard Quarter, meaning it’s surrounded by hundreds of restaurants and bars!
With 195 guest rooms and 23 suites, it’s one of the bigger hotels in Auckland. And what rooms they are! At the Park Hyatt Auckland, you’ll find the biggest rooms, with the ‘smallest’ one starting at a whopping 47sqm | 506sqft and all have a walk-in wardrobe! The smallest rooms at the Park Hyatt are called suites in other hotels! You’ll definitely have a lot of space to make yourself comfortable.
All rooms have a king or twin bed, a couch, balcony, his & hers vanity and an oval bathtub at the window for the best views while bathing!
The maori artwork in the rooms as well as all over the hotel give the hotel its very own, very local personality.
Who wouldn’t want to take a plunge at Park Hyatt’s infinity pool!
The spa and wellness area at the Park Hyatt Auckland are second to none! They have hands-down one of the biggest gyms I’ve ever seen in a hotel. And the 25 meter infinity pool with wooden (covered) deck and sun lounger is a welcome sight you don’t usually get to see in a New Zealand city hotel. Round it off with a spa treatment and some time in the hydrotherapy room and you’ve got yourself a dream of a wellness getaway.
You’ll also find a cafe (The Pantry) in the hotel, a casual dining (Living Room) and a fine dining restaurant (Onemata). You technically don’t ever need to leave the hotel.
Highlights:
The massive and beautiful rooms, starting from 47sqm | 506sqft
Pool area, gym and spa
Great location surrounded by restaurants and bars
Cons:
I’m not a fan of the courtyard-style design of the lobby and interior and while it wasn’t loud when I visited I image it can get quite noisy if the hotel is fully booked.
Special tips:
Close your blinds in the bathroom if you take a bath at night! A friend told me you can see right into the rooms at night from the waterfront walkway…
Conclusion:
Great for romantic stays or girls pampering getaways as well as corporate stays. Waterfront and hotels are right outside!
bathing with a view at Park Hyatt, one of the best places to stay in auckland
QT Auckland
Official Rating: 5*
The QT brand is known for its very unique approach to hospitality. Although there are several QTs in New Zealand (one in Wellington and another in Queenstown) and Australia, the only thing they have in common is that they’re distinctively different to every other hotel you’ve seen.
The new QT Auckland is a stylish, funky, boutique-style hotel (similar but different to the SO/Auckland). Its theme is the waterworld of the Waitemata Harbour where it’s located and although you don’t notice it at first, everything is water and oyster-themed. The lamps in the lobby and groundfloor restaurant as well as the wardrobes in the rooms are recycled material from oyster farms (you could never tell), there are carpets in mussel prints, iridescent cushions imitating mother of pearl.
what a view: rooftop bar at QT Auckland
The ground floor restaurant Esther dishes up European-style food from the wood-fire oven, including a breakfast pizza (!!!) and the super popular rooftop bar makes yummy cocktails and snacks.
The rooms are just as modern and colourful, stylish and at the same time comfy. They start at 24sqm | 258sqft and go up to 45sqm | 485sqft. The Executive King Balcony rooms come, as the name reveals, with a pretty decent size balcony to enjoy a glass of bubbly during a warm summer night.
Highlights:
Ocean theme of the hotel
QT Auckland’s rooftop bar is the place to be right now and looks awesome
Breakfast pizza! Need I say more?
Cons:
I know I’m repeating myself but I would’ve loved to see an awesome pool and day spa
Conclusion:
Stylish and fun hotel for people who like colour and a short way to the room after a night out in the rooftop bar.
refreshing colours at QT Auckland
Travelodge
Official Rating: 4*
Only a 2-minute walk to the waterfront and tucked between the Park Hyatt and Sofitel Auckland (not to be mistaken for the SO/Auckland that’s also by Sofitel) is the new Travelodge Auckland.
It’s a solid, no-frills hotel with spacious, new rooms for a good price. The rooms are all pretty much of the same size (22sqm | 236sqft, only the Executive Room is a bit bigger) some of the higher located rooms have a view of the marina.
The lobby is spacious and in a modern dark & gold. The hotel doesn’t have any other amenities (like pool, restaurant etc) but with a Countdown Metro (small supermarket) with cafe right next door, plus several coffee places and restaurants within a short walk, it’s not really needed.
The staff at the reception is super friendly and were happy to show me around the hotel even though I just rocked up without an appointment.
Highlights:
Just a 2-minute walk (max) to the waterfront
New, modern
Parking garage in the same building (not part of the hotel but you know you have a place to stay)
Cons:
If you want hotel amenities other than a nice room to crash, you’ll have to look into another hotel.
Conclusion:
Good no-frills hotel in a great location for dining and day trips to the islands that’s not too hard on your wallet.
One of Travelodge Auckland’s rooms
Queen Street Hotels
Queen Street Auckland is the main road of the central business district. It runs in a straight line from Britomart at it’s feet to K-Road at the top. It’s filled with shops, cafes and restaurant.
The little side alleys leading off Queen Street and its parallel streets are intriguing to explore (much more than the commercial hub Queen Street to be honest) as you’ll find the most adorable little shops and the best international food.
Tips on and off Queen Street:
Vulcan Lane is probably the most famous lane off Queen Street. Chancery Square is a bit more of a hidden gem. It’s a cluster of shops and restaurants and has quite a European feel to it with tables outside under giant umbrellas, cobble stones and narrow alleys.
High Street, starting at Fort Street (another good one) still has adorable little non-chain stores like Unity Books. Once High Street continues into Lorne Street, you can find the most delicious and (in my opinion) highly authentic Asian restaurants. Aotea Square is your go-to place before and after a live show (be it at the Civic, Town Hall or Q Theatre.
the place to be for bookworms: unity books on high street
Fable Auckland
Official Rating: 5*
This hotel really embraces the term ‘tucked away’. Fable Auckland (previously Grand Windsor) lies right at the bottom of Queen Street, not far from Britomart. The entrance is hidden in plain sight in between luxury shops. You step off the busy Queen Street into a quiet sanctuary.
The house once used to be a tea house and the tea theme weaves itself through the hotel like a common thread. From the-themed images on the walls to delightful tea sets in the hotel rooms, including delicious T2 Tea to brew.
The rooms, starting at 19sqm | 205sqft, are adequately furnished in a modern imperial style with a hint of art deco (not that I’m an expert). I loved the wall paper that looks like it’s been folded like a map.
There’s a restaurant at ground level for both guests and public, and just for the guests a lovely spa bath, 2 Finnish sauna cabins (all need slots to book) and a (very) small gym.
Highlights:
Location, calm restaurant at ground level
Spa bath and saunas
Cons:
The rooms are on the smaller side.
Conclusion:
Good location, central but still quiet inside.
Room at fable auckland (cbd accommodation)
Airedale Boutique Suites
Official Rating: 4*
Newly renovated hotel in perfect location to stay after watching a theatre play or musical in the nearby Civic, Town Hall and Q Theatre. It’s themed in a warm, modern art deco style with a cafe at ground level (which will also serve as a bar and dinner restaurant once Covid restrictions ease). There is a small gym.
The rooms start at 25sqm | 269sqft in size and are decorated in modern, friendly yellow and turquoise colour accents and a lot of indirect lighting, giving the room a warm and cosy feel. A very cool feature (for me) is the designated wine fridge on top of the regular mini bar, keeping the wines you bought over on Waiheke Island at a perfect drinking temperature.
Thanks to being officially classified as a 4* hotel, it won’t break the bank, either.
Highlights:
I just can’t get over the wine fridge
Cons:
About a 10-minute walk to the waterfront (if this counts as a con)
Conclusion:
Great hotel with lovely staff to stay for staycation or on business, with great value for money.
warm colours and backlighting at airedale boutique suites
Four Points By Sheraton
Official rating 4*
Just around the corner of Aotea Square, the Civic and Town Hall, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland is a great place to base yourself during an event! The location on Queen Street in the middle of Auckland CBD is also great for other endeavours in and around the centre.
Four Point By Sheraton’s lobby is inviting and bright and gives way to the Queen’s Head Eatery at the back of the ground level. Downstairs, you’ll find a gym with state-of-the-art Technogym machines.
Head up to the very top of the building for your favourite gin cocktail at The Churchill with an amazing view over the city centre.
The rooms start at 20sqm and all have floor to ceiling windows which flood the room with light. The King Corner Rooms are bigger and some have a free-standing right on the window. Some of the rooms have a bathtub right at the window. No need to worry about anyone peeking in as all windows are mirrored. You can enjoy your bath while sipping a drink and overlooking the hustle and bustle on Aotea Square.
Highlights:
Churchill Gin Bar. It has food, it has drinks, it has an amazing view! The staff is super-friendly. They love to help you out finding your perfect cocktail, even ones without gin, And the best thing is, you won’t have far to go to your room.
Cons:
Standard King Rooms are on the smaller side.
Special tip:
For a small surcharge, book a 35sqm King Corner Room. You won’t be disappointed.
Conclusion:
The Four Points by Sheraton is the perfect Auckland hotel for a romantic staycation (in one of the rooms with the awesome tub) and a short way ‘home’ after theater and drinks at The Churchill.
The churchill Rooftop bar at four points by sheraton
CityLife Auckland
Official Rating 4*
Right on Queen Street, everything in Auckland downtown can be reached quick and easy on foot from the CityLife Hotel. The main entrance to the hotel is on a side street but there’s also access from Queen Street. There’s an indoor pool and a gym on the second floor.
The renovated rooms cater to all modern needs and wants like USB ports, a new bathroom and carpets. The Superior Room is a regular hotel room without kitchenette, the higher categories provide a kitchen or kitchenette which is great for families.
Auckland CityLife is great for families with kids! Most rooms have interconnecting doors that connect the rooms and the suites.
Highlights:
One of the best Auckland accommodation for families thanks to interconnecting doors.
Cons:
Standard Room on the smaller side. Some rooms could do with an upgrade.
Special Tip:
Ask for one of the refurbished rooms.
Conclusion:
Great hotel for families: Interconnecting doors and indoor pool
Pool at the citylife auckland hotel
Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences
Official Category: 5*
Although the hotel’s high tower is visible from afar, the Avani Metropolis Auckland feels a little tucked away. It’s right around the corner to Queen Street, Vulcan Lane and the Chancery. The hotel’s entrance used to be a courthouse and looks quite impressive with a lot of white marble stone.
The apartments in the tower are part hotel, part private residences. Currently, about 110 rooms belong to Avani, all others are private (not that you’d notice that in any way).
There’s currently no restaurant that belongs to the property but you can charge-back to your room from all cafes and restaurants in the building.
There’s an indoor lap pool, sauna as well as indoor and outdoor spa pools and a high-quality gym.
The rooms are modern and held in fashionable grey and purple. They all have a kitchenette and full laundry facilities. Some rooms have a balcony, others have Juliet Balconies, but all open fully (you better not be afraid of heights). The room size starts at 35sqm | 376sqft. All 1-Bedroom Suites are the same size, the only reason changes the price is the view. The 2-Bedroom Suite sleeps up to five people and is great for families.
Highlights:
Fantastic views over the city
Great pool and gym area
Good but quiet location
Cons:
Some people might not like the fact the windows open fully in such height.
Conclusion:
Nice hidden gem hotel in great location and with reasonable rates
purpe and grey always works great: avani metropolis residences
Sky Tower and Victoria Park
At 378m | 1076 ft height, Sky Tower Auckland is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sky Tower is not only visible from afar, standing out in the Auckland skyline (and trademarking it at the same time), the tower and the surrounding buildings are almost like a little universe, a bubble within the city of Auckland.
You can wine and dine on top of the Sky Tower, and take in the 360° views from inside and even by walking around a metal structure on the outside. If you dare, you can also jump off the tower in the Sky Jump.
In the adjacent building to the Sky Tower, you’ll find two hotels (Sky City Hotels), a 24-hour casino (Sky City Casino), multiple restaurants and bars (Masu, Federal Delicatessen and Depot are just some examples), and two iconic indoor tours you’ll have to visit because they’re fantastic (Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience).
Victoria Park lies down the hill, between the Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbour. It’s a popular area with locals who’re often seen exercising in the park or shopping (well, maybe also wining and dining) at the stylish Victoria Park Market.
go for a walk around the skytower auckland and take in the views on aj hackett’s skywalk
Sudima Hotel Auckland
Official Rating: 4*
Located right behind Sky City’s new convention centre, the new Sudima is going to one of the best Auckland hotels for corporate events. The colourful and playful design of the interior as well as the U-Rooms attract holiday-makers just as much.
At the East Restaurant on ground-level you’ll find some of the best vegetarian and vegan Asian dishes in Auckland.
The superior rooms are great for travelling on business The rooms are friendly, bright and reasonably big. The Superior rooms are also great for families of up to 6 people as some of the rooms have connecting doors.
The U-Rooms are designed around the principes of self-care. You’ll find a sunny room in soft colours, an island bed and even yoga equipment. The Suite (which is really a bigger room) has more earthy colours and features a bathtub in the room for a romantic evening or total relaxation.
Highlights:
East Restaurant
Cons:
Not a fan of the location behind Sky City as it’s not as close to attractions as other hotels
Conclusion:
Good for business events and corporate travel
wonder where to stay in auckland that has a bathtub in the room? book a suite at the sudima auckland
Ramada Suites
Official Rating: 4*
I like this hotel for its un-pretentiousness and it’s the one where I housed my parents when they visited. A little hidden away, Ramada Suites Auckland is only a couple of minutes on foot from the Sky Tower and close to Aotea Square. It’s a small property with studios and apartments. No pool, no in-house restaurant (you are surrounded by restaurants anyway).
The rooms are modern and have a decent size. They all come with a good kitchenette as well as your own washing machine and tumble dryer which is great if you’ve been travelling for a while.
Highlights:
Location, modern apartment-style rooms
Cons:
No in-house facilities
Conclusion:
Wondering where to stay in Auckland that’s close to Sky Tower and is apartment-style? Look no further.
the ramada the little red building
Rydges Auckland
Official Rating: 4*
Rydges Auckland is perfectly located in the same street as the Sky Tower. You literally only have to cross the street and you’re there. The CUT Restaurant and Bar behind the lobby have recently been renovated and look fantastic in modern dark blue, green and golden colours.
The hotel has a gym but no pool.
The size of the rooms is quite decent (starting from 28sqm | 301sqft), from some you can even get a glimpse of the Sky Tower. The bathrooms are big. Personally, I found the interior a little old-school and in need of updating the rooms which is why I’d give the Rydges Auckland 3.5 stars rather than the official 4. But I did hear they’re planning on a soft-reno before they come back to the market after being an MIQ for the past years.
Highlight:
Location so close to Sky Tower and Queen Street
Cons:
Rooms are a little outdated
Special Tip:
During Summer, there’s often a Sunday Session happening on the roof terrace with DJs, fancy drinks and beautiful people.
the cut bar at rydges auckland looking good
Heritage Hotel
Official Rating: 4*
The Heritage Hotel really lives up to its name as it’s located in a heritage building. Back in the 1920s, the building housed the Farmers department store. When they moved to Queen Street, the Heritage Hotel Auckland took over.
This Auckland accommodation is divided into a Hotel and a Tower part and has two separate lobbies. The Hotel part houses Hector Restaurant whose speciality is vegan food (although they do offer meat). Most other facilities, like the outdoor rooftop pool and gym, are located in the Tower section of the Heritage Hotel Auckland. They can be used by all guests, it might just be a little further away from your room.
The rooms are big with a lot of space and high ceilings. Some rooms look over Auckland Harbour. I found that the rooms were generally a little outdated, the ones in the Tower being a bit more modern. I know there are plans for a soft-refurbishment but am not sure when it will start.
Highlight
Location and Hector Restaurant for vegans
Cons
Outdated rooms
Special Tip
Corner rooms are a little bigger.
Book a Tower Room if you prefer more modern rooms
Conclusion:
Nice heritage building with a popular restaurant, good value for money.
room at the heritage hotel auckalnd
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park
Official Rating: 4*
Located next to Victoria Park and Victoria Market, Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park is a little off the beaten track for New Zealand visitors. It’s still really central, though, with Viaduct Harbour only a 5-minute walk away.
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park is a no-frills apartment hotel. There’s a cafe on ground level and reception is open 24 hours. Apart from this, it’s all about the apartments.
The rooms are modern and huge, starting at an impressive 37sqm and only get bigger from there! Floor-to-ceiling windows let in a lot of light. All rooms have a full kitchen, living room and washing machine/dryer. This is one of the best hotels in Auckland for families or groups of friends (the 3-Bedroom Suite can sleep up to seven adults and the beds can be made up as Twins).
Highlights:
Great value for money for groups and families.
Huge rooms!
Cons:
No real in-house facilities other than a cafe
Conclusion:
If you travel with friends and/or family and need some space to sprawl out, Swiss-Belsuites Auckland is a great place to stay.
feel like home at swiss-belsuites victoria park
What’s your favourite Auckland hotel? Is it on the list? Let me know in the comments or message me!
(*) This hotel is currently a managed isolation facility (MIQ) but will re-enter the market later this year (2022).
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