Auckland Hotel recommendations

[binkey36]

Looking for recommendations for Auckland hotels. 2 couples flying in a couple days before our South Pacific cruise. My dad will be 91 at that time and can't tolerate cigarette smoke. So non-smoking rooms or hotels are a must. It appears that staying near the harbor could be fun too. Any suggestions or recommendations will be appreciated.

[cwtravel]

Hello-

I stayed at the Hilton in March before our Solstice cruise. This hotel is right on the water and the ships dock either right next to the hotel or one pier over.

 

The boarding for the Solstice actually used part of the hotels meeting rooms/convention space.

 

Plenty of restaurants close, the ferry building and harbor right at the hotel ( or very close). The only downside is the hotel can be a bit expensive.

 

Have a great trip.

[binkey36]

Thank you CW! I appreciate the information.

[Wastegirl]

We stayed in the Sebel Apartments Auckland, which was fairly close to the cruise terminal and central to the harbour area. It was a great spot, the rooms were very spacious and included a kitchenette and laundry facilities, very handy. We had a great view over a side harbour. The prices are also more affordable than the Hilton, which I must admit looked fantastic and was very central.

[ncgolferette]

Looking for recommendations for Auckland hotels. 2 couples flying in a couple days before our South Pacific cruise. My dad will be 91 at that time and can't tolerate cigarette smoke. So non-smoking rooms or hotels are a must. It appears that staying near the harbor could be fun too. Any suggestions or recommendations will be appreciated.

 

Melinda

 

Know that several of us on the cruise have booked the SkyCity Grand for various nights before the cruise. We got a great rate on a travel website (don't know if I can mention the name but begins with the letter E). Several hundred dollars cheaper than what the hotel or HAL is charging. The hotel is only a few blocks from the terminal.

 

Ruth Ann

[binkey36]

Thank you Ruth Ann and Elise. I will check out both. I just love planning our trips!

Edited May 10, 2014 by binkey36

[oskarNZ]

For a start, NZ has had strict smoking policies in place for almost 10 years. In 2004 it became illegal to smoke in any indoor public space including bars, restaurants, casinos, and hotel rooms. However, there are some exceptions where the space/room has some outdoor space or a balcony attached.

So I wouldn't worry about your dad having any issues here in NZ with smoking.

 

As far as hotels go, the ones mentioned are all great, particularly as far as location is concerned. The Hilton is perfectly located, but I tend to stay clear of it as I personally believe it's overpriced. The 2 hotels within the Sky City are an equally great location as there is so much to do in the immediate area. The centre of the Main Street is only a 5 minute walk away, but it is a hill walk for your dad. In fact, if you stray away from the harbour, pretty much anywhere you walk around the centre city will involve some degree of hill climb.

 

My absolute favourite Auckland hotel is the Langham. I think it is just beautiful and the service is always top notch. If you can afford to upgrade to concierge/club room I highly recommend it for the evening canapés and cocktails. It is also a hill walk to the Main Street, however, unless something has changed, they provide free shuttles down to the harbour end of town. If not, it is a cheap taxi.

[Flipper133]

We are sailing on Solstice departing Auk in Dec.

Done a lot of research on hotels, as although we have been there many times the only time I had to stay in a CBD hotel was at the Hilton when I attended a conference. This time I was looking for a reasonably priced establishment, convenient to the harbour, and which could best accommodate our family group of four.

 

Yes the Hilton is very convenient, but very very overpriced (I wa sglad someone else was paying my bill)

 

There are many fine hotels in Auk, so in the end the selection will depend on price, location, facilities and style.

 

For convenience and price I felt the Copthorne was ideal. It is on Quay St right opposite the Princes Wharf. Some reports say it is a bit tired, but for one or two nights that should not be an issue. However for our stay of two nights I opted for the Waldorf Celestion ... as have quite a few others on our roll call. Main reason for me was that I could get a two bedroom apartment for a good price, and these were not available at the Copthorne.

 

Here is a view of Auckland Harbour and CBD on which I have Pin Pointed a number of the hotels.

 

I trust it is of some use: (NB The Brew on Quay is not a hotel...it is a bar/restaurant):D

 

Cheers

 

[binkey36]

oskarNZ and Flipper...thank you so much for your insight and information. My Dad (and husband) will be thrilled to hear about the smoking 'laws'. Excellent recommendations from both of you. We aren't flying in until next April, so we have plenty of time to make a decision.

Edited May 11, 2014 by binkey36

[cwtravel]

There is also a Mercure Hotel very close to the harbor. This picture was taken from our room in the Hilton, the Ferry Building is the brown/tan building and directly behind the clock tower is the Mercure (it is the building with the red letters you can see in the distance).

 

I thought the Crowne Plaza would also be a good choice though it is up the hill from the waterfront. There is a hop on/hop off bus stop near the CP, and also near the Hilton.

 

Chris

[LunaSeaRetreat]

However for our stay of two nights I opted for the Waldorf Celestion ... as have quite a few others on our roll call. Main reason for me was that I could get a two bedroom apartment for a good price, and these were not available at the Copthorne.

 

Here is a view of Auckland Harbour and CBD on which I have Pin Pointed a number of the hotels.

 

I trust it is of some use: (NB The Brew on Quay is not a hotel...it is a bar/restaurant):D

 

Cheers

 

 

Thanks for the map. We are sailing in February and just booked the Waldorf Celestion. We're in a one bedroom.

Cynthia

[peppergal]

We loved the Hilton, but as others said, it can get expensive (we got it on points so it was a good deal for us). It's also very close to the final stop on the airbus transport route, which made it super easy to get from the airport (didn't have to make sure we were on the right route since they all went there).

[rpcv77]

I stayed at the Mercure this past December. On the plus side, it was a great location, and great price for my two night stay. They have a lovely breakfast buffet on the top floor with beautiful harbor views. On the down side, despite a modern lobby, the rooms were a bit tired. They were clean, but in need of updating as were the hallways. It was fine for us as we spent little time in the room. Convenient to the harbor, shops, restaurants and the city bus system which is easy to navigate and goes all over. Best of all, on the day our cruise departed, we walked the two blocks to the ship.

[binkey36]

I stayed at the Mercure this past December. On the plus side, it was a great location, and great price for my two night stay. They have a lovely breakfast buffet on the top floor with beautiful harbor views. On the down side, despite a modern lobby, the rooms were a bit tired. They were clean, but in need of updating as were the hallways. It was fine for us as we spent little time in the room. Convenient to the harbor, shops, restaurants and the city bus system which is easy to navigate and goes all over. Best of all, on the day our cruise departed, we walked the two blocks to the ship.

 

Thank you for the information. Sounds like a good possibility for us.

[nattygee]

Quay Street is close to the terminal - Copthorne & Hilton.

I have stayed at Sky City a few years ago now though and even though the rooms were smoke free you could smell the smoke (I don't know where it was from). Sky City Grand is nice though.

Langham on Symonds Street is nice but it is a fair way probably at least 20 minutes walk (not that close to the harbour)

City Life Auckland - Heritage Hotel is mid way up Queen Street. I have had friends really recommend that hotel.

If you look on Grabone you might be able to find a deal.

[binkey36]

Quay Street is close to the terminal - Copthorne & Hilton.

I have stayed at Sky City a few years ago now though and even though the rooms were smoke free you could smell the smoke (I don't know where it was from). Sky City Grand is nice though.

Langham on Symonds Street is nice but it is a fair way probably at least 20 minutes walk (not that close to the harbour)

City Life Auckland - Heritage Hotel is mid way up Queen Street. I have had friends really recommend that hotel.

If you look on Grabone you might be able to find a deal.

 

Great info! Thanks nattygee!

[torchlight]

The Stamford Plaza is very near, reasonable in price and 5 star. It is 100 percent better than the Mecure and Copthorne. I wouldnt be staying at Sky City, if you dont want cigarette smoke.

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

We stayed at the Auckland Harbour Oaks..... very nice hotel. Self contained apartments with bedroom, loungeroom and kitchen. We had a harbour view apartment which overlooked the terminal.

 

We walked to the terminal with our bags..... it was a 10 minute walk, no problem at all.

 

 

View from our room.

[binkey36]

Thank you torchlight and Eileen for the suggestions! Both are good. My husband and I are up to the 10 minute walk. My Dad will be 91 by the time we take this cruise. I'm not sure he will be up to it. But if it is a 10 minute walk...it will also be a very short taxi ride! Thanks again to everyone for their help and suggestions.

[boards]

We have stayed twice at the Langham and we really like the hotel. It is a little pricey. They have a free shuttle service that runs on a schedule that will take you to the business area and pick you up and it is very good. They also have a service that will pick you at the airport, but there is a charge for it.

Edited June 5, 2014 by boards

[Glyder]

Hi All

we live in auckland and when we stay in the city we use a website call wotif dot com you can get some great deals on there. the hilton is the closest to the terminal, but there are a few serviced apartments on the viaduct that is a very short (5 mins) walk to the terminal.

[binkey36]

Wonderful information! Thank you Glyder!

[trig42]

The Quay West hotel on Albert Street is very close to the waterfront, and has nice large one- and two-bedroom apartments. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and they were comfortable and quiet.

 

If you can wait, sites like Wotif and Expedia will have good deals a couple of months out from when you need them.

 

The Mercure mentioned earlier is fine, maybe a little noisier. The rooms may be starting to show their age a bit, but they are clean and the beds are comfortable.

 

Sebel Suites and Sofitel in the Viaduct Harbour are great hotels, and a flat walk to the cruise terminals.

[binkey36]

The Quay West hotel on Albert Street is very close to the waterfront, and has nice large one- and two-bedroom apartments. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and they were comfortable and quiet.

 

If you can wait, sites like Wotif and Expedia will have good deals a couple of months out from when you need them.

 

The Mercure mentioned earlier is fine, maybe a little noisier. The rooms may be starting to show their age a bit, but they are clean and the beds are comfortable.

 

Sebel Suites and Sofitel in the Viaduct Harbour are great hotels, and a flat walk to the cruise terminals.

 

Great information. Thank you. We plan to wait until a couple months before sailing to book our rooms. Good deals are always welcome!