27-35 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central, New Zealand | (888) 293-5302
In central Auckland, a four-minute walk to the Sky Tower
Spacious apartment-style rooms, with efficiency kitchenettes or kitchens
Some rooms have Sky Tower views
Continental and a la carte breakfasts available (for a fee)
Small meeting room available
Free compact fitness center with modern equipment
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Decor is simple, verging on dated in some places
Some rooms lack windows and air-conditioning
Street noise might be an issue in some rooms
No lunch or dinner restaurant, or bar on-site
The Best Western President is a three-pearl, 105-room hotel that makes a spacious central base for travelers looking to explore Auckland’s most popular attractions. The hotel is a four-minute walk from the Sky Tower, which has panoramic city views. Rooms are simply decorated and austere, but include efficiency kitchenettes or kitchens, plus flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Keep in mind that some lack air-conditioning and windows. A continental buffet or a la carte breakfast is available (for a fee) and there's a compact fitness room with modern equipment. Travelers looking for a similar city-center hotel with a full-service restaurant might compare rates with the Auckland City Hotel-Hobson St. instead.
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Scene
Functional hotel with spacious apartment-style rooms, near popular tourist attractions
Situated beside the Sky Tower, this hotel’s greatest selling point is its city-center location. With Auckland’s most popular attractions nearby, most visitors treat The President as an handy base to explore the city. As such, don't expect much of a hang-out-and-socialize atmosphere here. The hotel’s stone tower-block facade is unremarkable, as is the dated lobby area. A collection of tired leather sofas are positioned beside a large flat-screen TV, and three elevators. The area feels like a shopping center concourse, with a tour booking desk and a convenience store beside the main entrance. This hotel is a no-fuss mid-range option that's mostly popular with couples, but occasionally chosen by families and groups of friends.
Location
In Downtown Auckland, a four-minute walk from the Sky Tower
Located in central Auckland, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city’s major attractions. Auckland’s highest building, the Sky Tower, is a four-minute walk away, with a panoramic observation deck, and a base-jump platform for daredevils. The Auckland Art Gallery is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and has a large collection of Maori and Pacific Island art. The Waitemata Harbour area, with its ferry terminals and the New Zealand Maritime Museum, is a six-minute drive or a 15-minute bus journey away. The Museum of Transport and Technology is a 15-minute drive and Auckland Zoo is 20 minutes away by car. The volcanic 182-meter-high One Tree Hill, is a 25-minute drive away for those looking to commune with Auckland's natural (and spiritual) side. Auckland Airport is a 40-minute drive, depending on traffic, or about an hour on the airport bus.
Rooms
Spacious rooms with efficiency kitchenettes or kitchens, some with multiple bedrooms and separate living rooms
Rooms at the Best Western President are remarkably spacious for a hotel in downtown Auckland. However, the decor is uninspiring and looks tired in places, consisting of dorm-like furniture and basic floral wall art. Standard Studios have double beds with fresh white linens, functional wood-veneer desks, and bedside tables. One-Bedroom Suites feature separate living rooms with sofas, armchairs, and flat-screen TVs. Two-Bedroom Apartments have double and twin beds, and open-plan living areas. All rooms have efficiency kitchenettes or kitchens -- the former only include microwaves, sinks, mini-fridges, and simple utensils. A washing machine and tumble dryer are welcome additions in premium rooms, and higher categories also add stovetops. Other standard features include air-conditioning, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, irons, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms overlook the Sky Tower, but the hotel's central location means street noise might be an issue. It's worth noting that some rooms lack windows and air-conditioning. Large en-suite bathrooms are bright and clean, with shower/tub combos or stall showers. Hairdryers, towels, and toiletries are provided.
Features
Spacious breakfast restaurant, plus fitness center and laundry rooms
This city-center property has decent range of facilities, though it's somewhat limited by its bustling location. The functional restaurant area has a corporate feel with leather seating, and an overflow area doubling as a meeting room. Breakfast includes buffet and a la carte options (for a fee), and lunch and dinner aren't available. The fitness room is compact and modern, with a simple selection of cardio machines and weights. Two small self-service laundry rooms with coin-operated machines are available as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and limited underground parking is available.
