Best Luxury Hotels in Auckland
Auckland’s most luxe hotels include a sleek business hotel on the harbor and a colorful boutique whose history goes back to 1841.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Central Business District, Auckland Central, North Island, New Zealand
The 171-room Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is a sleek business hotel right on Auckland's harbor, a short walk from the offices of the Central Business District and many of the city's major attractions. Rooms are elegant and understated, with dark-wood furnishings, plush gray carpets, and floor-to-ceiling windows (although some look right out into the offices across the street). Bathrooms are huge and made entirely of marble, and feature large walk-in rainfall showers, separate soaking tubs, and high-end toiletries. The Sofitel has two restaurants and a bar, plus 24-hour room service. Other features include a small fitness center (no weight machines), a tiny lap pool with a whirlpool, a serene spa, a business center, and five meeting rooms. However, there is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi here.
SKYCITY Grand Hotel
Central Business District, Auckland Central, North Island, New Zealand
SKYCITY Grand Hotel is an enormous luxury business hotel located below Auckland's landmark Sky Tower. The 316 modern rooms have large bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows (although some look out on adjacent office buildings -- same as Sofitel). There are also Self Contained Suites with full kitchens for long-term guests and families, though most visitors to the hotel are business travelers in town for conferences. Features include three restaurants (with New Zealand, Japanese, and Italian offerings), an indoor lap pool, a good-sized fitness center -- much better than the one found at Sofitel -- a luxury spa, and plenty of meeting spaces. Both Sofitel and SKYCITY offer 24-hour room service. Note that while Sofitel charges extra for Wi-Fi, SKYCITY offers it free throughout the property. However, the property's large size and corporate vibe can make it feel a bit impersonal. Guests looking for more quiet and privacy may prefer the boutique experience offered at the nearby Hotel DeBrett, a colorful, historic hotel with only 25 rooms.
Hotel DeBrett
Central Business District, Auckland Central, North Island, New Zealand
The 25-room Hotel DeBrett is a charming and upscale boutique hotel in Auckland's Central Business District, a short walk from Britomart. Rooms and suites here are individually decorated, and some are spread over two levels, loft-style. All have pillow menus, seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. With the exception of one unit, all bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and heated bathroom floors. The hotel goes all out with its culinary options -- the on-site DeBretts Kitchen offers eclectic fine-dining at lunch and dinner along with free breakfast and special afternoon teas on the weekend. Two bars serve New Zealand wines, local microbrews, and plenty of cocktails and spirits. Aside from the restaurant and bars, there aren't many amenities (no fitness center and pool, like at Sofitel or SKYCITY), but Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Heritage Auckland
Central Business District, Auckland Central, North Island, New Zealand
This vibrant and upscale property is located in one of Auckland’s most recognizable historic landmarks, the 1920s Farmer’s department store building in Central Business District. It includes the original Art Deco building (Hotel Wing), which has been lovingly restored to feature original wood floors, and the newer Tower Wing, which is connected by an enclosed walkway. Amenities include a restaurant/bar with a focus on healthy local food, two fitness centers (one in each wing), a sauna, whirlpool, indoor lap pool, tennis courts, and heated rooftop pool with spectacular views (no dedicated spa, though). But while the rooms at Hotel DeBrett are bright, cozy, and individually decorated, room style here is a bit bland. All of Heritage Auckland's rooms and suites are spacious and include minibars and coffeemakers. Many suites have kitchenettes as well as laundry facilities.
Pullman Auckland
Central Business District, Auckland Central, North Island, New Zealand
Pullman Auckland is a modern and sophisticated business-oriented hotel in a quiet section of downtown, adjacent to Albert Park (Heritage is closer to the harbor and Sky Tower). The hotel's large ballroom hosts many social events and business functions, and the property also is popular with tour groups. Wellness features are comparable to the ones found at Heritage: in addition to a heated indoor lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, there are yoga classes and personal trainers available at the excellently equipped gym, and massages, hair services, and body treatments at the full-service spa. But Pullman doesn't have a rooftop pool, like the one at Heritage. Pullman's 347 rooms are clean, spacious, and nicely decorated, but they can vary significantly in size and amenities. Suites in the Residence Tower have private balconies and fully equipped kitchens.