Waldorf St. Martins Apartment Hotel

The Waldorf Saint Martins is set in a modern, 18-story building on a quiet side street on the edge of the city center. The hotel mainly draws families who want the space and convenience of apartment living -- and enough on-site amenities to keep the kids occupied and happy -- and also some couples and business travelers. There's considerable common space, including an attractive lobby, with a sleek, espresso wood reception desk, a mod, bright orange bench, and chrome detailing on walls, but the space doesn't invite lingering. The hotel is at its busiest in the morning, when guests fill up the breakfast room to take advantage of the buffet. 

Waldorf St. Martins Apartment Hotel is located on the outskirts of Auckland's Central Business District (CBD). Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, and Aoetea Square are all a 10-minute walk away. Albert Park is about a five-minute drive, and it's only nine minutes in the car to The Vector Arena and Auckland Waterfront & Ferry Terminal. 

The New Zealand Maritime Museum and Princes Wharf (which has ferries to nearby attractions, such as Rangitoto Island) are 10 minutes by car, and the expansive Auckland War Memorial Museum is also a 10-minute drive. Getting to Auckland Airport takes around 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes using public transportation. 

St. Martins offers a variety of one- and two-bedroom furnished apartments -- but only Superior and Plus units have air conditioning. And while apartments are well-equipped and comfortable, decor is a bit bland, and spaces feel sparse. The only pop of color or hint of pattern in a melange of browns is from a couple of throw pillows on beds covered in sky blue or abstract prints. However, kitchens are all outfitted with full-size fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, two-burner cooktops, and ovens, and stocked with toasters, tea kettles, free tea and instant coffee, and dishes. All apartments also have balconies, flat-screen TVs with cable, and ironing boards. Bathrooms are basic bordering on antiseptic, with stall showers and wall-mounted soap dispensers, but there are updated hairdryers and attractive bath products. Superior units add washing machines. 

Waldorf St. Martins Apartment Hotel has considerably more amenities than the typical Auckaland apartment-style hotel, including a covered (and heated) outdoor lap pool, and a decent fitness center with free weights, a weight machine, and a few pieces of cardio equipment. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guests who aren't in units with washing machines. There's no restaurant, but a continental breakfast is available for a fee in a large breakfast room. There's also a lounge for guests who arrive early or depart late that has a shower for freshening up, plus a kids' corner that has books and toys. Wi-Fi is only free for guests who book directly through the hotel's website, and there's a 2GB cap for data. There's also a fee for on-site parking.