Posted: 19/12/23 | December 19, 2023
Nicknamed ‘The City of Sails’ for its waterfront location and seafaring history, Auckland offers picturesque coastal views and ample water activities. New Zealand’s largest city (although, contrary to popular belief, it is not the capital), it is home to almost 35% of the country’s population.
It’s also home to the largest airport, so if you’re planning to travel around New Zealand, your trip will probably start here. In addition to all the water attractions, there’s an incredible food scene and insightful museums, as well as vibrant neighborhoods with green parks, third wave coffee spots and very hospitable locals.
To help you plan your visit, here is my list of the best hotels in Auckland:
1. The Albion
Built in 1873, the Albion is a beautiful, warm place in Central, the heart of everything in Auckland. This hotel started out as a ‘pub hotel’, meaning you could have a drink downstairs before retiring to adjoining rooms. Today there is still a nice tavern in the hotel, with a working fireplace and a billiards table. The rooms are simple but have very comfortable beds and pillows, good shower pressure, TVs and tea and coffee in the room.
2. Carnmore Takapuna
Located on Auckland’s North Coast, this area is known for its beaches, yet only 20 minutes (by public transport) to the city center. The hotel offers free parking, a sauna, an outdoor pool and a fitness room. The rooms are spacious and filled with natural light thanks to impressive floor-to-ceiling windows (some rooms even have a Jacuzzi and a balcony). All rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk, refrigerator, electric kettle and free WiFi. As an added bonus, the beach is just a five-minute walk away.
3. Queen ascotia
Located on Karangahape Road (also known as K-Road), this is a good area if you want a non-touristy neighborhood that is relatively close to the center. This property offers simple, bright rooms with pleasant earth tones. The rooms include a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and tea/coffee maker. There are also two-bedroom apartments for families or people traveling in groups. There is even a free continental breakfast. Overall I think it is an excellent value for the location.
4. Parkhyatt Auckland
Located in Britomart (named after the first British ship to pass through the harbour), this sophisticated five-star hotel is one of the chicest properties in the entire city, with several swimming pools (including an impressive outdoor heated infinity pool), sauna, hot tub , steam room, 24-hour fitness center and multiple restaurants. Park Hyatt features spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor and some even have a balcony. All rooms have a marble bathroom and are equipped with a large flat-screen TV, a desk, plush bathrobes and Le Labo bath products. If you want to stay close to the water (and you have the budget for luxury), stay here.
5. The Grand of SkyCity
The rooms in this elegant hotel are large and comfortable, with modern designed bathrooms with rain showers with excellent pressure. But perhaps my favorite perk here is the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows (see if you can get a room with a harbor view). This five-star hotel offers a spa with two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym and no fewer than 14 restaurants and bars!
6. Heart
Comfortable and stately, Cordis is one of the most luxurious hotels on K-Road. There is a spectacular heated rooftop pool, a spa with sauna and steam room, and a fitness center. the standard rooms are large so you have plenty of space and some have beautiful views of the Auckland skyline (including the iconic Sky Tower). The marble bathrooms are also large and equipped with soft bathrobes and luxury products. There are also several in-house dining options!
Auckland is the starting destination for most travelers’ New Zealand adventures. Since it’s usually quite a long journey to get here, it’s paramount that you have a great place to stay when you land. By choosing one of the above hotels you are assured of a restful and enjoyable stay in New Zealand’s largest city.
Book your trip to New Zealand: logistics tips and tricks
Book your flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know there’s nothing wrong!
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently offer the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here’s a full list of my favorite hostels in Auckland.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the apps I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will also save you money when you travel.
Would you like more information about New Zealand?
Be sure to visit our robust New Zealand destination guide for even more planning tips!