Regularly cited as one of the best places to live in the world, Auckland is an incredible city to visit. Tucked in between the west coast and Hauraki Gulf on New Zealand’s North Island, this small metropolis boasts a staggering number of natural gems that would make any other city tremble with envy.

Auckland is built on a volcanic field that’s home to around 50 volcanoes – some of which are still active. These volcanoes have created a unique yet stunning landscape, with dramatic views you’ll struggle to believe are real!

The Maori name for Auckland is “Tamaki Makaurau,” which translates into “Tamaki with a hundred lovers.” It got this unique, romantic name because the land was so desirable due to its fertile ground and impressive waterways. Stay in one of the best hotels in Auckland, and you can see if the city still stands up to its original name today!

Auckland boasts a great range of accommodation, from ultra-modern hotels to charming rustic retreats. In fact, there are so many great places to stay that you may find it almost impossible to choose just one. So we’ve put together a list of the 12 coolest hotels in Auckland to help you plan the perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Auckland

Where to Stay in Auckland

There are loads of fantastic places to stay in Auckland. If this is your first visit, we suggest staying in the CBD (Central Business District). The busiest part of the city, the CBD is home to the most important landmarks, loads of great bars and restaurants, and some of the coolest Auckland hotels. This neighborhood is teeming with shopping streets, museums, art galleries, and parks.

Devonport is a great choice if you’re visiting Auckland as a family with young kids. This part of the city is a top place to learn about Auckland’s rich history and Maori heritage. It’s full of beautiful beaches, excellent watersport opportunities, family-friendly hiking routes, and art galleries. It’s also just a short ferry ride away from central Auckland.

Consider Parnell if you’re looking for a trendy place to stay in Auckland. This stylish, upmarket neighborhood is one of the oldest parts of the city. It has a unique vibe that’s half old-world village and half contemporary cool town. 

Here you’ll find a wonderful blend of traditional food markets, manicured gardens, and ancient stone buildings, as well as artisan cafes, innovative art galleries, and independent boutique hotels. 

The 12 Best Hotels in Auckland

1. Fable Auckland, MGallery

Fable Auckland, MGallery is one of the most spectacular hotels in Auckland. The place where traditional charm and contemporary opulence meet, this five-star boutique hotel is ideally located in the center of the CBD, just steps away from the city’s best shopping and dining districts. 

The hotel is set inside Windsor House, a remarkable heritage building with all the modern facilities and high-end technology you’d expect of a luxury hotel.

Cooke’s Restaurant serves up old-world charm, as well as artisan dishes made with local, seasonal produce, alongside an excellent selection of biodynamic wines. The separate Cooke’s Bar invites you to relax in Art Deco surroundings while choosing from an ample selection of refined wines and crafted cocktails.

When you’re in need of relaxation, the hotel’s fitness center is the place to go. Work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym before retiring to the hot tub for a water massage and then the sauna to fully unwind. You’ll feel like a whole new person!

2. Park Hyatt Auckland

Boasting a prestigious waterfront location, Park Hyatt Auckland is one of the coolest Auckland hotels. This glamorous five-star property rewards guests with spectacular views that span the Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and stretch all the way out to the Waitematā Harbour.

A great choice for foodies, the upmarket hotel includes four dining options where you can sample everything from typical New Zealand eats and luxurious afternoon teas to freshly-baked pastries and creative tapas. If you don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your room, you can order room service at any hour of the day.

If you overdo it on all the amazing food, don’t worry about it. There’s an excellent adults-only fitness center and spa where you can burn off some extra calories and then reward yourself with a pampering massage. There’s also a spectacular 82-foot-long infinity pool where you can do a few laps or simply cool off.

3. Quest Mount Eden

Quest Mountain Eden is one of the top places to stay in Auckland if you want more space than a typical hotel room offers. Set in a peaceful neighborhood that’s just a short bus ride away from the CBD, this hotel is made up of 52 accommodation options divided between studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments.

The apartments are huge and offer a wonderful home-away-from-home experience. Decorated in calming neutral shades with subtle colorful highlights, they come with absolutely everything you need for the perfect vacation.

Large beds and wardrobes, a spacious living room with a smart TV and workstation, a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining table, and a bathroom with laundry facilities all come as standard. Daily housekeeping is even included in the rates!

If you don’t feel like cooking your own meals, you’ll find countless cafes, bars, and restaurants on your doorstep. With free Wi-Fi access throughout, you can also order food to be delivered to your apartment whenever you’re hungry.

4. The Hotel Britomart

A truly unique hotel in Auckland, the Hotel Britomart is one of the most stunning hotels we’ve ever seen. The strikingly modern façade is decorated with handmade bricks and artsy mismatch windows, while the interior boasts natural timber-lined rooms and stunning artwork scattered throughout.

The ideal place to stay if you want to be in the middle of all the action, this hotel is located in the downtown waterfront part of the city. Here you’ll be spoiled for choice with trendy boutiques, independent cafes, cool cocktail lounges, and award-winning restaurants. But you don’t have to go far if you’re looking for something superb to eat or drink.

You’ll find Restaurant Kingi on the hotel’s grounds. Specializing in sustainable seafood and remarkable local wines, this is the place to go for a real gourmet experience. As well as the epicurean restaurant, the Hotel Britomart also features elegant libraries, a sumptuous lounge, and a wine library that can cater to private dinners and wine tastings for up to 12 guests.

5. Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

For some of the most dramatic views of the city, consider staying in Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group. This five-star hotel is made up of a staggering 640 rooms spread out over 17 floors.

Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to huge windows with fantastic views of the city. But for a panorama you’ll never forget, reserve one of the Club Rooms. Hidden away in the Executive Pinnacle Tower, these phenomenal rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from.

As well as unbeatable views, these rooms also feature signature Dream beds and pillow menus for the perfect night’s sleep, as well as separate rainwater showers and bathtubs so you can wake up refreshed. 

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in Auckland, you’ll be happy to know the hotel also offers Extended Stay Rooms, which also come with a well-equipped kitchenette.

6. Imagine Beach Road

One of the most exciting boutique hotels in Auckland, Imagine Beach Road offers you a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Set in Downtown Auckland where you’ll find a remarkable mix of entertainment venues, creative restaurants, and designer stores, this hotel is dramatically modern and incredibly high-tech.

Its façade looks like a futuristic sculpture and the ultra-cool design continues inside. Stylish black and white murals, sophisticated plants hanging on the walls, dramatic marble reception desks, and elegant contemporary lighting all await you.

Here you can choose between Studios and Executive Studios, each of which comes with an interconnecting option. The standard rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, Imagine-exclusive bedding, and loads of space. The executive rooms also include a basic kitchenette with a sink, microwave, and bar-style fridge.

There’s absolutely loads to do in the local area. From SkyWalking on the Auckland Sky Tower and whale and dolphin watching off the coast to bungee jumping off the Auckland Harbor Bridge and marveling at dazzling artistic sculptures in Aotea Square, you’ll never be bored here!

7. Airedale Boutique Suites

Set on Queen Street, in the center of Auckland’s theater district, Airedale Boutique Suites is a fascinating blend of old and new. The iconic local building has been beautifully refurbished while still embracing its historic roots. The result is a gorgeous hotel that combines Art Deco architecture with contemporary design and comfort.

Bright, airy, and offering loads of space, the accommodation here is superb. Each room comes with individually-controlled heating and air conditioning, a minibar with New Zealand wines, a Nespresso coffee machine, Bluetooth speakers, and free high-speed Wi-Fi access. Every bathroom also comes with a walk-in shower, plush bathrobes, and Matakana toiletries.

You’ve got to visit the Trocadero Restaurant & Bar during your visit. Delivering exceptional dining experiences to every guest, this eatery prides itself on using the finest seasonal ingredients collected from local suppliers. The menu is continuously changing, so it’s worth making several reservations. 

If you’re enjoying your comfy room too much to leave, take advantage of the room service, which is available for lunch and dinner.

8. QT Auckland

One of the most unique Auckland hotels, QT Auckland needs to be seen to be believed! Every part of this uber-modern hotel looks like it should be in an art gallery, from the honeycomb-inspired reception desk and the neon-lit waiting area to the open-plan kitchen and the subtly illuminated hallways. 

The guest rooms are just as stunning. Even the most basic room flaunts bright and cheerful pops of color, unusually-shaped mirrors on the walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. In your room, you’ll find a 55-inch flat-screen TV, Bose speakers, and a king or super-king bed. Head into the bathroom, and you’ll discover a rainwater shower, as well as a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.

If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, splurge on one of the suites. Significantly larger than the standard rooms, the suites are located on the higher floors and boast incredible views of the waterfront. Each also features a huge open-plan bathroom with a standalone tub and luxe QT bathrobes.

9. Ohtel Auckland

An artistic design hotel just minutes away from the Viaduct Harbor, Ohtel Auckland is a five-star hotel guaranteed to take your breath away. Step inside, and you’ll find a contrasting mix of modern Kiwiana artwork and mid-century furnishings, giving the place a one-of-a-kind look you can’t help but love.

The guest rooms are also filled with the latest tech and mementos from the past. Free Wi-Fi access, smart TVs, and digital hubs to contact reception can be found in the same space as authentic vinyl players, luxurious bathtubs, and quirky retro decorations.

When hunger strikes, visit the Ohtel Pantry. A relaxed dining spot that’s open from morning until night, this restaurant dishes up a tempting menu of mid-century dishes livened up with a modern-day twist. We definitely recommend the Oh! Breakfast brunch dish – it’s incredible! Whatever you choose, you can dig in knowing you’re supporting local suppliers and producers.

10. The Grand by SkyCity

One of the best Auckland hotels when you need to get away from it all, the Grand by SkyCity offers a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of a bustling metropolis. Despite being in the heart of the city, this dazzling hotel towers above the busy streets, guaranteeing you a great night’s sleep, no matter what’s going on outside.

Because the hotel is set within the SkyCity entertainment complex, you’re spoiled for choice with things to do and see. Just steps away, you’ll discover a 24-hour casino, plus more than 14 bars and restaurants. There’s also an excellent wellness center with a heated indoor lap pool, hot tub, spa, 24-hour gym, and access to personal trainers. 

The plush rooms are designed with luxury in mind. Each boasts a king-size bed, free Wi-Fi access, a Nespresso coffee machine, a 55-inch smart TV with Chromecast, individual air conditioning, and a minibar. Check out the opulent bathroom, and you’ll also find a rainwater shower and luxury bathroom products.

11. Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

Experience a hint of French class without ever leaving New Zealand by staying at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor. This sophisticated hotel blends local Maori culture with the French joie de vivre to create a one-of-a-kind hotel you’ll never want to leave!

Here you’ll find a selection of lavish rooms and suites to choose from. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we recommend you book the Opera Suite. One of the most stunning rooms we’ve ever seen in New Zealand, this suite treats you to sweeping views of the Viaduct and Waitemata Harbour.

It’s hidden away on the top floor of the hotel and boasts many thoughtful luxuries, such as a hand-carved oak dining table and luxurious Hermes toiletries in the bathroom. It also features countless objets d’art designed to inspire you.

To help you truly relax, there’s an on-site spa where you can indulge yourself in personalized treatments carried out using the finest French and New Zealand products. When you’re thoroughly chilled out, head to the Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbles while you take in the sublime view.

12. Hotel DeBrett

If you’re looking for where to stay in Auckland that’s pretty much close to everything, Hotel DeBrett is easily one of the best boutique hotels in Auckland. This boutique gem is tucked away on the city’s charming High Street and is just minutes away from Auckland’s waterfront, lower Queen Street, and Britomart. This superb location means you’re never far away from stores, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and landmarks.

Boasting a classic Art Deco style, Hotel DeBrett is home to just 25 rooms, each of which is entirely unique. Inside you’ll find a contrast of thought-provoking contemporary details and mid-century furniture and art. This gives the place its very own look that will make you feel at home as soon as you step through the entrance.

Offering plenty of places to chill out, the hotel provides one elegant yet relaxed restaurant plus two quirky and inviting bars. If you’re looking for something fun to do, you’ve got to make a reservation for high tea. Inspired by the Great Gatsby era, the hotel’s high tea combines homemade cakes, creative cocktails, and authentic 1920s gramophone music.

That completes our list of the 12 best Auckland hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Auckland? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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