Vineyard Retreats to City Suites The Best Hotels in Auckland

Rooftop Bar at the SO/ Hotel

Here’s the thing about Auckland, where you stay matters. This isn’t one of those compact European cities where you can walk everywhere in 20 minutes—Auckland is sprawling, its best spots scattered between lively waterfront precincts, leafy suburbs, and eclectic inner-city hubs. Pick the wrong location, and you’ll spend half your trip stuck in traffic. Choose wisely, and your hotel becomes part of the experience. Your gateway to long, pinot-fuelled vineyard lunches, pilates and matcha mornings, and gallery afternoons that turn into evenings before you’ve even checked the time.

That’s where we come in. As locals, we know what’s actually good, what’s not worth your money, and which hotels put you exactly where you want to be. We’ve handpicked Auckland’s most stylish stays, from heritage hotels with cult-status restaurants, to sleek waterfront escapes with skyline views. These are the places where service is sharp, the design is delivering, and the location puts you in the middle of the action, not on the wrong side of the motorway.

So whether you’re after a penthouse city suite, a boutique stay with serious character, or a wellness-led escape with plant-based dining, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our guide to Auckland’s best hotels.

Your experience matters to us, which is why you’ll never find intrusive display ads or pop-ups on Places with Palms. Instead, we may earn a small commission through affiliate links—at no extra cost to you. This support allows our editors to spend countless hours uncovering the world’s best stays, so you can book with confidence. We appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy the article.

The best luxury hotels & Boutique Stays in Auckland

Image: Hotel Britomart Lobby, Images courtesy of Expedia

The Hotel Britomart

The Hotel Britomart is New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, a contemporary inner-city stay built with over 150,000 hand-made bricks each individually placed to create its striking, textural façade. And the painstaking attention to detail doesn't stop there. Inside Hotel Britomart you'll find timber-lined guest rooms, and five suites that blend organic materials, stone-tiled bathrooms, and well-appointed local artworks to create spaces that feel understated yet undeniably aesthetic.

• Best Auckland hotel for: eco-conscious travelers who appreciate design and culture

• Why we love it: The Hotel Britomart is for travelers who appreciate good design, great food, and a strong sense of place. Step outside, and you’re in Auckland’s most walkable neighborhood, where espresso bars, fresh-baked pastries, and local boutiques are just a few steps away. From artisan leather goods to New Zealand’s top fashion labels, Britomart is where the city’s design scene thrives. And when it comes to dining, you’re spoiled for choice.

  For those who want more than just a great location, The Hotel Britomart has a range of unique guest experiences. Forage for native ingredients in the Waitākere Ranges and end the day with an open-fire feast in a glasshouse.

  Prefer to spend your time in the city? A Landing Suite stay comes with a private Britomart tour, tailored to fashion, food, or history - plus the option to have the chef create a custom meal before you even check in.

• Location: Located in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, Hotel Britomart is perfect for a short stay, as it’s less than 10 mins to walk to the Ferry Terminal, Commercial Bay, and Auckland Viaduct. Staying here also makes sampling the highlights of Auckland’s restaurant scene easy. You’ll find many of the city’s most iconic eateries right on your doorstep. We recommend Kingi, Alma, Ortolana, Movida, and Mr Morris.

• Price: $$

Intercontinental Auckland Hotel

Intercontinental Auckland

A newcomer to Auckland’s luxury hotel scene, the InterContinental Auckland brings modern minimalism to a prime waterfront location. Tucked inside Commercial Bay, it offers panoramic harbor views, premium shopping at its doorstep, and easy access to some of the city’s best dining. While the unconventional lobby (tucked inside Commercial Bay) lacks the grandeur of a standalone hotel, the spacious suites, unbeatable convenience, and elevated city views more than make up for it.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Business travelers and style-conscious guests who want easy access to the CBD, shopping, and Auckland’s dining scene.

• Why we love it: For those who love clean lines, sleek design, and modern amenities, this hotel is a dream stay. The standard rooms are well-appointed, but the real stars are the suites - arguably the best in Auckland. Spacious, design-forward, and offering unmatched views over the harbor, they’re the top pick for travelers who want an impressive penthouse style stay.

  Dining-wise, Advieh, the hotel’s signature restaurant, delivers on ambiance but doesn’t always live up to the hype. The real highlight? Queens, the Intercontinental’s rooftop bar, where martinis are perfectly stirred, vinyl records set the mood, and the views steal the show. No matter where you end up staying, a sunset cocktail at Queens is one of Auckland’s non-negotiables.

• Location: The hotel’s location inside Commercial Bay has its perks. Designer boutiques, gourmet dining, and even a pilates studio are just an elevator ride away. Plus, the ferry terminal to Waiheke Island is right across the road, making this an ideal base for those heading out for a quick island escape.

• Price: $$

Park Hyatt Auckland

Few hotels in Auckland manage to feel both imposing and intimate, but Park Hyatt Auckland strikes that rare balance. Stretched across Wynyard Quarter’s prime waterfront real estate, this 5-star stay pairs spacious, light-filled suites with a design that subtly nods to New Zealand’s cultural heritage, from woven Māori motifs in the lobby to organic textures that echo the city’s coastal landscape.

Just minutes away from the Viaduct’s restaurants & bars, the hotel manages to maintain a serene, unapologetically luxurious atmosphere. A world away from the office grind, yet perfectly placed to explore the city’s best. And with some of the most extensive spa facilities of any hotel in Auckland, it offers the perfect urban retreat.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Travelers who prioritize location and amenities over price.

• Why we love it: Park Hyatt Auckland is designed for long, slow mornings of saunas, and indulgent afternoons. The rooftop rooms are a standout, featuring spacious balconies perfect for soaking up the summer sun, with harbor bridge views on your left side and city skyline views over the Viaduct Harbour on the right.

  The hotel’s wellness facilities are some of the best in Auckland, featuring a 25-meter infinity pool, an impressive hydrotherapy room, a Himalayan salt sauna, and a steam room. We recommend booking the oxygen infusion facial at the spa for a next-level glow.

  During the summer months, guests can enjoy high tea and champagne tastings with marina views, making for an idyllic waterfront afternoon.

Location: Perched on the Waitematā Harbour, Park Hyatt is within walking distance of Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, and Commercial Bay, making it an ideal base for exploring Auckland.

In-house you’ll find the Park Hyatt’s Captain’s Bar, serving expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting. High tea is another highlight, best enjoyed in the summer sunshine. Onemata, the hotel’s main restaurant, doesn’t quite impress, so we recommend heading to nearby restaurants, Bivacco (Modern Italian)or Hello Beasty for inventive Asian-fusion plates.

Price: $$$

Images: The Convent Boutique Hotel Ponsonby - Images courtesy of Expedia

The Convent Hotel Ponsonby

Once a 1920s nunnery, later a bohemian boarding house dubbed ‘Hotel California,’ The Convent has been reimagined as one of Auckland’s most stylish boutique stays, without losing an ounce of its character. Original arched windows, timber floors, and steel-framed details remain, while curated antique furnishings and modern design detailing deliver a comfortable yet contemporary setting.

With just 22 individually styled rooms, an award-winning restaurant set in the hotel’s old chapel, and a coveted Ponsonby address, The Convent Hotel has serious allure - at a price so good, it almost feels like a mistake.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Design-conscious travelers looking for a stylish, character-filled stay.

• Why we love it: It’s boutique hotel without the pretense. Stylish, welcoming, and packed with personality. Every room has its own distinct feel, blending vintage style with soft linens and timeworn textures that nod to the building’s past. The Mother Superior suites, set beneath the chapel’s original ceiling, are particularly special.

  The on-site restaurant, Ada, is a destination in itself. Helmed by Hayden Phiskie (ex-Cotto) and Johnny Price (ex-Rita), serving rustic Italian-inspired plates in a moody, candlelit space that feels equal parts neighborhood haunt and hidden den. The handmade pasta, woodfired bread, and expertly stirred Negronis make it a must-visit, even if you’re not staying the night.

  While The Convent doesn’t have a gym or spa, its Ponsonby location makes up for it. Spend the morning doing pilates at Sala, browse Ponsonby Road’s indie boutiques, or indulge in a long, lazy lunch at one of the area’s many wine bars.

• Location: Located in the heart of Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s coolest neighborhoods, with some of the city’s best boutique shopping, bars, and cafes just a stroll away.

• Price: $
  
  

Images: QT Auckland Hotel - images courtesy of Expedia

QT Auckland

This quirky boutique hotel is located in the heart of Auckland, near the Viaduct Harbour across from the Sofitel Viaduct Harbour. The hotel features bold design elements, with suites decorated in velvety bedding, and beautifully tiled bathrooms. 

• Best Auckland hotel for: Young at heart travelers who want a funky, eclectic hotel that has some atmosphere

• Why we love it: QT Auckland is anything but predictable. A playful, design-driven escape that swaps stiff five-star formality for something a little more fun. From the moment you step inside, you know this isn’t some buttoned-up, corporate affair, it’s bold, stylish, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

  But what we love the most? QT is one of Auckland’s best pet-friendly hotels, and the VIP treatment extends to your your dog. Their pooch-friendly packages are next level, with a custom menu, plush pillow, designer pet bowl, and a stash of toys. Because why should humans have all the fun?

  On the food front, Esther delivers seasonal, produce-driven dishes, and while the breakfast menu is on the lighter side, every bite is worth it.

  Another standout is QT’s rooftop bar, which is one of Auckland’s best bars in the city after Queens. Think Dj sets with live saxophone, fresh-from-the-woodfired oven bar snacks, and spicy margaritas. The hotel also keeps things interesting with a rotating lineup of events—think art exhibitions, fashion shows, and cocktail masterclasses.

• Location: Set on the Viaduct Harbour, QT Auckland puts you within walking distance of Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. And if you’ve had one too many spicy margs? Grand Harbour Yum Cha next door is your best recovery meal.

• Price: $$

Image: Sudima Auckland City - image courtesy of Expedia

Sudima Auckland City

Sudima Auckland City proves that you can have it all, even on a budget. This smart, contemporary hotel brings together clean-lined, fuss-free design, thoughtful wellness extras, and a commitment to sustainability, all at a refreshingly reasonable price.

The rooms are minimalist yet inviting, designed for both work and relaxation, with extras like Amazon Echo devices, yoga mats, and gratitude journals in the U-Rooms. The corner suites dial up the indulgence, with deep soaking tubs overlooking the city skyline (complete with a bath bomb to turn your soak into a spa moment).

For those who love a plant-based menu, the on-site restaurant East is a standout - one of Auckland’s best vegetarian dining spots, while Sunset, the rooftop bar, pairs Mumbai street eats with skyline cocktails.

Best Auckland hotel for: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice on style or amenities.

• Why we love it: Sudima gets the little details right. The rooms feel calm and contemporary, with a soothing, muted color palette and floor-to-ceiling city views. The U-Room extras make it feel a step above standard city hotels at the same price.

  Wellness lovers will enjoy the healthy snacks available, while being just minutes away from The Red Room Wellness Studio, at City Works Depot. An Auckland wellness institution that offers red-light therapy, and hot pilates. Guests also have free access to Anytime Fitness, just a five-minute walk away.

• Location: Live like an Auckland local and indulge in one of the city’s best rituals—a slow, coffee-filled brunch. Sudima is perfectly positioned for great coffee, located near Allpress, and City Works Depot just across the street. Start your day with avocado on toast and expertly brewed coffee at Odettes, or grab a Montreal-style bagel from Best Ugly before heading out to explore.

  Sitting between Auckland’s city center, Viaduct Harbour, and Ponsonby, Sudima is also within walking distance of the Civic Theatre, and Victoria Park Market.

• Price: $

Image: The Spa at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, supplied by Expedia

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Offering recently refurbished rooms with private balconies, this inner-city stay sits right on the Viaduct, providing a serene yet central location. The Sofitel Spa is a major highlight, with indulgent treatments designed for ultimate relaxation.

• Best Auckland hotel for: A romantic inner-city getaway

• Why we love it: Sofitel Viaduct Harbour hotel does luxury without the attitude. The rooms are well-designed, light-filled, and completely relaxing, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and plush king beds that make it tempting to sleep in. The service is impeccable, but the real standout? The Sofitel Spa. Known for its Biologique Recherche facials and next-level massages, it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend of self-care, whether you're here for a couples’ escape or a girls’ getaway.

  And for those in the know? There’s a secret underground speakeasy hidden inside the hotel, accessible only via password. If you can track it down, expect dimly lit ambiance, expertly crafted cocktails, and a discreet crowd who appreciate a well-made negroni.

• Location: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is located right on the edge of the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. A lively and vibrant area with many restaurants, bars, and cafes. You can also walk to the Sky Tower, Queen Street , or jump on a ferry to visit Waiheke Island’s wineries.

• Price: $$$

Image: The Fitzroy Hotel Curated By Fable - supplied by Expedia

The Fitzroy Hotel by Fable

Locally owned and operated, The Fitzroy Hotel by Fable feels less like a hotel and more like your impossibly chic friend’s townhouse - if said friend had impeccable taste, a stocked mini bar, and breakfast delivered to your room every morning. Behind its stylish old-world façade, you’ll find curated interiors, and thoughtful high-end extras.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Travelers looking for a cozy boutique hotel that feels like home away from home.

• Why we love it: Some hotels try too hard to feel “exclusive.” The Fitzroy just gets it right. Breakfast in bed? Already on its way. Afternoon canapés and a complimentary mini bar? Of course. Service that’s warm without being overbearing? Naturally. This place is all about laidback luxury - the kind that makes you want to extend your stay, just because you can.

• Location: Located in Ponsonby, an inner city suburb, where locals in the know flock for freshly brewed coffee, and aesthetic eateries.

  Restaurants sprawl out onto the street, and local boutiques are full of iconic kiwi designers such as Juliette Hogan, Karen Walker, and Lonely.

  The area is quiet enough for sound sleeping, with just the right amount of night time atmosphere for evening drinks at nearby cocktail bars.

• Price: $$$

Image: Horizen Hotel - supplied by Expedia

Horizon by SkyCity

A sleek new addition to SkyCity’s hotel lineup, Horizon proves you don’t need to drop a fortune for a well-designed stay. While the neighborhood isn’t winning any beauty contests, inside, it’s modern, polished, and refreshingly fuss-free, offering a stylish escape without the five-star price tag.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, whether it’s for a show, a conference, or a weekend of eating exceptionally well.

• Why we love it: Horizon is a lesson in doing more with less. The rooms are modern, functional, and just plush enough to make you consider staying in all day. But let’s be real, the main event here is the food. You’re steps from Masu, the city’s best Japanese restaurant, Cassia, where Sid Sahrawat redefines modern Indian, and The Grill, a steakhouse that knows its way around a ribeye.

  And if you’re here for a show or a little cultural enlightenment? Horizon puts you within walking distance of The Civic Theatre, Auckland Art Gallery, and the SkyCity Convention Centre, so you can go from a power lunch to an art exhibit without breaking a sweat.

• Location: Smack in the middle of SkyCity’s entertainment precinct, Horizon is in reach of Auckland dining that’s worth traveling for, cultural venues, and conference spaces - though, we wouldn’t blame you for skipping the neighbourhood stroll and Ubering straight to the waterfront instead.

• Price: $

MIXO cocktail bar at SO Sofitel Hotel

SO/ Sofitel Auckland

A bold, fashion-forward stay, this urban hotel is the result of a collaboration between Dutch interior designer MOOOI and iconic New Zealand fashion house WORLD. The result? A space that feels part art installation, part five-star escape, with moody interiors inspired by New Zealand’s volcanic landscape

• Best Auckland Hotel for: Velvet-draped evenings of excess

• Why we love it: If Auckland had a fashion week hotel, this would be it. Rooms and suites blend sculptural furnishings with serious comfort, making it the kind of place where you slip into a robe and suddenly feel like you should order Champagne.

  The dining scene is just as curated. Harbour Society serves up Asian-inspired dishes with a French touch, while the hotel’s two bars—MIXO and HI-SO—bring the energy. HI-SO, the renowned rooftop bar, with cocktails, live music, and skyline views that stretch over the harbor.

  And when it’s time to reset? SO/ Spa has you covered, with personalized treatments, a sauna, a lap pool, and a fitness center to balance out the indulgence.

• Location: Sitting just a row back from The Hotel Britomart, SO/ Sofitel puts you right in the middle of the CBD, without the constant foot traffic. You’re a short stroll from Britomart’s designer boutiques, and minutes from dining in Chancery (Skip through Fort Street to Gilt Brasserie). Whether you’re here for fashion, food, or a well-made martini, you won’t have to go far to find it.

• Price: $$

Hilton Hotel Auckland

Hilton Auckland

A waterfront landmark, the Hilton Auckland is set 300 meters offshore at the end of Princes Wharf, offering panoramic sea views, spacious rooms, and unbeatable proximity to the cruise port. While it’s one of the older hotels on this list, it remains a solid four-star stay, delivering reliable service, good dining, and a front-row seat to the Waitematā Harbour.

Best Auckland hotel for: Travelers stopping in Auckland to board a cruise, or spending most of their trip out on the water.

• Why we love it: Few hotels in Auckland immerse you in the harbor quite like the Hilton. With large rooms and suites overlooking Rangitoto and Waiheke Island, the hotel makes the most of its oceanfront real estate. While it doesn’t have the slick, ultra-modern feel of some newer stays, it more than makes up for it with spacious rooms, a breezy atmosphere, and a location that couldn’t be more convenient for cruise passengers.

  The onsite restaurant, FISH, offers fresh seafood with unbeatable water views, and the hotel’s outdoor lap pool lets you swim above the harbor with a glass-walled end that extends over the water.

• Location: Set at the very end of Princes Wharf, Hilton Auckland is steps from the cruise terminal, making it the easiest pre- or post-cruise stay in the city. You’re also within minutes of the Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, and Commercial Bay’s shopping and dining, plus ferries to Waiheke Island and Devonport are right next door.

  For a local must-try, head to Somm, the newly opened wine bar at the end of Princes Wharf.

• Price: $$

Best Luxuy Hotels and Boutique Stays In Waiheke, Auckland

Image: The Oyster Inn - Waiheke - supplied by Expedia

The Oyster Inn

For those who like their boutique stays with a side of salty sea air and freshly shucked oysters, The Oyster Inn is Waiheke’s take on a barefoot luxury seaside retreat. More beach house than hotel, it’s the kind of place where breezy balconies, crisp linens, and Aperol spritzes at golden hour are all part of the itinerary.

Best Waiheke hotel for: Boutique-loving travelers who want a quaint seaside stay

Why we love it: The Oyster Inn nails that laid-back-but-polished atmosphere that makes you feel both at home and on holiday at the same time. The rooms are bright, airy, and just minimalist enough, while the restaurant is an institution, impossibly fresh seafood, a killer wine list, and the kind of long lunches that lead to brilliant conversations. Add in the fact that you’re steps from Oneroa’s boutiques and beaches, and you’ve got the perfect island stay.

Location: Right in the heart of Oneroa Village, The Oyster Inn puts you within strolling distance of Waiheke’s cafes, vintage shops, and art galleries. The vineyards? A short drive away. The beach? Even closer. You can be toes-in-the-sand in under five minutes.

Image: Omana Luxury Villas on Waiheke Island - supplied by Expedia

Omana Luxury Villas

Not all island escapes are created equal, and Omana Luxury Villas proves it. Perched high above the beach on a sprawling 3-hectare estate, these four cliffside villas offer guests complete seclusion. The vibe? exclusive, and designed for people who don’t need to be seen to be important.

• Best Waiheke hotel for: Those who take their privacy as seriously as their ocean views.

• Why we love it: If you’re after privacy, space, and views that make your shoulders drop two inches the second you arrive, Omana is your place. The entire estate can be booked out for an ultra-private retreat, which may explain why Rita Ora and Taika Waititi have been spotted here.

  Inside, it’s all floor-to-ceiling windows, ornate interiors, and luxurious detailing. Outside? Unspoiled nature, direct beach access, and terraces that practically beg for a glass of wine at sunset.

• Location: Tucked away in Oneroa but feeling worlds apart, Omana offers seclusion without sacrificing convenience. You’re just minutes from Waiheke’s top vineyards, including Cable Bay and Mudbrick, and a short drive from Oneroa’s restaurants and cafes.

Image: Mudbrick Cottages on Waiheke Island - supplied by Expedia

Mudbrick Waiheke

If fairytale vineyards and Tuscan-inspired cottages sound like your kind of getaway, Mudbrick is the place. Heralded as the most romantic place on earth, the working vineyard has stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. Mudbrick’s accommodation options include cozy cottage rooms, and private villas, with fireplaces, outdoor baths and private gardens.

• Best Auckland hotel for: Romantics, wine lovers, and anyone who thinks “just one more glass” is a valid philosophy.

• Why we love it: There’s a reason Mudbrick is considered the most romantic spot on Waiheke. The Tuscan-style estate is pure magic, with rolling vineyards, charming gardens, and amber sunsets. Stay in a cozy cottage, a private villa, or a larger suite—each one designed with fireplaces, outdoor baths, and just the right amount of vintage decor.

  And of course, there’s the wine. Mudbrick’s award-winning cellar door and fine-dining restaurant make it an essential stop for any serious wine lover, with some of Auckland’s best vineyards just a short drive away. 

• Location: A 40-minute ferry from Auckland CBD, but it may as well be another world. Vineyards, beaches, and boutique shopping are all a short drive or bike ride away, but let’s be honest—you’re probably here for the wine.

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Our hotel recommendations are carefully selected by our team of editors, and Places with Palms is independently funded by our readers through these links. Thanks for supporting us while we help you discover your next great escape.

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