Review: Intercontinental Auckland Hotel, A Suite City Stay
In the heart of Auckland City, the Intercontinental brings a bold, contemporary energy to the skyline. Equal parts refined design and unbeatable location, this new addition to the Intercontinental family offers travelers to New Zealand the kind of cosmopolitan stay they’ve been seeking – the kind that, a decade ago, would’ve been hard to find in Auckland.
But with a spate of new developments on the hotel front, a visit to Auckland is more appealing than ever. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, a city explorer, or simply seeking a slice of luxury with sea views, the Intercontinental Auckland is primed to deliver.
Here’s why this sleek newcomer is quickly earning a reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after stays.
Atmosphere & Design
The Intercontinental Auckland offers a fresh, modern take on luxury, standing a notch above its counterparts in other regions. With inspiring interiors, it’s a space where design enthusiasts will find much to admire – from stylish in-room liquor cabinets to locally inspired artwork thoughtfully placed throughout. The aesthetic is refined and high-end, incorporating enough organic elements to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Every corner has been thoughtfully considered, balancing form with function and adding layers of design dopamine to your experience throughout the stay.
The lobby—once you’re able to find it (hint: it’s on the second floor)—is small yet cozy, offering a comfortable spot to wait while you check in. This design aesthetic makes sense in a city that’s often battling wind and rain, with warm ambient lighting, dark grey woods, and a heavy use of stone that subtly nods to Auckland’s surrounding volcanoes. Automatic blinds and tempered glass facades complete the cozy, urban feel of the hotel.
Room Details
During our stay, we had the chance to experience both the King Classic Harbour View room and the Presidential Suite.
Image: Classic Harbour View Room with King Bed, Intercontinental Hotel Auckland
The Classic Room
While the basic room at Intercontinental provides a comfortable, well-appointed space, due to its small size and layout, it lacks the open feeling of the harbor view option. We’d advise anyone considering a stay to spend the extra $100NZD for the sea view to avoid feeling claustrophobic.
Overlooking Auckland’s bustling waterfront, the Harbour View rooms offer direct vistas of the Downtown Ferry Terminal’s historic clock tower, giving guests a unique vantage point to enjoy morning coffee as the boats set out. Highlights included the well-designed furniture, the large, comfortable king-size bed, and the gorgeous tea and coffee bar. The bathroom, though modern, felt cramped; however, the Byredo toiletries were a nice distraction from the small space.
Image: Presidential Suite Living and Dining Area, Intercontinental Hotel Auckland
The Presidential Suite
This suite takes luxury to a new level and is arguably Auckland's finest. Featuring a fully equipped kitchen and dining space, a large black-marble bathroom, and a well-appointed office, this suite is chic and stylish to its core. Every design element felt carefully placed, creating an inviting, comfortable, and stylish space. The panoramic 180-degree views of the harbor, Harbour Bridge, Waiheke Island, Rangitoto, and Auckland’s cityscape are breathtaking. For travelers seeking the best of the best, this suite is a must-stay in Auckland, surpassing even the Park Hyatt executive suite, with only Hotel Britomart’s Landing Suites offering comparable design aesthetics – but without the show-stopping views. For those who don’t mind splashing out for extra space, we thought the $1,780NZD per night rate was justified. Comparatively, a basic rooftop room at Park Hyatt was $1002NZD during the same period.
Image: Presidential Suite Bedroom, Intercontinental Hotel Auckland
Dining & Cuisine
The hotel’s unconventional layout, integrated within Commercial Bay, means guests have immediate access to some of Auckland’s best dining spots. Origine, Ahi, Gochu, and Gemmi are among our favorites, just steps away within the precinct. The on-site restaurant, Advieh, is beautifully designed and serves up excellent cocktails, though the food doesn’t quite match the high expectations.
For a unique dining experience that highlights local produce, we recommend Queen’s Rooftop Bar. This vibrant spot boasts one of Auckland’s best views, with a summery Sunday session vibe and a seafood tower that’s hard to beat. Vinyl tunes set the tone as you watch the sun dip behind the skyline – an Auckland experience at its finest.
Check out our full review of Queen’s Rooftop Bar here.
We also recommend trying neabry Origine restaurant, or Ahi, which feature in our list of Auckland’s 10 best restaurants.
Image: View from Presidential Suite at Intercontinental Auckland
Location Perks
If there’s one unbeatable feature of the Intercontinental Auckland, it’s the location. Right across from the Downtown Ferry Terminal and smack bang in the middle of Commercial Bay precinct, it’s perfectly positioned for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Auckland. Britomart, the waterfront, and the city’s top sights are at your fingertips, making this the ideal spot to experience Auckland’s best on quick stopovers.
For those on a short stay, the central location means you can explore Auckland’s highlights without any hassle. The ferry to Waiheke Island is just across the road, and Britomart train station is only a 2-minute walk from the Intercontinental.
Experiences & Amenities
While the Intercontinental Auckland is equipped with a day spa, fitness center, and club lounge, these were still under completion during our visit. In the meantime, we were able to use the nearby Les Mills Britomart gym, just a five-minute walk away. This high-end gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, spin classes, and spacious saunas – a fantastic alternative. Additionally, for those who enjoy Pilates, a stylish reformer Pilates studio is located within Commercial Bay, just steps from the hotel.
Image: Exterior view of Intecontinental Hotel in Auckland and Downtown Ferry Terminal
Service
The service at the Intercontinental Auckland is a standout among the city’s hotels. The team is polished, well-trained, and exceptionally accommodating, ensuring that every aspect of your stay is seamless. Check-in and check-out are handled with efficiency, room service is prompt and courteous, and housekeeping keeps everything immaculate. Even when the in-room dining menu didn’t impress, the staff’s attentiveness and warmth elevated our experience. All in all, the Intercontinental boasts one of the finest service teams in Auckland, adding a personal touch that makes a stay here feel special.
With its design-forward atmosphere, unbeatable location, and excellent service, the Intercontinental Auckland is worth the spend. In fact, we’d say the current rates offer good value. Whether you’re in town for a brief city break or a longer adventure, this is where you’ll want to base yourself for an unforgettable Auckland visit.
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