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This is another top-class New Zealand hotel. Knowing that we don’t have a rental car in New Zealand this time around, it is only ideal to stay somewhere in the heart of the city. This is especially when I have saved all my shopping at my last destination. OK – here comes my favourite of the three New Zealand hotels! The Ascott Metropolis!

This is my preferred choice of luxury New Zealand accommodation. Why? Location, Location, Location! Right in the heart of the city yet not bothered by traffic noises. This New Zealand hotel, more known as a luxurious serviced apartment, is tucked at Courthouse Lane, near to the shopping district of High Street and Vulcan Lane. And if shopping is not your game, go for a gust of fresh air at Albert Park, which is just across the residence.

I like the elegance of The Ascott. The service is personalized and warm. I find the staff very helpful, attentive and friendly too (you can tell the minute you walk into the door). We booked a high floor studio apartment facing the harbour for our last two nights in Auckland, after returning from Christchurch. We enjoyed the views from our apartment. Our room is stylishly furnished, spacious, cosy and comfortable. With a fully-equipped designer kitchen, we could enjoy some home-cooked dinner too.

This New Zealand hotel is perfect for families (like us), business travelers and holiday makers. Travelling with little Clayton requires us to take short breaks in the room. The location makes it so convenient and easy. With Albert Park next door, Alex would sometimes take Clayton out for a stroll while mummy shops leisurely (a mum’s delight!) I must not forget to mention that The Ascott is near to many restaurants and cafes. With the Link Bus stop close by, you can visit many city attractions (hop up and down the bus, as often as you like) or just simply enjoy a city ride for free.

For those who like to do some grocery shopping in the city, Foodtown, a huge well-stocked supermarket is only 15mins walk away. This is great if you need to do some last minute shopping for families and friends back home. After a long day of shopping and sight-seeing, just head for the 22m indoor heated lap pool and simply watch the city lights at the balcony.

This is a wonderful place to have a vacation… relax and recharge in comfort and luxury.

I have been rather impressed with this suite-style hotel during my New Zealand hotel accommodation search. Other than the full kitchen, the main attraction for me is its location at the viaduct harbour. I have wanted to stay near the waterfront. The Sebel Suites is a new style of luxury New Zealand accommodation in the upmarket category.

Priced at $NZ200 onwards (depending on season and room choice), you can choose from the studio, executive or one bedroom suite, facing either the city or marina. Be prepared to pay more for marina views. We stayed in a one bedroom, marina view suite on the night returning from the Bay of Islands.

The room is spacious for the one bedroom suite. There is a designer kitchen, a cosy dining area and a comfortable living room that opens to the balcony. Our balcony overlooks a ‘partial’ marina view. If you like a superb view of the marina, you need to opt for the Deluxe Suite. This comes with a price too. If you are self-driving, there is no car-waiting area at The Sebel Suites. So you would need instructions from the reception to drive to the undercover parking.

We are now at the southern end of the North Island. This is our last stop before moving on to the South Island. If you are a minimalist, you will fall in love with this New Zealand Hotel. This apartment-style hotel is elegant, contemporary, modern, stylish and professional. Read the rest of this entry →