WHAT’S IT LIKE? At present there are more than 160 properties under the Westin brand, an up-market chain belonging to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Guests arriving at the Westin Auckland, open since 2007, are greeted by sharply dressed valets. The entrance hall is open, airy and dominated by glass walls and pools of water, making the most of the views out across the pontoon towards the back of the hotel and the courtyard. The Westin Auckland is modern with a contemporary, minimalist design – just think black slate, water and pebbles. The hotel has two wings, separated by water but joined by a central walkway and main lounge.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel sits on the very northern edge of the city overlooking Auckland Harbour and the viaduct, where the city’s rich and successful moor their sailing and cruise yachts. Its prime waterfront location makes it very popular during the America’s Cup sailing regatta, a stage of which takes place in Auckland every four years. The hotel is a short walk from Quay Street where a lot of the city’s newer and more expensive bars and restaurants can be found, as well as the main ferry terminals which run regular services to the nearby islands. Just across the road in the opposite direction is a business park where many of the city’s larger businesses are located. The Westin enjoys corporate business from Microsoft, Vodafone NZ and also Air New Zealand all of which have offices within walking distance. Nearby is Auckland’s main shopping road Queen Street, which runs north to south through most of the city.
ROOM FACILITIES The 172 rooms and suites have a modern, clean contemporary design that is unfussy and uncluttered. The walls are adorned with work by New Zealand artists, much of which celebrates the Maori style. All rooms floor-to-ceiling windows. Room types range from small to vast: Superior (35-44sqm), Deluxe and Deluxe Harbour View (45sqm), Junior Suite (52sqm) and the Presidential Suite (127sqm). The one Presidential Suite, taking up most of the top floor, has magnificent views of the docks making it very popular with sailing syndicates during the America’s Cup, as well as global CEOs. Each room comes with a viewing or patio balcony, overlooking either the hotel’s inner courtyard or the harbour outside.
All rooms have wired and wireless internet access, but neither is free and both are charged at NZ$25 for 24 hours. The Deluxe Harbour View rooms and above have a cordless phone as well as the normal room phone. The TV shows mostly news channels from New Zealand as well as CNN and BBC World News, but also the Disney Channel and Discovery. Movies are available pay per view.
The clean, modern, black slate bathrooms feature a large bath and separate rain head shower. Rooms also have a safe, ironing board and iron, a well-stocked minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. A notable feature of each room is an extra sink by the door, which is apparently there so guests don’t have to fill the kettle in the bathroom. A nice touch I thought. The suites all have Bose sound systems.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The hotel’s Q Restaurant and Bar opens out onto the harbour. The Q Box, a fixed price bento box deal, is a great option for delegates attending meetings at the hotel and includes a starter, choice of five mains, a side dish and dessert.
The trendy Office bar enjoys good business from office workers from the nearby big-businesses, and the suited and booted can be found relaxing here from 6pm onwards most evenings. The Toast cafe is open to the public, priced at normal coffee shop prices and as such gets very busy in the mornings.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The Westin has a number of meeting venues, the largest being the Private Room at 2,260sqm followed by the Retreat and the Late Club for more relaxed and private functions. There are also two boardrooms for smaller meetings.
LEISURE FACILITIES The heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym are free for guests. There are also a number of spa treatments available.
VERDICT Open, modern and uncluttered, the Westin Auckland has a fantastic location close to both the upmarket waterfront and one of Auckland’s main business areas. An alfresco breakfast meeting over eggs Benedict is a must. The wired internet is fast but I had problems with the wireless.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 171 guestrooms and suites, plus one presidential suite
- ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The balcony, whether it’s overlooking the harbour or not, is still a treat when the sun’s out. Wooden floor-to-ceiling shutters give the Deluxe rooms a pleasant shaded feel.
- PRICE Online Best Available Rates for a midweek stay in February start from NZ$445 (£199).
- CONTACT starwoodhotels.com, tel. +64 (9) 909 9000
