Head downtown for the best central city hotels in Auckland

Brilliant entertainment options, fantastic bars and restaurants, world-class shopping, and a stunningly beautiful waterfront – downtown Auckland really has it all.

It’s the perfect place to stay and experience the urban highlights of this vibrant city, while also enjoying handy access to other Auckland must-sees via ferry, rail or road. If you’re looking for accommodation in the central city, you’re spoilt for choice.

So where to begin? Here’s a list of our top 10 favourite downtown hotels.

The Hotel Britomart

Design lovers, take note – The Hotel Britomart is the place you’ll be raving about to your friends for months after your stay. This 5 Green Star rated hotel combines understated luxury with warm, thoughtful design inspired by the natural world of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Think handmade ceramics, organic cotton sheets and lots of natural light. Step outside and the designer boutiques, restaurants and bars of the Britomart neighbourhood are right on your doorstep. 

Don’t miss: You won’t be short of options when it comes to dining in Britomart, but it’s worth making time for kingi, the Hotel Britomart’s excellent all-day eatery where the focus is on sustainably caught seafood.

Fable Auckland, MGallery

For Aucklanders in the late 1920s, Cooke’s Tea-room and Soda Fountain was the place to go for a refreshment after shopping up a storm at Queen Street’s boutiques and department stores.

Now that same heritage-listed building is home to Fable Auckland, an MGallery by Sofitel hotel located in the heart of Auckland’s luxury downtown shopping precinct.

The Art Deco-inspired interiors are evocative of the building’s glamorous past, while its amenities are modern and state-of-the-art. 

Don’t miss: High tea at Cooke’s Restaurant and Bar, whose name pays homage to that iconic original.

Pullman Auckland

The quietly luxurious Pullman Auckland is one of downtown Auckland’s best-loved hotels – and for good reason.

The concierge service here is second-to-none; whether you need advice and inspiration for your Auckland stay or help with booking restaurants and shows, the Pullman’s team of experts are ready and eager to help.

As well as beautifully appointed rooms, the Pullman offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, perfect for extended families or groups. 

Don’t miss: The buffet breakfast – it’s one of the city’s best. 

The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Looking for an option that puts you in the heart of the action, just steps from Auckland’s gorgeous Waitematā Harbour? The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour should be on your shortlist.

This harbourside hotel offers apartment-style accommodation – either studios or one-bedroom suites, all featuring kitchen facilities and a washer-dryer – with on-site concierge service and amenities, including car parking, room service and a gym. 

Don’t miss: The bars and restaurants of the vibrant Viaduct Harbour, one of Auckland’s most popular dining and nightlife districts.

Hotel DeBrett

At the end of High Street – arguably Auckland’s best shopping thoroughfare – lies the delightfully quirky Hotel DeBrett.

The design of this much-loved local icon pays tribute to the building’s Art Deco history, while drawing inspiration from the fashion designers and boutiques that have long made their home in this part of the city. Book this luxurious, character-filled boutique hotel for a truly memorable Auckland stay.

Don’t miss: DeBrett’s Housebar isn’t just another hotel bar – it’s one of the best places in downtown Auckland for a drink. Luckily for Hotel DeBrett guests, a drink here is included with every stay.

Grand Millennium Auckland

Located an equal distance from the spectacular waterfront and buzzing Karangahape Road, the Grand Millennium Auckland has to be one of the city’s best-located hotels.

Guests love the quality of service and comfortable, quiet rooms, while convenient on-site parking makes this a great choice for anyone staying in the central city with a car. 

Don’t miss: The large gym, complete with generously sized pool and sauna. Remember to bring your bathers!

Mövenpick Auckland

Located in the heart of the vibrant Britomart district, Mövenpick Auckland puts you right in the centre of downtown action.

The design philosophy of the hotel is modern sophistication without the stuffiness, imbued with warmth and a sense of fun. Rooms are both stylish and spacious, with views of the harbour or the bustling inner city.

Don’t miss: For a truly breathtaking view of the harbour, reserve a table at Boda, the excellent Korean-fusion restaurant on Mövenpick Auckland’s top floor. 

Sudima Auckland City

Sudima hotels are renowned for their excellent service and beautiful, detail-oriented room design, and Sudima Auckland City is no exception.

Located within walking distance of the SkyCity entertainment complex, the Sudima is a warm and comfortable home away from home. The west-facing views from rooftop bar Sunset are picture perfect.

Don’t miss: Looking for a calm and peaceful personal sanctuary in the bustling heart of Auckland? Book one of Sudima’s u-rooms, which feature extra self-care focused touches like timber floors, natural muted colours, healthy snacks and an in-room yoga station. 

Ohtel Auckland

Nestled in a quiet and leafy street in Viaduct Harbour, Ohtel Auckland is a boutique hotel where the best of central city is just a short stroll away. The vibe at the 5-star Ohtel is eclectic luxury, with fun design elements inspired by classic “Kiwiana” or New Zealand kitsch.

The decor might have hints of mid-century modern, but the in-room experience is state-of-the art, with smart TVs, air conditioning, and touch screens that connect you to the concierge. For such an intimate hotel, you might be surprised to learn that Ohtel Auckland also boasts an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, spa and fully equipped gym.

Don’t miss: The record players and excellent vinyl selection in all Ohtel Auckland suites – it’s a vibe!

InterContinental Auckland

It’s only been open a matter of months, and already the spectacular InterContinental Auckland is one of the undisputed hits of the city’s hotel scene.

Located in a prime position overlooking the harbour, and with the upmarket Commercial Bay dining and retail precinct right next door, this brand-new hotel offers five-star luxury combined with the superb service which makes the InterContinental brand so renowned.

Don’t miss: A meal at Advieh, the acclaimed Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant helmed by star chef Gareth Stewart.