Auckland is a city with stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. There’s no shortage of things to do from champagne breakfast at the top of Sky Tower, bungee off Auckland Bridge, an evening of jazz at speakeasy Caretaker, and kayaking to Rangitoto Island (and if you want to stay on the island see Fun Auckland Weekend Getaways.)
If you’re looking for something different from your average hotel, then you’re in luck. Auckland is home to a number of boutique and unique places to stay, from converted nunneries to art hotels, Here are six of our favourites…
Location: Auckland | North Island | New Zealand
Accommodation Type: Boutique and Spa | Heritage
Links to: VRBO/Bookabach | Booking.com | Agoda | Expedia
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1. The Convent – Grey Lynn
Best for: 4.5 Star Boutique Hotel, Renovated Convent, Art, Design, Close to CBD and Grey Lynn Eateries
This is one of the more unique places to stay in Auckland and just the most perfect staycation spot in stylish Grey Lynn. And it’s affordable! The Convent is a Spanish mission-style building dating back to 1922 when it was St Joseph’s Convent aka a nunnery until 1993.
Now a gorgeous boutique hotel with 22 modern, rustic rooms with wooden floors, tiled bathrooms, natural woven linen, and industrial/antique furniture – all-in-all elegantly designed in a natural and earthy way with a nod to the past and the present.
Good to Know:
- Free WIFI
- Twin, Double and Triple rooms – some with balconies
- Free Parking
- 3kms from the centre of Auckland and 21 minutes by car to the airport
- Lots of cafes and restaurants near the hotel – Malt Public House – friendly gastro pub, Postal Service Cafe – in the old Post Office serving Kōkako Organic Coffee and Vege food, Pocket Bar and Kitchen – neighbourhood bar and delicious eats
- Book at Agoda
2. SO/Auckland
Best for: 5-Star Luxury Inner City Hotel, Swimming Pool, Wellness Centre, Rooftop Bar, Penthouse Suite
A Luxurious Urban Oasis SO/Auckland is an avant-garde designer’s paradise! Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant Britomart district on the waterfront. Near the Viaduct Precinct for restaurants and nightlife and the Wynyard Quarter with shopping and dining.
From the moment you step into the hotel, you’re greeted with contemporary design, infused with the essence of New Zealand’s volcanic landscape. Each suite is styled and curated with inspiration from the volcanic elements of liquid, vapour, and solid.
“Bursting with local energy and magnificent views, SO/Auckland sets a new standard for world travelers and locals alike.”
And with a team of friendly and attentive staff on hand to cater to your every need, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
See the slideshow and pop your dates in to see the best prices, you’ll stay on this page.
Good to Know
- Fitness Centre and Swimming Pool
- Spa and Wellness Centre
- Some Suites with a separate lounge, Penthouse Suite
- Daily housekeeping
- 24-hour front desk
- Complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar
- Two bars, including a Rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a cafe
- Room service
- Book at Expedia
3. Fable Auckland, MGallery
Gorgeous and elegant, Fable Auckland, MGallery is an art deco wonder. Originally built in 1928 the hotel is refurbished for a modern era with the decadence of the past.
Styled in the Roaring Twenties, with chandeliers, velvet furnishings, and marble floors. Each suite is styled based on Wallis Simpson’s gloriously expensive jewellery collection.
4. The Devereux Boutique Hotel – Remuera
Best for: 4-Star Elegant Boutique Hotel, Hot Breakfast, Location, Affordable
Located in posh Remuera but with a pretty (low) price tag this is a home away from home for many guests. The Devereux, a historic villa dating back to the 1890s is now a stylish and modern boutique hotel. The suites are peaceful and warm and each is designed with an exciting overseas theme.
Rooms have a queen-size bed, en-suite, and TV, and also include free WIFI, coffee/tea making and some have spa baths. Some rooms can also accommodate three guests. A hot-cooked breakfast is included in the nightly rate. If you’re looking for a room under $100 then the economy rooms are a perfect place to stay in Auckland (with shared bathrooms).
Location-wise The Devereux is a walk away from eating places, bars, and shops. A bus stop is outside the hotel to take you into the city, the Newmarket Shopping Centre, Parnell, Mount Eden, Central Auckland, the airport, North Shore, and beyond.
Good to Know:
- Rooms for 2 or 3 guests
- Shared Lounges
- Family suites available
- TV in each suite and queen-size beds
- Parking on site
- Laundry available to use
- Check prices and availability at the Devereux Boutique Hotel
5. The Great Ponsonby Arthotel – Ponsonby
Best for: Arty B&B, Legendary Breakfast, Location, Spacious Rooms, Gardens, Books, and Art
New Zealand and Pacific art adorn The Great Ponsonby Arthotel run by avid art and culture lovers. This friendly heritage bed and breakfast includes 11 rooms each with an en-suite.
Along with studios in the villa and the courtyard. And to top it all off you can book the penthouse in the main villa if you feel like splashing out.
Tip: Studios in the main villa are your cheapest options.
Guests love the location and the little touches like complimentary drinks. The hot breakfast is also a winner with veges catered for.
You’re only a few minutes from buzzing Ponsonby Road with its cafe culture, bars, and restaurants.
For nightlife and things to do, you’re close to theatres, art galleries, and live music venues. The Sky Tower, Viaduct Basin, and Eden Park are also close to this popular arty B&B. Heading to the Beach?
You’re only a kilometer from one of Auckland’s best secret beaches, Sentinel Beach. A small beach perfect for a swim on hot days or a leisurely picnic. Worth the walk for the incredible views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Another great local beach in the next little bay is Home Bay Beach. Check clean water quality at the Swim Guide here.
Good to Know:
- Free WIFI
- Satellite TV
- Daily Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Book at Booking.com or check your dates below (you’ll stay on this page)
6. Voco Auckland City Centre, IHG
Best for: 4-Star Stylish Hotel, Glam Rooftop Bar, Fitness Centre, Restaurant
Voco Hotels, part of the IHG brand, are upscale without being stuffy. Voco Auckland City Centre is a perfect example of Voco styling. Relaxed, luxurious but low-key. This 4-star hotel in the heart of Auckland city centre, is friendly and definitely not starchy! Within walking distance of Viaduct Harbour, SkyCity, Britomart, Commercial Bay, and the Auckland Museum.
Review: Nice and clever use of city block with vertical rather than horizontal use of space. Bar 38 absolute highlight. The room design is modern and out of the box.
See the slideshow and pop your dates in to see the prices, you’ll stay on this page.
Good to Know
- Marble bathrooms and eco-conscious rain showers
- Media hubs for devices, Smart TVs
- 24-hour front desk
- Daily Housekeeping
- Fitness Centre
- Kitchenettes in some suites
- Interconnecting suites are available
- Book at IHG
The Upshot:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of Boutique and Unique Places to Stay in Auckland. See also Fun Auckland Weekend Getaways.
