Ditch the boring hotel routine! Wellington’s calling, with culture, nature, art, and enough delicious food to make your stomach happy for weeks. Quirky cafes, rocking theatres, local brewery crawls – all with a beautiful harbour view (and maybe the occasional friendly gale!).
Ready to ditch the ordinary for an extraordinary stay? We’ve got 9 unique places to crash in Wellington, from swanky art hotels to off-the-grid baches. Boutique havens, historic holiday homes – you name it, Wellington’s got it. Keep reading to find your perfect match for an unforgettable stay!
- 1. The Intrepid Hotel – Edgy
- 2. The Cobbler Hotel – Moody
- 3. U Boutique Hotel – Stylish
- 4. Naumi Studio Wellington – Whimsical
- 5. Mövenpick Hotel Wellington – Chocolate!
- 6. Ohtel Wellington – Designer Vibe, Oriental Bay
- 7. QT Wellington – Luxury, Contemporary Art
- 8. Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa – Historic B&B
- 9. Abigail Bay Bach – Off-Grid Homestay, Remote
- BONUS: Tips and Recommended Cheap Eats in Cuba Street:
Types of Accommodation: Boutique and Spa | Quirky | Art Hotel
Location: Wellington | North Island | New Zealand
Price Range: Hostel $ / Budget $$ / Mid-Range $$$ / Luxury $$$$
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See also: Cool Glamping Near Wellington
1. The Intrepid Hotel – Edgy
Type: Boutique Hotel $$$
Best for: Stylish, Central, Croissants, Cocktail Bar
Location: 60 Ghuznee Street, Cuba Quarter
Don’t miss a stay at this luxe quirky hotel – book at Booking.com
This Industrial chic hotel with a New York vibe lies in the heart of Cuba Quarter, near restaurants, bars, and nightlife. But the rooms are soundproof and peaceful. Reviews on TripAdvisor are absolutely gushing! Choose from Queen, King, Superior, and Deluxe Suites for 2-3 guests.
Guests Love:
- Valet parking
- Delicious croissants and orange juice for breakfast (included in nightly stay)
- Special touches – turndown service with chocolate, guest robes, complimentary drinks and snacks
- Puffin Bar on the ground floor
- Comfortable bed and big bathroom
2. The Cobbler Hotel – Moody
Type: Boutique Hotel $$
Best for: Daily Housekeeping, Affordable, Virtual Front Desk, Studio – Sleeps 2, 2-Bedroom Apartment, Family Loft
Location: 3 Eva Street (near Manners Street)
Book your stay at Expedia
Ditch the taxi fare! The Cobbler Hotel puts you right in the heart of Wellington’s action. Cuba Street with its cool shops and cafes is just a stroll away, and the waterfront is a short walk too.
Even though it’s central, The Cobbler Hotel feels like a peaceful escape. With a small number of rooms, you’ll avoid the crowds of a larger hotel, making for a more relaxed and intimate stay. 9.6/10 on Expedia.
The Cobbler Hotel embraces the modern world with a virtual concierge and mobile key entry. Everything’s done through your phone for a streamlined, hassle-free experience.
Rooms are designed for relaxation, with comfy beds, modern amenities, and even a minibar for those in-room refreshment needs.
Local love: Traveling is all about experiencing a new place, and The Cobbler Hotel helps you do that. They’re big on supporting local businesses, so you might find some cool Wellington treats waiting for you in your room.
Guest Review
What a little Gem! Great location. Right in the heart of everything! We ate at Mr Gos for dinner, & Egmont for breakfast, highly recommend both!
3. U Boutique Hotel – Stylish
Type: 3.5 Star Boutique Hotel $$
Best for: Inner City, Affordable, Contemporary, Couples, Friends, Family Rooms
Location: 25 Frederick Street, Te Aro. Courtenay Quarter
Book your break at Booking.com
Once a printing factory and a Masonic Lodge this 1925 inner-city building is now a stylish and affordable boutique hotel. In the heart of Welly, you’re within walking distance to restaurants, theatres, the nightlife of Courtenay Place (even for just a stroll), Te Papa, the waterfront, and art galleries.
You’re only 3kms to the Ferry Terminal so U Boutique is a great stop off on your journey north or south.
The Spaces:
U Hotel keeps the customer in mind with a variety of suites to choose from in several configurations to suit solo travellers, couples, families, or groups of up to 5. The prices are all within the very affordable range…
Top Tips:
- When you book check if your room includes an en-suite or shared bathroom.
- Breakfast starts at 7.30 – this may be too late for you if you’re booked on the early morning ferry.
Good to Know
- Enjoy the free scones and coffee/tea on offer in the lounge.
- Breakfast is included in the price.
- Free WIFI
- Spa pool on the roof
Take a Tour at U Boutique Hotel
4. Naumi Studio Wellington – Whimsical
Type: 4 Star Boutique Hotel $$
Best for: Glam-Chic Art Hotel, Affordable, Lola Rouge Restaurant and Bar
Location: 213 Cuba Street, Te Aro
Book a Weekend Stay at Booking.com
Review: We checked into this gorgeous hotel billed as a ‘Place of Whimsy’ on the first day of winter. It felt like checking into a warm woollen blanket, the black and white tartan carpet creates a warm, cosy feeling. The central heating is out of this world! Art everywhere.
The room was small but heavenly with everything you need – fridge, iron, tea/coffee, side marble tables, soft bed, and creative headboard. I adored the wine-red bathroom with crisp white marble and stark black tapware. The body wash smelt of sweet green apples. All in all the room was a great combo of art, design, and warmth.
Don’t miss breakfast, cocktails, and eats at Naumi’s popular Lola Rouge Restaurant and Bar.
5. Mövenpick Hotel Wellington – Chocolate!
Type: 5-Star Hotel $$$
Best for: Chocolate Hour, Sauna, Pool, Couples, Friends, Families
Location: 345 The Terrace, Te Aro
Book your fun stay at Booking.com
Forget just dessert, it’s choco o’clock every day at this contemporary hotel. Mövenpick Hotel isn’t just for romance (though those couples won’t be disappointed), it’s a haven for families and groups too. Work up a sweat in the gym, splash around in the pool, unwind in the sauna, and then the real fun starts – free ice cream for the kids, and a daily chocolate hour that’ll have everyone saying “sweet!”.
“Aesthetically beautiful. 24 hour reception and room service. Friendly concierge even at 1:20am! Easy to get late checkout given our late check in.”
Happy Guest
Guests Love
- Free snacks at the pool
- Free tea and cookies at the entrance
- Slippers and gowns in each room
- Fitness Centre
- Smart TV, Free WIFI
- Āmiki Manuka honey amenities
- Executive Rooms and Suites also feature a Bose sound system and Nespresso coffee machine
6. Ohtel Wellington – Designer Vibe, Oriental Bay
Type: 5-Star Boutique Hotel (adult only) $$$$
Best for: Mid-Century Elegance, Marble Bathrooms
Location: Oriental Bay (city end)
Book at Booking.com
Calling all design lovers! Get ready for an eyeful of urban chic at Ohtel Wellington, a boutique hotel perfectly placed in Oriental Bay.
Forget tiny rooms – pick your jaw-dropping pad from studios, deluxe rooms, superior digs, or even a whole suite. And guess what? King-sized beds are standard in all of them!
Want a view to match? Your room can look out over the gorgeous Port Nicholson Marina and Wellington Harbour.
Here’s the bonus: you’re right next to the city’s buzz – nightlife, Te Papa museum, the beach, and a waterfront walk where you can rent e-bikes to cruise around. Feeling adventurous? Hike up Mount Victoria for epic city views that’ll blow your mind. See walking maps here.
Guests Love
- Location near The Embassy Theatre, Bats Theatre, Chow Tory, Sweet Mother’s Kitchen
- Spacious Suites with retro furnishings
- Vinyl player with a selection of vinyls
- Ask for a room with a balcony and a view of the bay
7. QT Wellington – Luxury, Contemporary Art
Type: 4.5 Star Hotel $$$$
Best for: Art, Art, Art! Central Location, Luxury
Location: Cable Street (across from Te Papa and the Waterfront)
Book at Booking.com
Forget ordinary hotels, QT Wellington is an art explosion waiting to happen! You’ll know you’ve arrived the second you see the giant golden hippo guarding the entrance – this place is all about glorious design and unexpected fun.
This design haven is packed with stunning New Zealand contemporary art around every corner, and each guest room is like stepping into a unique masterpiece. Even the bathrooms are so artistically styled, you might mistake them for a mini-gallery!
Location-wise, QT Wellington is a winner. Right on Wellington’s waterfront, you’re just across the road from Te Papa museum. So, immerse yourself in art at the hotel and then head over to see even more at Te Papa – what a perfect cultural double whammy!
Fancy French cuisine or high tea? Indulge at Hippopotamus. Craving Asian flavors? Hot Sauce awaits. Feeling like staying in? Luxe room service is a tap away.
Guests Love
- Bose sound systems
- Nespresso coffee machines
- Well-equipped gym
- Spa pool
- Indoor pool
- Spa and beauty treatment centre.
8. Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa – Historic B&B
Book at Booking.com
Indulge in a touch of grandeur at Thorndon Heritage Listed Villa, a historic B&B. Step out of the ordinary hotel experience and into an atmosphere of pure elegance.
Lavish furnishings and meticulously designed interiors will have you feeling like royalty from the moment you arrive.
The guest suite itself is a luxurious haven. Imagine unwinding in the master bedroom, then stepping into a separate lounge area to curl up with a good book or enjoy a cup of tea.
The dedicated dining area is perfect for an intimate breakfast or evening meal. And to top it all off, a beautiful bathroom with both a bath and shower ensures a relaxing stay.
The best part? This suite can comfortably accommodate up to three guests, making it ideal for a romantic getaway, a small family trip, or a catch-up with close friends.
9. Abigail Bay Bach – Off-Grid Homestay, Remote
Best for: Remote Holiday Home, Wild Location, Comfortable, Private, Red Rocks, Couples, Friends $$
Close to the city and yet so remote! This cute bach for 2 guests is set on Wellington’s wild south coast with seals for company in the winter months (May to September).
Nestled in a Karaka tree grove the bach looks out over Red Rocks and onto Cook Strait and the Antarctic as the crow flies!
Bach Info
Abigail Bay Bach is in a wild location and totally off-grid with solar lights, and gas for hot water and cooking. There’s no fridge at this coastal hideaway so bring some bags of ice (buy at petrol stations) for the chilly bin (called an esky in Australia).
Linen is included. According to bach traditions you’re expected to do the dishes and clean the bach at the end of your stay.
Things to Do
- Walk around the coast past gannets, seals, dunes, and rockpools
- Stay warm by the super-efficient fireplace, read a book, or play one of the board games
Abigail Bay Bach is a fantastically serene place to relax. Book at VRBO/Bookabach
BONUS: Tips and Recommended Cheap Eats in Cuba Street:
Wellington is compact so it’s easy to walk to the Beehive, Te Papa, Cuba Street, Lambton Quay and Oriental Bay. Catch the cable car (on Lambton Quay) up the hill to the Botanic Gardens and Space Place at Carter Observatory.
Hot Tip: Get the free Welly Walks App on your phone which has instructions and maps to explore history, art, boutiques, nature, breweries and hidden gems around the city.
Places to Eat
Aunty Mena’s for vegan and vegetarian
Midnight Espresso for vegan and variety counter food and menu meals
Olive for delicious French, vegan, and Italian-inspired food, and the hidden back garden for brunch
Fidel’s on Cuba for coffee, hip counter food (pictures of Fidel everywhere – remember you are in Cuba Street!)
Little Penang for cheap Malaysian dishes around the corner on Dixon Street
Rasa for South Indian and Malaysian (try the yum dosas!)
Inner city supermarkets are New World Willis Street, New World Wellington City on Wakefield Street, cheapest supermarket is PaknSave Kilbirnie.
Moore Wilson’s Food Hall is worth a visit for delicious specialty and deli food. Corner of Tory and College Streets.
Happy Travelling! I hope you’ve enjoyed this awesome list of Unique Places to Stay in Wellington. If you need any more information or want to join the conversation please share in the comments section below. Alisa 🙂
I love Welly! Although I might be slightly biased because I lived there for a few years. You are right, it is a very upbeat artsy place to hang out especially around the inner city. The food, shopping, entertainment, galleries and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum (Te Papa for short) are just the best! Actually, I am very inspired by this article to visit the city once again and to try one or two of the hotel suggestions you have provided here. It makes me excited to think about visiting the city again, I get a warm fuzzy feeling about this very iconic city and all of its groovy gems.
Rina – great to hear you’re getting the warm fuzzies thinking about Wellington again! Nice you enjoyed your experience living in this ‘groovy’ city. When you return I hope you enjoy one of these unique hotels and B&Bs; to enhance your visit even more. Best, Alisa
Wellington is truly a great city. I just got to realize that it is one of the most populous Urban areas of New Zealand. Most people refer to it as the Culinary Capital of New Zealand.
This is so true because it is well known for Outstanding Coffee, Quirky Cafes and tucked-away bars.
Your stay in New Zealand will not be complete without visiting these amazing places listed here. I have personally been to all these places. Thank you so much Alisa for this great guide.
Hi Emmanuel – many thanks for your fantastic comments about Wellington. I hope you find the time to visit. Wellington isn’t as big as Auckland in terms of population but it’s tiny size and cool vibe make it a popular stop-off point for travellers wanting to enjoy the harbour, try the yummy eateries and stay in the unique hotels. Best, Alisa
New Zealand is one place I’d love to visit. I’ve seen many pictures and videos about it and it would be an awesome experience to go there.
These are some really good tips to consider when being there.
I must admit that some places are very different than what I’m used to here in the states.
I do like each one in different ways.
But my number 1 pick would be the Beachfront Wellington Bed & Breakfast.
This alone would be one of the top reasons to visit New Zealand!
I’m wondering how long a flight it is from the east coast of the U.S.?
Hi Rob – I’m happy you enjoyed the tips and inspiration. The Beachfront B&B is a good choice for its relaxing locale and sea views. A flight from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Auckland (our biggest city) take around 13 hours. You can check flights with Jetradar. I also recommend you read my post: Free Things to Do in Wellington. Alisa 🙂