Hotels Overview

As New Zealand's gateway city, Auckland has all the large international chain hotels you'd expect, but luckily it also has plenty of comfortable bed-and-breakfasts, mom-and-pop motels, and other individually owned places, making for a nicely varied lodging profile. Many of the large flashy hotels cluster around the central business district (CBD), while B&Bs tend to congregate in the nearby neighborhoods. Many of the best are found in Devonport and Ponsonby. Because Kiwis are so naturally hospitable, it's hard not to recommend lodgings where you have a chance to talk with your hosts -- unless you prefer anonymity.

November to March are the busiest months for Auckland hotels, so it pays to book by August to ensure you get a room in your first choice. Hotel rooms are usually equipped with TVs, hair dryers, ironing boards, and basic toiletries. All the major hotels have parking available, too, at a price. A number of the B&Bs offer parking as well, an especially useful perk since they're usually in narrow city-center streets where the competition for parking is fierce. Better yet, B&Bs generally don't charge for parking. High-speed Internet access is becoming standard in hotels and B&Bs alike, and there's almost always a computer available if you didn't bring a laptop. B&B owners are extremely knowledgeable about their neighborhoods and are keen to supply information about the city. Some will even make reservations and other arrangements for you. One amenity you won't find in many places is air-conditioning; only the major hotels tend to have it. This isn't a problem, though, when you can fling open the windows and let in the sea breeze.