Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Accommodations in Wellington range from no-frills backpacker hostels and motel units to sleek central hotels and classic bed-and-breakfasts in colonial-era villas.
As more people move into the city, apartments moonlighting as "serviced-apartment" hotels are also gaining steam. Rates are significantly more expensive than those of the average motel, but they're a good option if you're planning to stay a while. Most of these apartment-hotel hybrids have weekend or long-term specials.
Lodgings generally do not have air-conditioning, but the temperate weather in Wellington rarely warrants it.
Offering luxury loft-style rooms, the Intrepid brings home comforts to your inner-city stay, and you'll be greeted in the morning with complimentary fresh coffee and tea, and maybe a sweet snack or two. Service is excellent and friendly. In keeping with the modern art deco aesthetics, below the hotel is the quiet, speakeasy-styled Puffin wine bar. The hotel's front door sits in the entertainment hub of Ghuznee Street and Cuba Street.
Located next to a vineyard, this luxurious resort enjoys a parklike setting as well as its own on-site bistro, a small spa, and a tennis court. Its spacious, airy cottages have rural views, some taking in a man-made lake or others with views of the Tararua ranges. There are complimentary shuttles to town.
With bold art on display everywhere you look, this hotel near the harbor is for the hip and trendy. Harbor-view rooms come with huge balconies, while in-room decor and bathrooms are just as design-friendly as the rest of the place. There are coffee machines in every room, and apartments are nicely fitted out for longer stays, including washers and dryers. The in-house restaurant Hippopotamus and Hot Sauce bar offer great cocktails and culinary delights. This is the closest hotel to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
This former railway administration building was chopped into several pieces and relocated before being transformed into a small country hotel with seven well-appointed boutique suites in the main building and six other rooms in a garden courtyard. The suites are individually decorated with their own twist on old-country-meets-modern style. Nestled behind, six garden rooms are beside the neighboring park.
In the heart of the business district and a stone's throw from the waterfront, this landmark high-rise gets the details right, delivering a sleek, contemporary look with a warm yet sophisticated ambience. The bedrooms are luxuriously equipped, and the chic reception area has light, modern furniture. There's a 24-hour car service and even an on-site spa.
In the famous waterfront neighborhood of Oriental Bay, this boutique hotel is tailored to those who enjoy a personalized and luxurious experience. Spacious rooms are uniquely furnished with mid-century decor that combines urban chic with a cozy feel. Perks include its proximity to essential waterfront sights such as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Oriental Bay Beach, and the harborside market. Parking is a 5-minute walk away at the Te Papa museum.
In celebration of its proximity to the Wellington Botanic Garden, this sophisticated hotel has a strong but subtle floral theme throughout the rooms and shared spaces. The Jardin Grill restaurant serves buffet and à la carte breakfast, and is a great place for a quiet, elegant dining experience. It's a short walk up the hill to the botanic garden or downhill to the city and waterfront.
