I checked in to the new JW Marriott Auckland, where tranquility meets luxury

With its chic, luxurious rooms, excellent food and drink offerings, and strong focus on wellness, this hotel will have you checking out feeling relaxed and refreshed.

When JW Marriott opened their first New Zealand property in Auckland in mid-May, they sought to create an “Oasis in the heart of the CBD”; somewhere to relax and recharge, a sanctuary from the bustling city outside.

I was among the first 50 people to check in, and quickly discovered they had nailed the brief.

The location

The hotel is on the corner of Albert and Swanson streets in downtown Auckland, close to attractions such as Albert Park and Sky Tower; a short walk from the Commercial Bay shopping precinct and the waterfront; and on the doorstep of some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. It is also a stone’s throw from Britomart Train Station and the Ferry Terminal, making a day trip to Waiheke Island, famed for its vineyards, a must.

At the centre of the lobby is the Forum Bar. Picture: Supplied.

The arrival

As I walked through the door, I was greeted with a smile and a glass of the hotel’s signature drink - a blend of lavender, lemon, Manuka honey, ginger, and Kawakawa tea (believed by Maoris to have healing properties).

At the centre of the lobby is the Forum Bar, which is shaped to look like black volcanic rock, a nod to Rangitoto, the largest of the region's 48 dormant cones. Above it hangs a custom chandelier, featuring brass domes and glass shaped like the splashing waters of the harbour. Behind the bar, a large black and white mural, inspired by the Waitakere Ranges.

The vibe is warm and earthy. The timber accents, natural textures, honed stone, and custom furnishings are complemented by the living greenery and native plants; the neutral tones by the occasional flash of maroon. There is also plenty of space to sit, relax and grab a drink or casual bite (more on that later), with a combination of couches and tables and chairs.

There was a table and chaise lounge by the window, and a super-comfy, brand-new king-sized bed, which I would later sink into for a great night’s sleep. Picture: Supplied.

The rooms

The hotel has 271 rooms and 15 suites, ranging in size from 36 sqm to 171 sqm for the two-bedroom apartment. I was in an Executive King Room on the 10th floor, with views of the CBD and the harbour. It had timber floors, textured finishes, and custom art and furniture. Its neutral colour scheme and ambient lighting (the room has multiple settings) had an instant calming effect.

There was a table and chaise lounge by the window, and a super-comfy, brand-new king-sized bed, which I would later sink into for a great night’s sleep. In the bathroom, it was floor-to-ceiling marble with a back-lit circular mirror, a tub to soak in, and a range of eco-friendly, aromatherapy bath products to help you relax.

The room had all of the typical trappings you would expect in a five-star stay - robes, slippers, coffee machine - but with a hyper-local focus. I enjoyed a selection of Aotearoa cheeses and wine, and the mini-bar stocked with locally brewed kombucha and craft beers.

The Wellness Centre is on the 10th floor and centres around the showpiece pool deck, which offers city and harbour views. Picture: Supplied.

Wellness

The hotel also has a strong focus on wellness, offering a range of in-room services, including a scent and soundscape experience, mindfulness exercises, meditation playlists, books, yoga mats, workouts (available on the TVs), and the ability to order post-workout shakes and healthy snacks. Suites even come with Technogym kits. During my stay, the wellness concierge designed a program for me. I did Pilates, followed by a floating sound bath - pure bliss.

The Wellness Centre is on the 10th floor and centres around the showpiece pool deck, which offers city and harbour views. It features a 14m heated indoor pool, a dry sauna, an ice-plunge, a full gymnasium, and a jacuzzi, which is bathed in warm amber rays every day at sunset. The day spa opens in 2026.

At Trivet, chef Wallace Mua has crafted a multi-cultural menu, drawing inspiration from his Polynesian heritage and international fine-dining background. Picture: Supplied.

Food & Drink

The hotel has two dining options, Trivet and Forum Bar, with a third, a teppanyaki-style restaurant, set to open in September. 

At Trivet, chef Wallace Mua has crafted a multi-cultural menu, drawing inspiration from his Polynesian heritage and international fine-dining background. He combines global techniques and fresh local ingredients to create meals to be shared. Te-Matuku oysters with smoked bone marrow and fennel escabeche. Kaipara trevally sashimi with soy and truffle, herb and chilli. The chicken breast with buttered curry, scallions, mustard seeds, and potato. In the morning, Trivet transforms into an extravagant buffet that includes a “Grab and Go Pantry” with everything from fresh fruits to cereals, allowing guests to skip the queue and dine at their own pace.

What’s hot? The food at Trivet. Picture: Supplied.

At Forum Bar, you can grab barista coffee with a cake or scone from a local bakery during the day, and bar favourites for lunch and dinner - think cheese boards, fries, gourmet burgers and pies. However, the signature cocktail menu is the real star. Try the Dulce de leche martini, a recipe created by bartender Vanessa Vega Lopez. It is an espresso martini with Argentinian Caramel - the perfect way to cap off an evening.

The hotel also has an Executive Club Lounge (which was still yet to open when I checked-in), where Marriott Bonvoy members have exclusive around the clock access, and can enjoy a curated dining experience.

The hotel also has an Executive Club Lounge, where Marriott Bonvoy members have exclusive around the clock access Picture: Supplied.

What’s hot

The food at Trivet. Mua’s trevally sashimi was the best thing I ate.

What’s not

While I loved the ambient lighting in my room, I did wander around slightly confused at midnight, trying to figure out which switch turned off which light.

The lounge room of the Presidential Suite. Picture: Supplied.

The verdict - 9/10

With its stunning design features, chic, luxurious rooms, showpiece pool deck, and outstanding food and drink offerings, the stay was equal parts style and comfort.

The writer was a guest of JW Marriott Auckland. Rooms start from $NZ268 per night.

Originally published as I checked in to the new JW Marriott Auckland, where tranquility meets luxury