This new-look Auckland hotel wants to soothe you
New Zealand is known for its breathtaking lodges but a remade urban hotel makes a case for staying in the city.
With water-splash sculptures, volcano-like textures and a riotous display of snaking plants, Auckland’s latest high-end hotel is an ode to the city’s natural splendours. But there is at least one exotic oddity commanding attention in the middle of the lobby: a live moss wall imported from France.
“Somehow we got it past our tight biosecurity laws,” said Girish Talreja, general manager of JW Marriott Auckland, standing alongside the vivid green installation with tufts plucked from eight different Gallic regions.
In reviving a well-known Auckland lodging on Albert Street, originally the Regent Hotel and then the Stamford Plaza, Marriott International left no stone unturned – even mossy ones. The group acquired the property for $NZ170 million in 2022, invested $NZ30 million into its overhaul, and will officially reopen the venture on Thursday. The Australian was granted a preview earlier this month.
“When it launched in 1984, it was the first five-star hotel in Auckland,” said Talreja. “Many people have fond memories of spending important occasions here like anniversaries and birthdays.” On a return visit they may not recognise the place. Singapore-based Leonard Lee from 037 design studio has exactingly remade the hotel with nods to Aotearoa’s landscapes. A diverse colour palette, nubby fabrics and custom artworks evoke molten rocks, sandy beaches and flower-strewn meadows.
The hotel has 286 rooms, 15 of which are suites, with spacious layouts starting at 36 square metres. Lee has equipped them with soft wall coverings, plush furnishings and hand-tufted rugs in vibrant hues. Some rooms have views of the iconic Sky Tower, while others gaze out to Waitemata Harbour. Overall, they are serene, sophisticated spaces.
My Ambassador Suite (there are two) had a Y-shaped layout with a corridor leading to a living room on the right, with an organic-shaped sofa, metal-accented coffee table and a small balcony. Above a four-seat dining table was a pair of spherical glass pendants. On the left was the bedroom with a desk and lounge. In the bathroom was a robe monogrammed with my name.
The presidential suite is fitted with a private balcony, large dining table and a fireplace. But the most impressive chambers may be the Governor Suite, akin to a two-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen.
Though when it comes to eating out, visitors to downtown Auckland are spoiled for choice. The hotel is moments away from the waterfront Commercial Bay precinct, home to acclaimed restaurants Ahi and Queens as well as retail stores, while the humming drinking and dining options of Viaduct Harbour and Britomart are both within walking distance.
At the hotel’s airy Trivet restaurant, which can accommodate over 100 diners, executive chef Wallace Mua showcased exceptional local produce including creamy pahi oysters and lamb belly at a 10-seat table. “I call it the front row,” he said, slicing trevally, waving to friends, and chatting amiably about his career. In 2023, Mau toured with the All Blacks as a culinary adviser, and the team recently dropped in for dinner. Did they share feedback on the menu? “No, they were just happy to eat.”
As the many robe-clad guests riding the elevators testified, a big focus for JW Marriott Auckland is wellness. The 10th floor features a large fitness centre with TechnoGym equipment, and a 14-metre heated indoor pool with adjacent hot tub, cold plunge and infrared sauna. A day spa with multiple treatment rooms will be launched in the next year. A “wellness concierge” can design your stay with a health program.
Yet even teetotallers might be tempted by the lobby bar and its creative offerings. A Velvet Rouge, for one, was a remix of a Negroni with cherry-infused gin and edible flowers frozen in ice. Nearby is the smartly designed 24-hour lounge for Marriott Bonvoy members. A 30-seat Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Kureta, will be unveiled in September.
On an excursion with David Batten from Auckland and Beyond tours, I visited Auckland Museum, the Domain Wintergardens and the summit of Mount Eden. “Auckland has really grown up,” said Batten, as we admired panoramic vistas of the city. In a fitting twist given New Zealand’s focus on eradicating invasive species, Batten wore a petrol blue jumper made from merino wool and possum fur. “It’s as soft as cashmere,” he said.
What else is nearby? A brief ferry ride leads to Waiheke Island, renowned for its vineyards, olive groves and beaches. Guests may also seek to explore the West Coast Beaches, such as Piha, known for their black sand, and Waitākere Ranges Regional Park by car. Auckland’s vaunted City Rail Link, extending from Britomart to Mount Eden stations, is expected to be ready early next year. In this way, the hotel’s relaunch seems serendipitous. “You can’t get a better location,” added Batten. “It’s finally all meshing together.”
The writer was a guest of JW Marriott Auckland. Room rates from $NZ400 per night; marriott.com
This story is from the June issue of Travel + Luxury magazine.
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