There is something so serene about being surrounded by water.
At the Hilton, Auckland, New Zealand, the water views are endless. The hotel is perfectly placed to make best of what is best in Auckland – the wonderful working harbour which shuttles endless ferries from the busy CBD to the transfixing Waiheke Island.
The Hilton, Auckland, had a rough patch for a while – (didn’t every five star hotel during the nightmare Covid days!) It has taken a while to recover – Chinese tourists and Aussie business travellers who used to populate the once heaving hotel took a while to return. But rest assured it is back now.
Visit the elegant marine themed bar on the foyer of the hotel on a Friday evening for opera and champagne and you’ll see why. Enjoying a glass of wine from the (massively) improved wine list, whilst listening to local opera singers and glancing out into the harbour is indeed elegant, peaceful and calming all at once.
The staff at the Hilton have always been quality. From the knowledge team at the front door who always greet you with a smile, to the front desk staff and right through to management – they more than just serve – they try. Try to make guests feel special and try to offer more than the rest. The people at the Hilton are their main point of difference.
And they need to be. Because competition in the rebounding Auckland is hot right now. New five star offerings are everywhere – from the Hyatt to Sofitel to the Intercontinental, offerings are diverse, and competition is fierce.
But the Hilton has what the others don’t. The water at every edge. The views and of course, the staff. Many of whom have been at the hotel for 20 plus years ensuring outstanding consistency and continuity of service.
The rooms are nice - some, which have undergone a refurb, are better than others. They could do with perhaps a little more of a touch-up to match some of the aforementioned competitors’ offerings, but they are clean, functional and have wonderful balconies (on the harbour side) to sit and reflect on what to do next in the ever-changing and exciting bustling city of Auckland.
The restaurant on level 2 – Fish – is a good idea and the right spot for it, falls a little flat. Hardly anyone tends to eat there these days opting for the many options around the hotel. Even the breakfast still hasn’t recovered and regained the glory it had in its super buffet pre Covid days. That said the food plays second fiddle to …did I mention the water and the views!
The Hilton still has its magic. Still has its water and still has its amazing staff. A little more investment, a few ongoing tweaks and no doubt it will regain its rightful place at the top of the Auckland five star hotel tree!
Hilton Hotel Auckland
Where?
147 Quay Street, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
What’s best?
The bar with its relaxed and fun nautical theme is awesome. Nice drinks, an improved wine list and decent nibbles - this is a must for anyone starting at the Hilton - and frankly, anyone who simply wants a great night out!
What’s not?
Sadly the Fish restaurant is tired. A new idea perhaps? The once halcyon days of Fish have well and truly gone.
Rating
4/5 stars
* the writer stayed in a harbour room. Lunch Magazine is a purely independent and neutral reviewer of all restaurants and hotels and pays its own way.