Top 20 Cool and Unique Hotels in Auckland 2023

Auckland, a city where lush landscapes and sparkling waters meet urban sophistication, is a multi-cultural oasis of arts, culture, food, and music. Auckland’s pleasant climate and eclectic vibe attract visitors to its fabulous hotels year after year. From gorgeous boutiques to award-winning architectural masterpieces, here is my pick for the best cool and unique hotels in Auckland, New Zealand…

These are the top 3 cool and unique hotels in Auckland

Hotel
1.
QT Auckland l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
QT Auckland
2.
M Social Auckland l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Millennials And Gen Zs
M Social Auckland
3.
Ohtel Auckland l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Boutique Accomodation
Ohtel Auckland
Best For Instagrammable Decor

QT Auckland

Coolest hotels in Auckland

Instagrammable hotel in Auckland

Hip hotel in Auckland

Spying over the sparkling harbour, immersed in dramatic style notes inspired by nature, the bold design behind this Nic Graham masterpiece celebrates beauty like no other.

In the guestrooms, senses are delighted through a vivid combination of smooth, clean textures and a rustic feel, drenched in dark tones and an ambient mood.

At QT, the waterfront beckons, and hidden treasures await guests from the minute they arrive. Far from ordinary, this hotel has a beating heart, and dances to its own tune.

Esther restaurant, the magnificent onsite eatery, serves lavish dinners, whilst the rooftop bar offers a peak drinking experience against a bold backdrop of the stunning city and harbour.

Pros

Hip upscale hotel

Esther restaurant

A rooftop restaurant

Stunning city views

Cons

The walls are not soundproof

Bar closes early

No pool

Best For Millennials And Gen Zs

M Social Auckland

Fun hotel in Auckland

M Social Auckland

At M Social, the bright, naturally lit entrance evokes style and functionality, which spreads through the creative and cool interiors through Scandi-inspired furniture, elaborate feature lighting, and old-fashioned ship bells converted into lamps.

The soft furnishings of the glass-walled restaurant come in a riot of citrus, raspberry and aqua, and the spacious guestrooms come with a strong emphasis on technology. Each room has wall-to-wall windows, fantastic harbor views, and a gorgeous décor characterized by pale woods, black letterings of local quirky facts, and the accents of citrus-colored pillows. 

The hotel’s restaurant is both adventurous and delectable, with palate-awakening kingfish and coconut ceviche and many other excellent dishes.

Pros

A fun partying ambiance

Technological spacious guestrooms

Delectable on-site restaurant

24-hour fitness center

Cons

No minibars in rooms

Bar closes before midnight

A bit noisy on weekends

Best For Boutique Accomodation

Ohtel Auckland

Retro hotel in Auckland

Best boutiques in Auckland

This boutique, 5-star hotel features mid-century furnishings and kiwiana artwork, exuding a funky and quirky vibe with much thought and detail throughout the property.

The guestrooms at Ohtel Auckland ooze charm and character, and utilize smart-tech, with one button touch screens to connect to your own hosts. A personalized stay is offered at this stunning hotel, topped with state-of-the-art amenities which include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, and gym.

Every piece of furniture is collected by a well-known curator of art pieces, creating a unique environment of exclusive décor and vibrant colours. The book collection found in the communal areas has been put together over the years, and makes for an interesting browse during downtime.

Pros

Boutique hotel with kiwiana artwork

An outdoor swimming pool

Books available for reading

Daily continental breakfast

Cons

Glass bathroom walls

Bit noisy aircon

Thin walls

Best For Trendy Design

Voco Auckland City Centre, an IHG Hotel

Sexy hotel in Auckland

Design hotel in Auckland

At Voco Hotel, the premium essentials are fused with unexpected, quirky delights, set within the beating heart of Auckland in the bustling centre.

The world-famous playful Kiwi charm is offered in abundance here, through attentive hosts, to spacious, cosy rooms and suites. The hallmark of voco styling comes in the form of eco-conscious rain showers in marble bathrooms, intuitive lighting, and user-friendly media hubs for devices.

To delight the taste buds, guests can dig into an artisan-fired pizza, replete with a freshly brewed coffee. The glamorous rooftop Bar Albert, NZ’s highest rooftop bar, boasts sumptuous art deco décor and a sophisticated cocktail menu.

Pros

Sleek modern interior

An onsite fitness center

Rooftop Bar Albert

Artisan-fired pizza

Cons

Limited car parking

A bit slow elevators

Weak shower pressure

Best For Central Location

SO/ Auckland

Trendy hotel in Auckland

Design hotel in Auckland

Luxury hotel in Auckland

Upon entrance to the lobby, guests at SO/ Auckland take a step away from the harbour’s natural light, into a dark-toned room brought to life with red velvet armchairs, ombre-tasselled poufs, an impressive floor-to-ceiling Marcel Wanders chandelier, and upturned couches.

The lifts are regularly spritzed with the hotel’s signature perfume. This avant-garde hotel is designed in collaboration with renowned NZ fashion house WORLD, and is conveniently situated with views across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

The rooms are themed around Auckland’s volcanic history, bold and original. This manifests itself in the form of black and gold carpets, black stone vanity and golden basins in the bathrooms, and beautifully sand-washed grey-tiled showers.

Pros

Unique upscale interior

A vibrant fitness center

Javalab Cafe

Views of Auckland skyline

Cons

Street rooms are noisy

Slow room service

No onsite parking

Best For Couples

The Convent Hotel

Themed hotel in Auckland

Quirky hotel in Auckland

Unique hotel in Auckland

Originally opened as a community for nuns, these historical doors have been eloquently reopened as a uniquely crafted boutique hotel. Drenched in history and the source of unforgettable memories, the Convent is a place where guests can feel like a local.

Whilst the exterior is in keeping with its original architecture, the eclectic guestrooms are layered with playful design touches and modern amenities, as well as a snack bar and luxury linen for optimum relaxation.

The building boasts ornate ceilings, stucco arches, and vast steel windows. This one-of-a-kind hotel is located in an urban setting, yet away from the chaos of the city.

Pros

Historical building

In-room snack bar

Free Parking

1 km from Eden Park Stadium

Cons

Can get noisy at times

No elevators

Small sized rooms

Best For Modern Design

Grand Millennium Auckland

Grand hotel in Auckland

Grand Millennium Auckland

Sexy modern hotel in Auckland

Fantastically located in the city centre close to Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour, the heart of cosmopolitan Auckland frames the Grand Millennium.

The hotel offers a superior experience through great attention to detail, which spreads into the 452 stylish rooms and suites. Smart design is combined with chic décor and floor to ceiling windows, and high-end amenities to guarantee a comforting stay.

Guests can take advantage of superb facilities, from a heated indoor pool to a delicious Teppanyaki restaurant, as well as an electric vehicle charger. The modern function rooms can host a variety of events, from 4-person meetings to cocktail receptions for 1000 guests.

Pros

Smart chic decor

An indoor pool

Teppanyaki restaurant

An electric vehicle charger

Cons

Bit pricey food options

Cold pool temperature

No valet parking

Best For Scenic Views

The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Hotel with great views on Auckland

The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Large hotel in Auckland

An ideal haven to explore Auckland’s gems, the Sebel is located at the water’s edge overlooking the grand yachts moored in the Viaduct Harbour, adjacent to Auckland’s central business district.

Guests at The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour can browse the eclectic boutiques and trendy shops of Queen Street within minutes. Extensive marina and city views feature in the stylish apartments and suites, allowing guests to unwind on their balconies with a stunning backdrop.

The commodious guestrooms relish the independence of contemporary apartment living, with 4-star hotel conveniences, topped with a personalized service.

The thoughtfully appointed comforts include laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchens with well-stocked refrigerators and mini-bars, and high-speed internet.

Pros

Contemporary accommodations

Well-stocked refrigerators

Marina and city views

Adjacent to Auckland’s CBD

Cons

No free Wi-Fi

Few rooms are noisy

Limited parking

Best For Unique Stay

The Great Ponsonby Arthotel

Quirky hotel in Auckland

Kitsch hotel in Auckland

Quaint hotel in Auckland

The citrus walls and bespoke colour schemes of this converted residential villa greets guests to a charming, eclectic experience. With an ornate front porch embellished by bougainvillea, super-high ceilings, and chic Pacific artwork, the feeling is of a true boutique hostel.

The simple tiled bathrooms in the guestrooms at The Great Ponsonby Arthotel are relics of the 1980’s, most of which boast a bathtub. The Great Ponsonby Arthotel is the very antithesis of a chain hotel experience, and a cheery breakfast is served each morning on the sun porch.

Guests can borrow from a wide array of films, and the in-room information brochures offer informative guides to the Ponsonby area, with detailed ideas of activities to suit every kind of traveler.

Pros

Chic vibrant accommodations

On-site breakfast

Central location

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Cons

Room near entryway can be noisy

No aircon

No in-room refrigerators

Best For Aparthotel

Airedale Boutique Suites

Trendy place to stay in Auckland

Airedale Boutique Suites

Following an extensive refurbishment, the heritage façade has been beautifully restored to embrace the history of this iconic Auckland building, yet creating something new, unique, and authentic in the process.

The flair of art deco architecture is combined with modern style and comfort, and the attentive hotel team is always on hand to ensure a premium experience is offered. Eco-conscious options are implemented throughout the property.

Large hotel rooms are offered, which boast Smart TVs, air-conditioning and heating, mini-bars, and complimentary WiFi. Located a short distance from the Aotea Centre and the Viaduct Harbour, Airedale Boutique Suites puts the best of Auckland Central at your fingertips.

Pros

Stylish interior designs

Modern accommodations

On-site laundry facility

10 min walk from Sky Tower

Cons

Weak shower pressure

Rooms next to the road are noisy

No onsite parking

Best For Families

Quest Takapuna

Cute boutique in Auckland

Modern hotel in Auckland

Perfect for both short and long stays, a relaxed and comfortable experience is offered in the apartment-style hotel rooms at Quest Takapuna.

This brand-new hotel features 51 rooms which include studios with kitchenettes, and One- and Two-bedroom apartments ideal for families.

A selection of restaurants and cafes are offered within minutes of the hotel, serving outstanding food, from casual bistro and cosy pubs to internationally renowned silver service experiences.

The smooth lighting in the guestrooms compliments the light tones and vibrant colour schemes, to exude an air of luxury. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a seating area.

Pros

Chic and modern interior

Family-friendly well-equipped apartments

Concierge service

Variety of food options

Cons

Slow elevator

Parking can be limited

Windows can’t be opened

Best For Indoor Swimming Pool

CityLife Auckland

CityLife Auckland

Party hotel in Auckland

Offering newly refurbished one-, two- and three-bedroom suites as well as superior rooms, CityLife Auckland offers the best of the best in regards to comfort, space, and facilities.

This magnificent, chic hotel boasts an indoor saltwater lap pool and gymnasium, topped with a fantastic staff presence to ensure your stay is as memorable as it is restful.

Admirably positioned in the hub of Auckland’s business, retail and entertainment district, this sophisticated environment places guests in the heart of the action and allows guests to blend work with pleasure. City Life Auckland is the perfect spot for the discerning traveler.

Pros

Chic modern rooms

A gymnasium

Indoor saltwater lap pool

Central location

Cons

Small balcony space

No in-room microwaves

No on-site restaurant

Best For Midrange Getaway Option

Imagine Beach Road

Modern place to say in Auckland

Industrial Chic hotel in Auckland

The fresh, urban design of Imagine Beach Road takes cues from the surrounding twin harbors, embellished with eclectic, city-inspired finishes.

As Auckland Central’s newest hotel, trendy studio accommodations are on offer, featuring custom-made Imagine Deep Sleep mattresses, crisp white linens, and high-end amenities.

Marble-tiled showers and finely sanded soft-woods at Imagine Beach Road give the guestrooms an opulent charm, which is reciprocated by a quirky, tropically inspired wallpaper design.

This modern hotel covers all of your accommodation needs, with access to an offsite Lifestyle & Fitness Club. Through the front doors, guests can directly access Auckland’s central business district. Complimentary tea and coffee feature in all rooms.

Pros

Creative urban design

Reasonably priced

Access to an offsite fitness club

Near city attractions

Cons

No on-site parking

Loud aircon

No on-site breakfast

Best For Great Breakfast

Franklin 38

Franklin38 Auckland

Franklin38

Following a large renovation, Franklin 38 is a new city fringe accommodation, and is one of the first choices of luxury boutique accommodation in the world’s happiest city, brimming with sophisticated character and contemporary architecture.

Four gloriously opulent suites feature in this sunny two-story villa, with a seamless blend of heritage and modernity. Wraparound wooden verandas with sky tower views, vogueish bathrooms, and a fantastic guest lounge welcome guests all year round.

The hotel boasts monochrome hues with trendy artwork, and freshly baked croissants are served for breakfast. The hosts are attentive to guests’ needs yet mindful of privacy.

Pros

Upscale modern interior

Variety of breakfast options

A relaxing garden and lounge area

Cons

Busy street location

No on-site gym

Best For Historic Charm

The Shakespeare Hotel

The Shakespeare Hotel Auckland

Historic hotel in Auckland

Standing proud as part of Auckland’s profound history, the Shakespeare is a true hospitality icon, serving kiwis and tourists since 1898 with an original English pub experience.

One of the standout features of this hotel is NZ’s oldest microbrewery, offering a range of the best craft beers in town. Guests can enjoy the tap beers in the comfort of their own home, with the excellent takeaway service.

The hotel’s restaurant boasts a beautiful balcony, alongside a menu packed full of the English classics, as well as some extra signature dishes put together by award-winning chefs. The Shakespeare has a foodie sonnet exclusive for guests!

Pros

Stunning boutique interior

Best craft beers

English classical restaurant

Next to city center shops

Cons

No elevators

No Air Con

Can be noisy on weekends

Best For Spa and Wellness Services

Waitakere Resort & Spa

Unique resort in Auckland

Chic place to say in Auckland

Waitakere Resort & Spa

Waitakere Resort & Spa boasts an unrivalled eco-forest setting, with stunning views over the lush native bush, and the sparkling waters of Waitemata harbour.

Ideally located, guests can enjoy everything from jogging in the serenity of nature, to bushwalking, and helicopter sightseeing. This four-star masterpiece beckons an atmosphere of romance and relaxation, perfect for a quick mid-week escape.

Rooms are decorated with vintage furnishings and fabrics, smooth light woods, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views.

The hotel’s onsite restaurant offers a sumptuous menu, created by an award-winning chef, allowing guests to indulge in premium NZ cuisine, matched with outstanding local wines.

Pros

Vintage comfy rooms

Award-winning chef restaurant

Jogging and bushwalking

Lush green views

Best For Retro-chic Decor

Hotel DeBrett

Funky hotel in Auckland

Cool hotels in Auckland

Surviving two fires before being re-named after Debrett’s Guide to Etiquette in 1959, a recent stylish refurb has created a refreshing appearance.

The stained-glass lobby topped with dark wood and bespoke striped carpets are a theme which radiates throughout the buildings.

The patterns were inspired by a knitting enthusiast who uses vivid colours of wool to create homely fixtures. The 25 uniquely designed rooms boast eclectic furniture and sumptuous beds with mattress toppers. The loft suites are an excellent choice.

If you land in room 2.3, you will find a spiral staircase leading to a plush mezzanine bedroom and en-suite. The striking, lofty glass-roofed atrium houses DeBrett’s Kitchen, the hotel’s relaxed restaurant, which features quirky chandeliers and a large fireplace.

Pros

Cool and funky interior

DeBrett’s Kitchen

Selection of wines and cocktails

Central location

Cons

Small-sized TV

Lagging internet

Rooms near the bar are noisy

Best For Eco-friendly Operations

The Hotel Britomart

Five Star Hotel Auckland

The Hotel Britomart Auckland

Designer Emily Priest enlisted local artisans to create nature-inspired elements for The Hotel Britomart, which include cracked blackened earth walls, bluestone boulders crafted by stonemasons, and rich woven fabrics.

An exterior of hand-made bricks to an interior of beautifully timber-lined rooms offers a unique hotel ambiance, moments away from the best of downtown waterfront Auckland.

Located at the centre of a dynamic nine-block precinct of plant-lined streets, your exploration starts here. The 99 rooms are gorgeously designed, and the Landing Suites are the last word in next-level escapism.

The hotel’s restaurant, Kingi (named in honor of the kingfish), serves sustainably caught ocean-to-table fare. The hotel’s libraries unravel layers of history, art, and design, and are a series of one-of-a-kind spaces for select private functions.

Pros

Contemporary designed rooms

Kingi serves ocean-to-table food

Historical hotel libraries

Daily continental breakfast

Cons

Compact rooms

Limited room service menu

Parking is a bit pricey

Best For Longer Stays

Flat Bush Holiday Accommodation

Flat Bush Holiday Accommodation

Fun place to stay in Auckland

Here we have a completely unique accommodation facility, which is a combination of Air BnB, motel, and hotel, giving you the best of them all at competitive prices.

The simple functional style at Flat Bush Holiday Accommodation which permeates the modern room décor truly makes this a home-from-home. With 26 different room combinations to choose from and 4 complete residences to book for group functions, worldwide travelers return here year after year.

In-room amenities include a TV with Netflix & YouTube, computer desks, and a walk-in wardrobe for an enormous amount of storage.

Located in Flat Bush suburb, the surrounding area includes the 94-hectare ‘Barry Curtis Park’, which features NZ’s first cable-stayed bridge.

Pros

Cute funky interiors

Modern in-room amenities

Daily continental breakfast

The nearest airport is 9km away

Cons

Busy street location

No on-site parking

Thin walls

Best For Budget-friendly Accomodations

Mt Albert Motor Lodge

Mt Albert Motor Lodge

Retro motel Auckland

An excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation, this family-friendly environment is conveniently located in close proximity to great restaurants and attractions, making it easy to enjoy the very best of Auckland Central.

The relaxing rooms at Mt Albert Motor Lodge offer a refrigerator and a kitchenette, and the hotel’s palm-tree-encircled pool provides a pleasant respite from a busy day of exploring.

All units are decked out with modern amenities, which include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and state-of-the-art toiletries.

The exterior is extraordinarily tranquil, paying homage to nature through a carefully curated selection of luscious plants by the entrance. This lodge is a peaceful reprieve for a family of explorers.

Pros

Cute green environment

Well-equipped accommodations

Free private parking

An on-site pool

Cons

Rooms are not soundproof

No elevators

Tight parking

Best Hotels in Auckland Ranked

We have made a detailed comparison of the Top 20 Cool and Unique Hotels in Auckland in the following table on the basis of different attributes for your ease. 

Hotel NameLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (km)Nearby Restaurants
QT AucklandViaduct Harbour Avenue$176-$402Yes0.44
M Social AucklandQuay Street$159-$518Yes0.35
Ohtel AucklandMarket Place$206-$312Yes0.35
Voco Auckland City CentreAlbert Street$176-$515Yes0.27
SO/ AucklandGore Street$194-$524Yes0.46
The Convent HotelGreat North Road$123-$215No1.93
Grand Millennium AucklandCnr Vincent St$111-$335Yes0.24
The Sebel Auckland Viaduct HarbourCustom Street West$164-$265No0.26
The Great Ponsonby ArthotelPonsonby Terrace$105-$253No1.83
Airedale Boutique SuitesQueen Street$136-$238Yes0.37
Quest TakapunaShakespeare Road$152-$189No5.53
CityLife AucklandQueen Street$135-$462Yes0.36
Imagine Beach RoadBeach Road$100-$111No0.84
Franklin 38Franklin Road$331-$427No1.14
The Shakespeare HotelAlbert Street$68-$76No0.28
Waitakere Resort & SpaScenic Drive$134-$284Yes6.10
Hotel DeBrettHigh Street$206-$328Yes0.35
The Hotel BritomartGalway Street$212-$1284Yes0.44
Flat Bush Holiday AccommodationCloghfin Place$60-$377No3.20
Mt Albert Motor LodgeCarrington Road$88-$111Yes4.83
 

Was this helpful?

Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚡

How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍