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Promoted as 'The Boutique Hotel completely surounded by water',
the
Hilton Auckland is indeed in a unique location, right at the end of
Princess Wharf. The front and one side of the building have direct views of
Auckland Harbour. Most other rooms too, have a partial view.
 I
had booked a rate of $250 (New Zealand dollars) for a two night stay, Friday
and Saturday. Arrival at the hotel by taxi, was through a designated parking
station, which restricted access to the Wharf. I noted that valet parking at
the hotel was free. At the end of the wharf was this large, around 11 level,
hotel. I was met by a friendly porter (one of about three) who took my bags.
I then ventured into reception on the ground floor. It was very noisy as a
lounge adjoins the reception, and it was very crowded (being a Friday
night), and a jazz band was playing.
Check-in was smooth, quick, and friendly. A porter then took me to the
second floor and Room 210. The room was spacious, had a very modern,
comtemporary feel, very little colour (mainly white and tans). The room had
a king bed, a one and a half metre long side table, with a drawer, a very
good work desk, with independent Internet access modems, a New Zealand, and
European power access points, and an arm chair each side. There was a sofa,
bench, Internet panel which operated the TV, which had a choice of cable as
well a slocal New Zealand TV network stations. There was plenty of wardrobe
space, and a safe inside. There was a mini-bar as well. The outlook was
directly over the harbour, facing some warehouses on the opposite side of
the water. Looking to the left you could see why Auckland is known as 'the
city of sails', and to the right the lights of the city skyline.
The room opened on to a sizeable balcony, with two wooden lay-boys and a
table, again no colour.
The bathroom was very spacious, had a full size shower, and a large bath,
plenty of bench space, very good lighting, a hairdyer, and everything else
you would expect. The room itself had very good lighting, and overall I
would have to say was quite functional. Certainly not colourful, no
personality, the lack of colour and modern decor, and the lay-out rendered
the hotel more a corporate, than a leisure property, in terms of the market
it would cater for. A very businesslike, dare I say it, clinical hotel.
The bar downstairs I called in to late, as the band was winding up. There
was still a good crowd around 11pm, and the views over the water were
spectacular. The following night I trotted down to White, the hotel's
restaurant, however after 7 or 8 minutes of trying to attract a passing
waiter's attention, or a floating matre d' I gave up and left.The restaurant
looked a treat, quite upmarket, and again panoramic views of the harbour,
but thats all I can say. The attentiveness of staff, and I guess the lack of
care about a guest left me wondering. I'm reminded that years ago hotels
like the Hilton, in their very upmarket dining rooms, used to have you
feeling that you should be priviliged to dine there, and priviliged that
someone would attend to you. The Hilton Auckland restaurant White reminded
me of that bygone era.
On the Sunday I requested a late check-out to 12.15pm, which was promptly
agreed to.
In all the hotel had everything you would expect of a Hilton, other than a
little more attention in the restaurant. The concierge, reception, and
porters, and the bar staff were all very obliging, efficient, and friendly.
The hotel's unique location, in the heart of the waterfront action (numerous
taverns, bars, and restaurants nearby) is excellent, and you're just metres
away from the CBD and city shops.
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