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New Zealand's Ohtel Misses on the Bathroom Front

Where: 66 Oriental Parade, Wellington , New Zealand, 6011

There's something just a touch too snobby about a hotel that proclaims itself "the only designer boutique hotel" in the country, because New Zealand might be small, but there are definitely other boutique hotels--who's to say whether they're "designer boutique" or not?

So we got off on the wrong foot with the Ohtel in New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Can it redeem itself? It depends.

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Boutique Hotels / New Zealand Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

Comfy Bed and Great Service at the Aachen House in Auckland

Where: 39 Market Rd, Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, often gets skipped in favor of places with a higher density of bungee-jumping companies, but it's still worth a visit. If we put some trust in TripAdvisor reviewers, the number one hotel in Auckland turns out to be the one that'd also be first on any alphabetical list: Aachen House. Strange coincidence or clever marketing?

Aachen House is billed as a luxury boutique hotel--probably just a few years ago it was simply an expensive B&B, but times have changed. It has just eight rooms and is located about ten minutes out of the city center. The staff have a good reputation, and with this example it's understandable:

Having returned from a day out exploring the city, we sat in the garden and [Joan, the owner] brought complimentary drinks of our choice - this would not happen elsewhere without it appearing on your bill at the end of your stay!

Another common compliment is that the beds are large and comfortable. That's important given that most people visiting New Zealand have come from somewhere far away and need a good rest. Their website suggests that they sometimes get some VIP guests, so look out for anyone famous. One double room (with king-size bed) starts at NZ$290 (US$220), plus taxes, and the room rates include pre-dinner drinks (but not dinner) and a "gourmet" breakfast.

Related Stories:
· Aachen House Auckland reviews [TripAdvisor]
· JFK to Auckland: Sub-$1000 [Jaunted]

New Zealand Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

New Zealand's Hotspot, Literally

Where: 26 Isle Street,, Queenstown, New Zealand

Word is, New Zealand sits on a hotspot that could very well soon, blow up with a volcanic blast. So you may as well head down there the sooner the better.

We found a quaint boutique hotel in Queenstown. Browns Boutique Hotel has killer views, a charming staff (Nigel and Bridget) and is great in all seasons. But what appears most delightful of the place is the personalized attention one receives from Nige and Bridge and other staff members like picking up a pizza.

A certain Alex character was also one staffer who was mentioned several times in raving reviews from past guests:

I think the best part of this hotel is that Alex and his partner live on site in the hotel and so they are around 24-7 if you need anything. Everytime you go to ask a question, you are talking to the same person who remembers you and what you asked last time so this gives it an extremely personal feel. They didn't charge us for local calls, they let us use the wireless connection for free, and they printed out a few documents for us for free. These kinds of personal touches made a big difference to us.

Thumbs down for the no WiFi but thumbs up for the great staff. It will be good to make some strong friendships before everyone goes up in the volcanic blast.

Related Stories:
· Browns Boutique Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]