Budget & Luxury hotels in New Zealand

Summer sun is shining bright and long weekends are back. Whether you are thinking of having a special weekend in your own city or road tripping to another, here's a list of the best budget and luxury hotels around the country. They are not of rank and some I have already reviewed, you can read in more details by clicking on the link respectively on each hotel.

AUCKLAND

The city of sails, also the biggest city in New Zealand. Being the biggest, we also have some of the most diverse and best hotels you can find.

SOFITEL by ALL Accor: This 5 star gem has been recently retrofitted to a new theme, French. Located by the viaduct, you can enjoy a true 5 star experience from start to finish. This hotel is also the choice for most celebrities and VIPs, including the royal couple and TV celebrities. Given how many shows are moving to NZ, you might get lucky and bump into one. (READ REVIEW)

QT Auckland by EVENT: This newly opened hotel is one of the most exciting boutique hotels you can find around Australia and New Zealand. They only operate 1 QT hotel per city (except Sydney) which is themed to the local theme and you can expect luxury decor and amenities. They also have an in house rooftop bar overlooking the viaduct, a great spot to end your day.

Park Hyatt: This newly mega hotel well known internationally is located by the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre. With an unobstructed view to the entire city skyline and out towards the harbour, you will be spoilt with generous room space and amenities.

Hotel Grand Windsor by M Gallery Sofitel: This is most likely the most exclusive and high end hotel you can find in Auckland. With their multiple awards throughout the past few years including the world's best hotel award, I would assume you can expect nothing short during your stay here. Decored in art deco style, you can find luxurious retro yet contemporary design incorporated throughout. Located towards the end of Queen St by Britomart, you are a step away from the central hustling and bustling.

*We can no longer recommend Grand Windsor due to the hotel being used as an unofficial airline crew quarantine facility with little to no oversight. There hasn't been any official release in regards to cleaning protocol or physical distancing or reserved floor for quarantine purpose.

JUCY: A well known chain hotel for their budget car and hotels around the country, Jucy provides you with the necessities throughout your stay without breaking your bank. With various bed configuration, you can find a room that is suitable for you.

Ibis Budget by ALL Accor: Internationally recognisable brand, you will get the minimum necessities that you will need during your stay while a nicely decorated modern design. Located just off Queen St, you are a few minutes walking away from most attractions within the CBD. You can also earn ALL points (2x points and 2x status nights for stays in 2021).

WELLINGTON

The capital city, known also as the windy city, is a compact and fun city to explore for a weekend getaway.

Sofitel by ALL Accor: This 5 star property is located next to the Parliament buildings. You can expect luxurious amenities and contemporary design throughout the room and property.

Park Hotel: Located right at Lambton Quay, main entrance at the back, you are a step away from the main CBD district. Within walking distance to David Jones and the Cable Car, this is a great spot to hold down for the weekend. You can expect modern minimalist design but with practical amenities such as microwave. (READ REVIEW)

QT Wellington: Being one of the best boutique hotels in the industry, and a stone throws away from the highly rated Te Papa museum, you can expect quirky and luxurious design and amenities. They also have an apartment block for people looking for more space and homely stay. Unfortunately we did not have a good experience staying in this property, and cannot recommend based on the number of QT experiences let down both in Queenstown and Wellington. (READ REVIEW)

Rydges Wellington Airport by EVENT: If you are transitting or have an early flight, there's a hotel right in the airport terminal doorstep. The newly opened hotel is modern and contemporary, with some rooms boasting views directly to the runway while some have partial views. (READ REVIEW)

ibis by ALL Accor: An upgrade from the budget brand, you can expect a bigger floor space and better amenities provided. Located within the CBD, you are a minute from Lambton Quay and the harbour. While this may be more expensive than the budget brand, Wellington is not well versed in comfortable budget hotels.

CHRISTCHURCH

One of NZ's largest city, while heavily damaged during the previous earthquake, this is a modernised city with various tourist activities to fill up your weekend.

Novotel by ALL Accor: Located in the centre of the CBD, next to the infamous damaged cathedral, you will find a standard room configuration and amenities being offered. While it is short of anything luxurious, this is a good place for a short stay and is comfortable enough for the majority. (READ REVIEW)

Hotel115: An independent hotel located in the heart of the city, they provide a wide variety of room configurations including baby/child room. Based on the photographs, they have a contemporary and modern design. One room category comes with an outdoor balcony for you can have a nice outdoor space to sit.

The Muse: An art deco modern room where you can expect luxurious amenities and a tray with specially curated alcoholic beverage. This hotel comes with a rooftop bar where you can enjoy towards the end of the day.

The George: This is the most high end hotel you will find in Christchurch. Located by Hagley North Park, you are minutes away from Victoria Street where you can find a variety of eateries and the casino. It is about 15 minutes walk to the Canterbury Museum and Botanical Garden. Their Suites are going to the best rooms, boasting views towards the park while enjoying a generous space. If you are rich, you can book their Residence which comes with 3 bedrooms and 2 floors.

ibis by ALL Accor: Need no more introduction, ibis is a well established brand and is a great option for low-mid budget travellers. You can find all the usual amenities being offered in a standard hotel. It is located in the city centre with shopping strip and restaurants right in your doorstep.

Pavilions Hotel: Located right outside of the CBD, you can enjoy the majority of a hotel amenity for a much lower price point. With a vast variety of configurations, from studio to suite to apartment to cottage, you can find something that suits your budget and needs.

Breakfree by ALL Accor: This is a brand which many may not be familiar with, but it can be seen as somewhat of a similarity in terms of comparison to the ibis budget brand. Located towards the edge of the CBD, and share the same building with the immigration office I believe, also being walking distance to the shopping strip and bus station. They offer mostly small rooms that can fit 2 people, while 1 room category can fit 3 people with a bunk setup. They also have 1 room category that is a premium product with Bluetooth speaker, espresso coffee machine, and more premium feeling design. (READ REVIEW)

QUEENSTOWN

The city that cannot be missed, a gateway to the world's most beautiful nature (8th wonder of the world), it is no wonder a place where NZ's most premium and luxurious lifestyle can be experienced right here.

QT Queenstown by EVENT: An 8 stories building sharing with Rydges Hotel, you can expect the same quirkiness from QT. Walking into the reception, you can find a modern and artistic lobby featuring modern art and a floating fireplace. While they do not offer a variety of rooms to cater for different groups of people, but if you are a single/couple or family with small children, you can enjoy this one finely designed piece of art. If you are fortunate to book to the alpine view, you will be presented with an unobstructed view towards Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. (READ REVIEW)

St Moritz by M Gallery ALL Accor: St Moritz is one of ALL's Luxury brand, situated next to QT Hotel, you will be gifted with the same views if you book a room towards the lake. If you are booking their standard room, you can still expect luxurious modern deco, amenities and generous floor space.

Mercure: Situated on a hill 5 minutes from the city centre, you can expect standard hotel amenities and up to date design. If you are booked towards the lake view room, you can enjoy an unobstructed view towards Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The centre of the hotel comes with an outdoor pool with a spa for you to enjoy during your stay. (READ REVIEW)

Jucy: A variety of rooms to suit many, from pods to rooms. They offer small, modern, minimalist rooms with private bathroom. Each room comes with a Smart TV and air conditioning. The Balcony Queen room will have additional outdoor space for you to enjoy.