Park Hyatt Auckland
Park Hyatt Auckland: Harbourview King Room Review- May 2023
I decided to pop over to New Zealand on what would be the last three-day weekend for the rest of the year. After an ‘Amazing Race’-type adventure (with flight cancellations galore) to get to NZ from the Gold Coast of Australia I finally landed at Auckland International Airport. I hopped into an expensive taxi at about 1:30 in the morning but at this point I just wanted to rest.
Stepping into the large hotel lobby, which is set in the cavernous center of the high-rise, you immediately notice a very large main seating area with two distinct lounge spaces and the impressive wall art that appears to be a map of the North Island- a modern interpretation of ancestral lands.
View of the stunning lobby area of the Park Hyatt Auckland from the 4th floor
I checked in and the same person helped me at the counter carried my single bag and escorted me to my room. They could tell I was quite tired. He gave me a little tour of the room, noting that the lights are a little tricky. Honestly, most Park Hyatt properties have lighting situations with dimmers and buttons everywhere.
Feeling relieved that I finally reached my destination, I was ready to take a quick shower and head to bed. Before that I had to make sure I got some pics of the room.
I do like to snap a few photos of a room I stay in so I can get an accurate representation of a space before I make myself at home and mess up everything.
That’s why the room photos are so dark, sorry.
I don’t know if this is a globalist thing or if every first time stay at a Park Hyatt you are greeted with some sort of food item. Usually, it’s fruit or chocolate but the one for this property was cheese!
There was a note explaining that it is local artisanal cheese, and it was served with parchment-wrapped toasted baguette slices.
I could not resist the artisanal cheese gift even at 2:30 in the morning.
The view of the harbour while I was eating the gifted cheese.
I know people travel for different reasons. There are so many majestic photos and videos of sweeping landscapes on Instagram and TikTok. However, for me, enjoying a thoughtful offering in the comfort of a well-designed room in peace and quiet gives me life.
So, you better believe I was eating my artisanal cheese at 2:30 am while watching CNN, with a view of the harbour and superyachts and loving every minute.
Honestly, a new level of luxury unlocked.
About the Park Hyatt Auckland
Hotel Location
Currently, this is the only Hyatt branded hotel in New Zealand. On the app you can see that there are a few resort-style properties in other parts of the country. I find that non-Hyatt branded hotels can vary a lot in what to expect, which is why I like the certainty of knowing which type of Hyatt I’m staying at. Maye one day I’ll be able to stay at the others and give you a review.
Rather than being in the main part of the CBD (central business district) it is in the Viaduct area. This is a burgeoning area within walking distance to great shopping and restaurants. I stayed in this area in early 2020 at the Sofitel (which I overheard had to be closed due to flooding that happened in early 2023 from a storm) and found the eateries in the area to have lively crowds and be very touristy.
Just a further walk down is the Britomart (which a great friend of mine who is originally from Auckland informed me used to be an old car lot/industrial area) Well, they decided to build shops and restaurants into these heritage buildings as well as add beautiful greenery.
On a Saturday a Farmer’s Market takes place but it was still quite small at this time. It’s a brand-new area and the shopping was excellent. There is a small Countdown grocery store, and I bought one of the best steak and mash meat pies I’ve ever eaten at Bluebells Cakery. Other highlights were Daily Bread Bakery, the Karen Walker store, a boutique called Superette in the main mall, and on a very close side street don’t miss Zambesi and World Boutique. The shops are so well-curated here.
The easiest explanation of how to get to this shopping area is you walk over the pedestrian bridge and keep going straight with the water to your left, you’ll pass all kinds of useful things like the maritime museum, a ferry building and not far from there you’ll eventually start seeing some main shops and a pedestrian mall on the right.
The good part is that if you’re like me and easily get lost, you can easily find your way back because you spot the water again and make sure it’s on the opposite side (your right) as you’re walking back.)
I also walked to Sky City area where the famous tower is and it definitely is walkable but there is a significant incline to walk up as you head that way. It’s a light workout if you’re at a brisk walk.
Overall, the location is excellent.
What Category is the Park Hyatt Auckland?
The Park Hyatt in Auckland is Category 5. So, if you want a free night you’ll have to use one of your 1-7 property vouchers if you have one. I did on occasion, but I normally wouldn’t because I try to save the free nights for the most expensive properties I might stay at.
My free night was set to expire before I could head anywhere with a comparable hotel rating and the Park Hyatt Sydney is category 8 now so that wasn’t an option.
We only have 11 Hyatt properties in this part of the world. *sad face*
I will say, my experience at this Park Hyatt Property FELT higher than a Category 5 which was a lovely surprise.
Getting to the Park Hyatt Auckland from Auckland Airport Via Taxi
The taxi from the airport to the Park Hyatt was roughly 30 minutes without traffic and cost me NZD$100. According to the cab driver who drove me to the airport when I was headed home (in a late morning ride with no traffic which was NZD$ 86) that is probably normal since there’s an additional fee for that time of day.
Park Hyatt Auckland King Harbourview Room
Complimentary Room Gift
Like I mentioned before there was cheese and bread. It was beautiful.
Also, there was a locally made chocolate bar with dried plum in a generous size. It was lying on the corner of the bed when I arrived and I wishfully thought maybe they would bring me a new one each night with turn down service- I was incorrect, haha. But still it was a lovely offering.
Balcony
I didn’t spend much time on the balcony because it was cold, but it was very protected by the rain. It felt very luxurious to be able to sit out there and people watch and keep an eye on the harbour.
Lighting
The lighting was tricky but wouldn’t put most people off. It ranges from dim to full bright. The front door has a panel with MASTER ON, MASTER OFF, and PRIVACY. The other areas had electronic panels next to the 2 button columns and the right button was to turn on and the left button was to turn off. When you pass your hand over the electronic panel it gives you a visual display of words describing the different areas like BATHROOM, VANITY, BLINDS.
It is intuitive to an extent but trickier than other places I’ve been to.
In-Room Amenities
You can kinda see the little bottles on the ledge in the shower.
The Citron + Vetiver Le Grand Bain mini bottles make really good reusable travel containers, so I loved that.
There are bottles of water that you can drink (not the Antipodes ones set out at the mini bar next to your complimentary cheese) but the ones in the bathroom near the glasses. If you use them the housekeeping staff will replace them. I recommend that if you have a bottle to leave them be and refill your water at the gym.
You’ll find that Kiwis are very environmentally conscious, this is one thing that you can do as well 😊Also, it gets you to the gym.
GLOBALIST UPGRADE
Normally at a property as a globalist member you can get a suite upgrade. I know this wasn’t a suite but having the view of the harbour (which was the upgrade) I feel made all the difference. I would recommend choosing that option and locking it in for sure because I have seen photos of the same layout room on the other side of the building with a view of the neighboring structure and it would have a totally different vibe. I think that would make it feel more closed in.
In a room with a harbour view you can enjoy the outside even when you aren’t outside. And on this trip it was rainy for 2 out of the three days I was there so I felt extra cozy staying inside.
Breakfast
The breakfast is included with the stay for Globalist members like at most properties. This one did have a somewhat small buffet and the choice of ordering a main menu item and unlimited beverages.
Park Hyatt Auckland Highlights
- The location and view of the Harbour
- Delicious welcome gifts
- Nearly Brand-New Property
- The seating area and table set in front of the TV was a very comfortable spot to work on my computer and even have lunch when I felt like staying in
Like I said before, the Park Hyatt Auckland punches above its weight for a Category 5 property. Even with all of the travel hiccups I experienced to get there I so thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing weekend stay. It’s well worth a visit if you find yourself in Auckland.