Kelly Bertrand checks out the new Auckland InterContinental Hotel and offers up her verdict!
InterContinental hotels hold a special place in my heart. It was the first hotel I ever stayed in as a journalist – a green 22-year-old that got sent on a VERY exciting press trip to Fiji – and the memory of how incredible hotels can be, and how special they can make you feel, still stays with me to this day (that was also the trip where I realised I have an irrational fear of frogs but I don’t think I can blame InterCon on that). I vividly remember feeling like a god damned princess on that trip, and it’s a feeling I associate with every visit back to an InterContinental – no matter where I am in the world. So no pressure on the new Auckland offering then, eh? Let’s get into the nitty gritty:
Location: Within the best part of Auckland’s CBD – One Queen St. The InterContinental is nestled into Commercial Bay and features views out to the Waitemata Harbour. It really is the perfect location if you’re coming to Auckland for an event or concert – it’s easy walking distance to Spark Arena, right across from Britomart Train Station for easy transport to anywhere else, and you have the entirety of Commercial Bay at your doorstep. The hotel features 139 rooms and suites, most of which include views out to the water.
Room: I was lucky to snag myself a Junior Suite, and it was in this room that one my long-held dreams came true (get your mind out of the gutter) – with a press of a button, the TV ROSE UP AS IF FROM NOWHERE. I understand that as far as dreams go this might be one the least ambitious but man, it was a little touch of luxury that I was absolutely here for and I won’t have a bad word said against me. In all seriousness though, that’s the defining characteristic of the InterContinental – refined luxury. Amenities come courtesy of Byredo (one of the BEST fragrance brands at Mecca), there’s deep bathtubs that face the views, gorgeous sheets and finishings and stunning Whariki (woven panels) throughout.
The junior suite experience
I enjoyed a very comfortable night that consisted of a gorgeously relaxing bath looking out to the cruise ship terminal (I’m pretty confident no one can see through the windows, if they can, you’re welcome P&O passengers), sharing a bottle of bubbles with my partner and lots of sport-watching on the aforementioned magic telly (for some reason we have this tradition that we always try and watch darts on SkySport when we’re staying in a hotel, I don’t know why. It’s just always on!?)n The only downside is that, despite being brand spanking new, it’s kind of noisy – for example, I could hear a solitary car drive down Quay St at 6am in the morning, and I was on the 8th floor. The noise didn’t bother us or keep us up which is fab considering the location, but it’s still worth noting if you’re a super-dooper light sleeper.
Did NOT want to leave this bath
Food and drink: Honestly, this is where the InterCon absolutely kills it because they play host to one of my favourite restaurants in Auckland, the Gareth Stewart-led Advieh. Hotel restaurants have had a serious kick up the ass in Auckland over the last few years (credit most definitely has to go to another one of my favourite duos, QT Auckland and Esther, for leading the charge on the combo of fab hotel and exceptional restaurant). Advieh doubles as the hotel’s bar and features an outdoor deck, a gorgeous fit out and plenty of space for 140 people, from a quick coffee in the morning through to a late-night tipple. Advieh translates to ‘spice’ in Persian and my GOD what an underrated cuisine. I’ve been lucky enough to eat here twice, and trust me when I say run, don’t walk (and think of me when you order the dukkah martini – trust me on this one!). It truly is an exceptional dining experience.
Advieh
And since I stayed, the much-longed-for Queens Rooftop Bar is now open and as you’d expect, the views are insane. The drinks list is good, the food is good (it is on the pricier side, but that’s to be expected) and it’s the perfect spot to catch up with mates, or enjoy a cheeky drink before a show or concert (and I love the idea that you enter through a cute wine shop!).
Why would you book a room?
Let’s be real for a minute – rooms at a hotel don’t come cheap, nor should they. You’re looking at just under $400 for a standard room, just under $500 for one with a killer view and about $780 for a suite with the harbour lookout. The InterContinental is a luxury hotel, so you’re paying for that luxury price point. The key for me is this – is it worth it? Value is the key, really – and for a special occasion or a little staycation then yes, it’s worth it. You most definitely don’t need to be in a suite to enjoy with the InterCon has to offer because it DOES have that magical ability to make you feel just that little bit special. My ideal overnighter would be:
1. Check in.
2. Chill out in your room (perhaps you’ve bought a good bottle of something from home, or from the bottle shop downstairs?). Have a long, luxurious bath!
3. Explore Commercial Bay
4. Sunset drinks and nibbles at Queens.
5. Dinner at Advieh
6. Whatever you like to do at night in a hotel room (get it, girl).
7. Morning walk along the waterfront towards the Viaduct
8. Breakfast at Advieh
Enjoy!