We checked into the new JW Marriott Auckland – the brand’s debut in Aotearoa. So, what’s it like? How much is it? Is it worth it? Who is it good for?
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Hotel class: *****
Location: Albert Street, Auckland CBD. (It’s where the old Stamford Plaza used to be)
Size: 277 guest rooms, 15 suites across 10 floors.
Price: From $400 a night.
Why we were there: Last month the hotel finished up a $35millon transformation that spanned across three years and we were lucky enough to be invited along for the grand opening evening.
The renovation was designed by renowned Singaporean architecture firm O37 and is beautifully chic, while still distinctly Kiwi. The goal was ‘luxurious urban retreat’ and they nailed the brief. From the moment you walk through the hotel’s elegant entranceway, you can’t help but feel your shoulders drop into relaxation.
Vibe: It really does feel like a calm little oasis retreat in one of the most bustling zones of the city. When you walk in the lobby you’ll find a living moss wall to your side, and directly on the back wall, a giant black and white artwork inspired by the Waitakere ranges. Two fiery red living arrangements flare up on the bar in front of it – like two volcanoes roaring to life.
Throughout the hotel there are many touches of NZ nature – as well as the over all colours scheme (there’s the deep greens and earthy tones of the Waitākere ranges; sub-bleached sandstone and driftwood tones of the Waitematā Harbour, and the rich charcoals and softened rusts of the city’s volcanic landscape).
There’s also many nods to the imperfections of nature. You’ll notice in your room that no two bedside tables are the same, and artwork is intentionally placed off centre – but somehow, just like in nature, it works.
Perfect for: a couple’s weekend away, or little staycation. To celebrate Kelly’s wedding at the end of April – which happened to be the day before my first wedding anniversary – my husband and I had our first night together sans kids in… oh, nearly three and a half years? The JW Marriott is now top of my list for our next night away (which hopefully won’t be quite so far away).
If you were on holiday wanting a great place to base yourself in the thick of it in Auckland, it’s a great spot. But personally, I think it’s an even better hotel to check into and just stay put. There’s the pool/spa area to unwind in, delicious food & cocktails, plus, beautiful and cosy rooms. It’s bliss.
Rooms: I stayed in a Deluxe King Room – I could barely believe that this was an entry level room. It’s bigger than most at 36sqm and featured a (deliciously comfortable) king bed, a little living/sitting area with a chaise lounge and work desk, plus a huge bathroom, featuring a walk-in shower, bath tub and separate toilet.
There was everything else you’d expect – a mini fridge, robes, lighted make-up mirror, safe, plus a Nespresso machine. In the bathroom was every anemnity you’d possibly ever need (including a toothbrush and razor), plus a little bottle of bath salts. My one criticism was that when I turned on the shower, it took so long for the hot water to come through, I nearly gave up. But, it wasn’t the same story in the morning, so could have been a blip.
After having dinner (and the best cocktail of my life) when I returned to the room, the turndown service included a gorgeous little tray including a lavender blend pillow spray and little eye masks. The little touches are absolutely beautiful.
Food and Drink: The flagship restaurant of JW Marriot is Trivet – helmed by executive chef (and genius?) Wallace Mua. I hadn’t made it down yet (it’s been open less than a year though) and it’s just sublime.
For the grand opening event, Wallace cooked for us in one of the decadent suites, serving up delightful small plates. Some of my faves, which you can also grab in the restaurant, were the torched ricotta with feijoa, honey and walnut, the freshly shucked oysters (with ginger & wasabi pickle – or, served with another option, which was some sort of green apple wizardry that was divine?!) and the lamb belly with gochujung, cauliflower and rhubarb.
But for me, the surprising highlight of my night was a cocktail. I very rarely order a cocktail these days (mainly because I have two kids and barely go out? A wine on the couch after bedtime is more my style). But, then a gorgeous Chilean woman named Vanessa – who works downstairs as an expert mixologist in Forum Bar – offered me one of her very own creations: a dulce de leche espresso martini, and I nearly keeled over with happiness. It was… incredible? Somehow, not sickly sweet, but perfectly balanced and delicious and comforting. I’ve thought about it most days since and it’s one of the primary reasons I’m plotting a staycation with my husband (or one with the kids, where we take turns to sneak downstairs and get one after bedtime).
The buffet breakfast in the morn, is definitely worth a try. I thought it was pretty amazing – and then realised I’d only seen about a third of it and there was a whole other huge zone of food. I’m gluten-free and found a fab little station, with several different breads and pastries to try, as well as a separate toaster to use. The staff were very helpful and up to speed about dietaries and could quickly point me to which options I could eat.
Facilities: My favourite area is the pool/spa area. On the 10th floor, you’ll find a 14-meter-long heated indoor pool, which boasts panoramic views across the harbour. There’s also a cold-plunge pool, plus a dry-heat sauna and steam chamber for hot and cold recovery treatment. It’s a beautiful spot to relax in.
There’s also a very impressive looking gym, a great business lounge downstairs and a million different function rooms.
What makes this hotel special? I can definitely see this hotel being the spot that folks who are on business want to stay at – it’s got everything you need at your fingertips. It’s perfect for holiday makers alike. But for me, I think this is such a great spot to go as a couple, or as a busy mum who deserves a getaway, to really unwind and relax, without having to travel far.
Alice was a guest of JW Marriott. All opinions are her own.
