Gallic getaway in Godzone
The pop-up Madame Clicquot Room in the Hilton Auckland is a little slice of French paradise in the City of Sails, writes
writing desk and portrait of Madame Clicquot lend the room a certain je ne sais quois. Guests are treated to a welcome bottle of Veuve which I’m sure I would have enjoyed in the spacious bathtub if I hadn’t had to worry about getting up early. As Madame Clicquot was an insomniac, the bedrooms in the Hotel du Marc implement sleep aids and it seems her namesake room in Auckland does too. The gloriously comfy king size bed, thick curtains and dimmable lights are sure to send all but the most incurable insomniacs into the land of nod.
Worth stepping out for
Sky City, Auckland Art Gallery and the Civic Theatre are within walking distance and you can get a shopping fix along Queen and High streets en route. To escape the city, catch a ferry to Waiheke, Rotoroa, or Tiri Tiri Matangi.
Verdict
Like leading the high life on the high seas minus the inconvenience of not being able to step ashore whenever you choose.
Essentials
Stay in the Madame Clicquot Room at Hilton Auckland, the Ponsardin Suite at Hilton Lake Taupo or La Grande Room at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa from $350. Package includes accommodation for two adults, complimentary breakfast and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot on arrival. Book before August 25 for stays between now and August 27, when this specific room will no longer be available. See hiltonhonors.com/hoteldumarc.
Highlight
Those views and that dinner made for a pretty perfect evening.
Lowlight
Having to pay more than $15 to watch an in-room movie.
Getting there
The hotel is about a 45 minute drive from Auckland Airport.
The writer was a guest of the Hilton.