Have a Grand old time
Bridget Jones enjoys tapas, tea and a super comfy bed at Auckland’s Grand Windsor.
She’s a grand old dame, given a new, luxurious lease on life right in the heart of Auckland city.
The place
The Grand Windsor Hotel, Auckland. Down towards the harbour end of Auckland’s Queen St, you are literally smack-bang in the middle of the action.
The space
The hotel is deceptively large and remarkably beautiful. Located inside a 1928 building that was Auckland’s first skyscraper, it almost seems like just another doorway you’d pass on Queen St.
But stepping inside, not only does the space go on, and on, and on, but it does so covered in luxe velvets, shimmery, shiny surfaces everywhere you look, beautiful deco-style furniture and a general sense of glamour.
The recent refurbishment certainly shows in this five-star hotel. The added bonus is, despite the central location, the hotel is quiet and oh-so private.
The food
The hotel’s restaurant – Cookes Restaurant and Bar – serves tasty treats from 6.30am. Breakfast has a handful of options, from the grab ‘n’ go for eager tourists through to an a la carte menu.
Dinner is where Cookes shines, however, with a surprisingly adventurous selection of tapas, small plates and bigger ones to share. Be sure to try the grilled cauliflower dish and the flat iron steak - if only for the breaded gnocchi.
Outside, you are in the middle of the CBD so there are plenty of tasty options nearby.
The room
Our luxury king room was certainly spacious - even with the massive California King ‘‘Sofitel My Bed’’ taking up an obscene amount of room. There was a desk and a wee seating area in front of the 55-inch telly, and no shortage of things to drink – T2 tea sets and Nespresso machines are in all the rooms.
Although there is no bath to soak in, the en suite is small, but perfectly formed, and Floris London toiletries are provided.
Stepping out
You can almost see everything you’d ever need for a city break right from the hotel’s doorstep.
From the swish boutiques to the nightlife of Britomart and Fort St, visitors won’t struggle for ideas to pass the time.
A short walk away in one direction is the ferry terminal, if you fancy a trip to Waiheke Island.
In the other direction is Unity Books, one of Auckland’s best independent bookshops, where the informative, friendly staff let you browse the shelves for hours.
Getting around
Again, almost everything you need is in walking distance, but valet car parking is available and the Britomart transport centre is nearby.
Highlight
The comfortable bed is hard to beat.
Lowlight
The room was dark, with just a small window in the bedroom and a bigger one in the bathroom.
Verdict
The hotel is a lovely addition to the five-star circuit, for those looking to combine history with travel.
Essentials
An on-site wellness centre is scheduled to open this year. Rooms start from $290.
The writer was a guest of the Grand Windsor Hotel.
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