Opulence in the city

SamWilson and Olivia Wannan relax in a beautifully restored DoubleTree by Hilton in the heart of the capital to explore the city on a weekend break.

The place

The DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington is situated in the historic T&G Building, built in 1928 in the Chicago architectural style, yet its signature art deco grandeur was almost lost.

Wellington property investor Mark Dunajtschik bought the heritage-listed property in 2002, and fought for the Environment Court’s permission to demolish it. In the middle of a bitter legal battle, Dunajtschik famously offered to sell the earthquake-prone block for $1.

Although the Historic Places Trust seemed keen to take him up on his offer, Dunajtschik spent four years renovating the place into a four-and-a-half star hotel, which opened in 2018.

The seven-storey, 106-room property straddles Lambton Quay and Grey St, though with an understated entrance you’d be forgiven for not spotting it until the last minute.

The space

The hotel oozes class. Recreating the opulence of the 1920s, guests are placed in a modern-day

Great Gatsby.

Staff greet you in the petite black-and-white marble lobby, where a famous DoubleTree chocolate cookie is part of your welcome package.

You’re then directed to the elevators, which have old-school displays and stunning tarnished copper mirrors, but none of the original’s judders.

The tasteful rooms also blend the best of old and new. Our luxurious suite had strikingly high ceilings, one wall of art deco-style wallpaper, glassand-metal side tables, and globe light features. The decorative details from another era sit naturally alongside two 49-inch TVs, a sleek L-shaped couch, and a comfy king-sized bed.

Modern comforts include plenty of power points, and night lights by the toilet and sink, so you don’t have to wake your roommate in the night.

The large Palladian window overlooking Lambton Quay might seem original at first glance but, thankfully, double-glazing has been fitted to keep out most of the noise from the busy central city street.

Naturally, the luxurious bathroom is styled in 1920s black and white, with tiled walls. You feel posh just being in there.

There’s a generously proportioned rainfall shower, but the real highlight of the suites is the standalone Victoria and Albert bathtub with freestanding tap. No stay would be complete without a relaxing dip in some bubbles.

Crabtree & Evelyn supplies the toiletries – a classy touch – though the bottles are a bit on the small side. Just ask reception for more supplies if you run out. The hotel staff were warm and professional and happy to help.

The facilities The food

The DoubleTree by Hilton’s Spring Kitchen restaurant has an adventurous, Silk Road-themed menu guaranteed to warm the taste buds.

and comes with a deliciously creamy quinoa risotto. The combination of chorizo and potato kulcha is inspired, as is the miso-glazed eggplant with sesame seeds and crispy boondi.

We tie up the meal with the bartenders’ newly designed cocktails and an icecream sundae featuring the hotel chain’s signature cookie.

If you’re after more traditional fare, there’s a bar and room service menu available. The cheeseburger with aged cheddar, beetroot and caramelised onion hit the spot, while the tangy slaw in the falafel burger follows Spring Kitchen’s bold, flavourful philosophy.

DoubleTree’s traditional breakfast buffet was on hold during alert level 2. Instead, there was table service with a menu of the options, from continental fare to cooked breakfast favourites. The dairy-free berry smoothie is a refreshing way to begin your day. The 1928 Lounge adjacent to the lobby usually sells freshly-made barista coffee and craft cocktails but was closed

during our level 2 visit.

If you need some retail therapy, the hotel is bang in the middle of Wellington’s Golden Mile, home to an array of big name brands, and upmarket Australian department store David Jones. Take the nearby cable car up to the Wellington Botanic Garden for stunning panoramic views over the city, or wander along the waterfront to Te Papa, the national museum. Its award-winning Gallipoli exhibition, featuring spectacular giant sculptures of Kiwis caught up in World War I, will run until 2022. Every New Zealander should see it at least once. Wellington is a famously compact city so there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel – explore bohemian Cuba St for an eclectic mix.

Our luxe suite stylishly blended old and new.

We took advantage of the small on-site gym, kitted out with an exercise bike, cross trainer, treadmill, and weights. It’s a cosy room to have to yourselves but you possibly wouldn’t want to share it. You’d be better off stretching your legs around the bay if the Wellington weather allows.

There’s also a boardroom, for eight people, should you have business to attend to.

Nestled on the first floor, Spring Kitchen is a popular choice for dinner. Tables were in high demand the night we visited, but the waiters squeezed us in. It may pay to book in advance.

Its popularity is well-founded. With a Silk Road theme, the inventive menu fuses cuisines from Southeast Asia and India via Italy and Spain.

Those who like their heat will enjoy the tandoori laksa chicken with orzo pasta, while the charcoal burra sirloin steak has just a hint of spice

The verdict Worth stepping out for

If you love a bit of old-world glamour, this will be right up your alley. The hotel’s interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory and the rooms are spacious and stylish. For the price and location, there aren’t many better options for a weekend escape in the capital.

The highlight

From the warm service to adventurous dishes, the experience at Spring Kitchen won us over.

Unless you are a Hilton Honors member, the wi-fi costs between $10 and $20 a day. The pillows don’t offer great neck support, leaving at least one set of shoulders with a slight ache.

The DoubleTree by Hilton starts at $159 a night. hilton.com/en/hotels/wlgntdi-doubletree-wellington