Gay Paree style in City of Sails
Centrally located in the heart of our biggest city, Stacey Vergis and Dane Pablecheque spend a luxurious night in the new and improved Viaduct Harbour Sofitel hotel.
Bonjour! Welcome to the French-inspired, new and improved Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. After an extensive makeover, the hotel has reopened with a fresh, new, luxurious look.
In a world where travelling to France is definitely off the cards for a while, a trip to the 5-star Sofitel felt like we’d been transported to Paris.
Each space has been thoughtfully designed to fuse together French and Kiwi culture, then topped off with a dash of elegance and some deliciously delicate macarons.
From the moment we were greeted in French by the valet, it was clear the experience would be special. With room views overlooking the harbour, a classy Champagne bar, and one of the most flavoursome meals we’ve eaten in Auckland, one night really wasn’t enough.
The place
Built in 2012, the hotel has recently completed an extensive refurbishment and relaunch.
There are 84 luxurious guest rooms and suites, an exclusive club lounge, Champagne bar, signature restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef, and chic common areas sprinkled around the ground floor.
The location is ideal, sitting right between Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, so the heart of Auckland is on your doorstep in any direction.
There’s potential for great views if you pick the right room, booking a Marina View room takes advantage of the panoramic views of the city, Sky Tower and Waitemata¯ Harbour.
The space
They’ve thought of everything to make a good first impression and, for the most part, that continued throughout the stay.
Being greeted in French by every staff member, night or day was a small touch to feel more immersed in the various elegant French-inspired spaces throughout the hotel.
The lobby is dramatic and centred around a large water feature to make you instantly feel Zen. Not to mention the smell of sophistication in the air (seriously, it smells so good).
There are a collection of smaller spaces with thoughtful decor, and the experience of checking in is more like a sit-down consultation, than a transaction at a large desk.
It would be easy to find yourself sipping on Champagne in the cognac lounge, listening to the sounds of the grand piano and flipping through the pages of a Chanel book.
The rooms are spacious with incredible views, but not quite as modern as the lobby. The floor-toceiling windows, enormous bed, Juliet balcony, and Balmain toiletries make up for that.
The facilities
The gym is larger and better equipped than an average hotel gym, featuring all-new machines. There’s also a large saltwater pool and hot tub. There will be a new-look Sofitel Spa on the way soon for various therapies. While this facility was still under construction for our stay, our couple’s massage in a makeshift location was exceptional.
The food
The dining options on offer really go hand-in-hand with the stay, with so many options it was the perfect place to indulge in wining and dining.
We kicked things off with canapes and happy hour in the exclusive Club Millesime, which reminded us of an upscale airport lounge with a personal touch.
Next stop was the Sabrage Champagne Bar, an intimate space facing out to the marina with an impressive selection of bubbles.
The signature restaurant, La Maree, is run by Michelin-starred chef, Marc de Passorio, teaming up with Kiwi MasterChef winner, Tim Read.
The menu is designed for seafood lovers, then executed using French cooking techniques.
We were recommended the scallops grilled on lava stones and lobster bisque with ravioli – both were mind-blowing, packed full of flavour and initiated one of those moments where you just nod and look at each other with satisfaction.
The breakfast menu was also full of French classics. Unsurprisingly, the croque monsieur and french toast were in a league of their own.
Worth stepping out for
A quick 10-minute walk will have you in the middle of the Viaduct to grab a drink, people watch and even catch the ferry to Waiheke. A few minutes in the opposite direction and you’ll find all the delights of Wynyard Quarter right on your doorstep.
The verdict
A luxurious escape in a prime location. An experience of elegance intertwined with French flair.
The highlight
The attentive staff and amazing spaces could easily be the highlight, but the dining, in particular, was outstanding, from the macarons to the amusebouche, and the local IPA to the Moet.
The lowlight
A few teething problems with the relaunch, perhaps. Despite the staff’s best intentions, there were occasions when processes were yet to be streamlined.