Boutique charmer tickles the taste buds
Brett Atkinson discovers that Tauranga’s Clarence hotel is relaxed and stylish, with exceptional food and drink offerings on site.
Seamlessly fusing heritage charm and a contemporary vibe, the Clarence Tauranga, Hotel & Bistro is a historic and stylish highlight of the dynamic Bay of Plenty region.
The space
Built in 1905, as the city’s main post office, one of Tauranga’s most stately buildings is now a bijou boutique hotel combining historic features with a cosmopolitan design aesthetic.
Versatile adjoining spaces combine for two of the city’s most popular cafes and restaurants, and the hotel’s shared outdoor areas introduce a relaxed Mediterranean charm to the Bay of Plenty.
The room
Excellent soundproofing ensures none of the spirited energy from the hotel’s cafe and restaurant can be heard upstairs in the Clarence’s 10 rooms.
The sun was flowing into room 108 when I arrived, described as a king room but with dimensions edging it towards being a mini-suite.
Stylish retro-influenced furniture combines with colourful accents of vintage wallpaper – the world definitely needs more tropical fish prints – and custom-built wardrobes and mirrors feature subtle nods to art deco design.
Black and white marble bathrooms incorporate walk-in showers and massive rain shower heads. Complimentary sparkling water, a pod coffee machine, hot chocolate, and T2 teas provide refreshment options throughout the day.
On-demand services from Netflix, Amazon Prime and Freeview stream seamlessly via excellent wi-fi on wall-mounted flat-screen TVs.
The food
The Clarence’s two eating and drinking options are Tauranga favourites.
Channelling an Italian ambience, Bar Centrale is open throughout the day, morphing from a relaxed spot for breakfast and the morning’s first coffee to an energetic after-dark destination to enjoy negroni cocktails, hearty pizza, and authentically robust mains such as eggplant
parmigiana and salsiccia (spicy Italian sausage). Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, The Bistro showcases New Zealand produce for a concise menu of innovative dishes. Highlights include confit Southland lamb served with a creamy risotto of ancient grains, and house-made charcuterie with freshly baked sourdough.
Two- and three-course options provide flexibility for including an entree or dessert (or both) and the best demonstration of the kitchen’s diverse talents is the leisurely fivecourse tasting menu.
In-house programmes, focused on baking, dryageing and preserving, use ingredients from local and sustainable growers, and also harness produce from the hotel’s garden.
Worth stepping out for
It’s a short downhill stroll to Wharf St, Tauranga’s most-popular eating and drinking strip. The pedestrian-only precinct has recently been revitalised with spectacular lighting. Highlights include the stellar beer, wine and whisky offerings at The Barrel Room, where several of the bar’s taps are reserved for craft beers from local Bay of Plenty breweries, including Lumberjack, Fitzpatrick’s and Rocky Knob.
Nearby, the Tauranga Art Gallery presents an always interesting series of contemporary exhibitions, often featuring work from local artists. The gallery’s airy, high-ceilinged interior belies its former incarnation as Tauranga’s main Bank of New Zealand branch.
From Tauranga, it’s a short 8km drive or rideshare hop to Mt Maunganui.
Circumnavigating the coastal peak, which is also known as Mauao, is achieved on the gently rolling 3.5km base track, but it’s a steep 50-minute trek to the summit for brilliant views of the sweeping arc of the Mount’s ocean beach and compact Moturiki Island.
Dolphins are regular visitors to the Bay’s warm waters from November until May, and day cruise departures with Bay Explorer sometimes also chance upon whales, orca, sea turtles, and seals.
The highlight
Transitioning up an elegant staircase from the energy of Bar Centrale and The Bistro to the cosy and relaxing cocoons that are the Clarence’s guest rooms.
The lowlight
The minor problem of my room not being serviced during the day before my final night’s stay. Fortunately, I was already well stocked with coffee capsules and sparkling water.
The service
Friendly and professional, from a multinational team. The waiter for my evening meal at
The Bistro, and his very entertaining summation of the restaurant’s menu, deserves a special mention.
The verdict
With excellent eating and drinking right on site, the Clarence Tauranga, Hotel & Bistro is a characterful and romantic base for exploring Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region.
It also makes an interesting accommodation alternative for frequent business travellers to the city.