Intercontinental Auckland

outstanding hotel - fantastic spacious rooms

There was a lot of research and deliberation deciding on where to stay in Auckland for a friend's significant birthday. The InterContinental won out for its location and being so new. It is certainly priced at the upper end and as such expectations are high for it being flawless. Generally things are excellent with a few quibbles. The arrival at the hotel is quite underwhelming as it is a small door at the bottom of an office tower with almost no driveway - in fact one car can fit comfortably. I had organised a driver through the hotel and that worked really well. Reception is tiny and also one floor up. It is odd as you exit the lift as there is no signage as to where reception is. The check in staff were pleasant enough and I was welcomed as a Diamond Ambassador. That said, I was not really able to use any of the privileges as I had booked a high room type (no guaranteed upgrade); no free breakfast (club room booked). No big deal but I do wish that something extra was done when you have already clearly booked a very high level room. I had a Harbour View Junior Suite with Club Access on level 10. The room is a decent size and sensational views across the harbour. I found it very difficult to cool the room down due to the heat from the sun even setting temperature to the lowest and highest fan speed. It is always disconcerting when you are handed a sheet of paper to explain the lighting and other controls. It was necessary as the signs were not intuitive and sometimes hard to see during the day. The room itself consisted of a very comfortable double bed and a semi-separated lounge space with a small couch and single seat and high table. All in keeping with the style of the hotel. The bathroom was a terrific size with floor to ceiling windows a great bath and shower. Amazing water pressure from the shower finished of with lovely white fluffy towels. There is also a second "secret" TV hidden in the room divider which is raised with a push of a button. Unfortunately we could never get it to go down again!! Maintenance to the rescue. The Club InterContinental Lounge is staffed by a wonderful group of people who really provided great service. The personal delivery of canapes and drinks was done well. Breakfast was probably a little disappointing with the options from the menu being a little too "modern". The main frustrating thing was that the lounge closed early on two nights whilst I was there. They host a tour group regularly there even though the lounge is meant to be open until 10:00 pm. The other bar area does not offer the seclusion or personalised service. I also had to extend my stay due to a flight cancellation. Occupancy at the hotel was high so not many options. I was told I was being given a "discounted special rate" but when I checked later on the app I could see the rates were higher than published. I get dynamic pricing but.......I was also told I could keep my room until 4:00 pm (Ambassador Benefit) which was great as I was going to a lower room type. This was great until reception calls to tell me that my other room is ready and could I move early. I was then reminded that standard check in time was 3:00 pm and that they had guests checking in. I did agree to move. Only after I moved did I think about it thought that this approach was less than ideal. I spoke to the duty manager about it (Ian) who cam to the Club to discuss. He apologised and understood why I was not pleased. He then said that my original room was available again (at no extra charge) and they would extend a dining credit. A decent service recovery but a teachable moment to service staff on how to treat a guest. I went down to their main dining restaurant (noting the lounge was closing at 7:00 and the tour group were coming in early - they were very loud). The restaurant was quite busy and the menu is a very modern affair. I wasn't that hungry from some snacks in the lounge and general mood. That said what I did have was delicious and I was wonderfully looked after. Overall this was a great stay and the Lounge team really were the pinnacle of the stay. I wish I could remember all their names. Certainly will return.

We had a fantastic stay at the Intercontinental. Service was great, staff were attentive and friendly. Room was spacious and comfortable with luxurious touches, soft pillows, and wonderful view over the marina from our room on the sixth floor.

Booked a junior suite, room size OK all though smaller than a lot we have stayed at and room was quite "dark" (not withstanding the lighting issues). The Blind and Lighting controls were abysmal. No proper guide to using them, trying to work out was a disaster. Blind going up and down some times in unison, other not. Lights not doing as as button pushing suggested. Getting room serviced light On required input from staff. Would prefer "buffet" breakfast to the Executive floor due to choice and time it took to order and receive order. Hotel has no "Forecourt", drop off and pickup is a shambles battling local traffic.

Central location, very friendly and welcoming staff. Rooms are always clean. Appreciate the fantastic the club lounge. I recommend the Auckland Intercontinental to many people