❤️ Where to Stay in Wellington, New Zealand
Welcome to Pōneke Wellington!
Wellington, New Zealand's 'coolest little capital city', is nestled at the southern tip of the North Island. It's famous for its stunning harbour, it boasts a lively arts scene, eclectic culinary offerings, and a charming mix of old and new architecture.
Wellington’s CBD is compact, and most hotels are near the waterfront or within the CBD’s boundaries, meaning easy access to shopping, dining, and attractions. Staying near Lambton Quay, Courtenay Place, or along Oriental Parade offers the best balance between convenience and a scenic experience, as you’re close to both the harbor and the cultural hubs.
While Wellington is hilly, most hotels are on the flatter areas near the harbour or in the central city, so even if some hotels are on a slight incline (like parts of The Terrace), they’re still accessible on foot.
So here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in for your next visit to Wellington.
What's In This Guide?
* Top Luxury Hotels in Wellington with Exclusive Club Lounges
* Best Boutique Hotels in Wellington for Unique Stays
* Affordable and Mid-Range Hotels in Wellington
* Apartments and Residences in Wellington for Short and Long Stays
* Best Wellington Hotels Near the Airport
Luxury Wellington Hotels with Club Access
* InterContinental Wellington
The InterContinental Wellington is in a fantastic location with an indoor pool and gym. If you book a Club Room, you'll have access to the incredible Club with evening hors d'oeuvres and evening drinks while you enjoy the spectacular harbour views.
Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and onsite spa.
* Sofitel Wellington
Known for its French-inspired elegance and chic interiors, Sofitel provides refined dining options and a club lounge. Some rooms have stunning views over the Wellington Botanic Garden.
The hotel has a gym and there is an arrangement with a pool offsite.
* Mövenpick Hotel Wellington
The Mövenpick overlooks the vibrant Cuba Quarter. The hotel is on a hill, but they have a lift at the back of the hotel that takes you down on the bottom of hill. Don't miss the hotel's daily 'Chocolate Hour'!
Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre.
* QT Wellington
The QT Wellington is design hotel in a great location close to Te Papa Museum and Courtney Place. The flamboyant "cosmopolitan swank" Hippopotamus restaurant has fabulous views over the harbour. Rooms include Dyson hair dryers and Dyson straighteners on request.
Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and onsite spa.
* Bolton Hotel
The Bolton Hotel is a contemporary boutique-style at northern end of The Terrace, close to Parliament Buildings. Higher floors offer great views.
Facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym.
The Best Boutique Hotels in Wellington
* Naumi Hotel Wellington
This hotel opened in November 2022. Naumi Hotel Wellington provides a more intimate experience with spacious, studio-like rooms and a contemporary design flair.
Opened in December 2022, this quirky and stylish hotel is in a heritage building is in a central quiet location. Every evening there is a 'cocktail hour' with complimentary drinks and snacks. Plus, there is a self-serve espresso machine with sweets.
Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym.
* Naumi Studio Wellington
Opened in December 2020, Naumi Studio Wellington is larger, with a heritage charm and a wide range of room types
The hotel showcases works from local artists and designers, including a large-scale floral backdrop by Art Dep't NZ and a floral sculpture by Angus Muir.
* Intrepid Hotel
The Intrepid Hotel is an industrial-chic boutique hotel in the Te Aro neighbourhood, just steps away from Hannah’s Laneway and Cuba Street. The building was built in 1909 as the former Cadbury chocolate warehouse. The hotel opened in 2021 and has a distinct vibe with free complimentary snacks and drinks. Check out the in-house wine bar Puffin.
* The Cobbler Hotel
The Cobbler Hotel, opened in 2023, is a small, stylish boutique hotel on Eva Street within the historic Hannah's Laneway. just a few steps from some of Wellington’s best restaurants and bars. They have a range of industrial designed studio apartments and suites, each with a kitchen.
* Ohtel Wellington
This retro boutique hotel has a waterfront location in the Oriental Bay neighbourhood. The rooms are furnished with mid-century décor and contemporary NZ art and ceramics. The location offers easy access to Wellington's attractions, dining, and shopping.
* TRYP by Wyndham Wellington
Opened in 2023, TRYP by Wyndham is in the central business district, featuring art deco architecture inspired by old Chicago.
There is a free continental breakfast and Nespresso coffee included. They have a gym on the top floor with good views.
* The Lighthouse at Island Bay
The faux Lighthouse is a cool place to stay. It was actually built to be a art studio but has been a holiday rental instead. On the ground floor there is a kitchenette and bathroom, on the second-floor is a king bedroom, and the sitting room with balcony is on the top floor.
https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/1111670049106199285
Other Hotels Options in Wellington
* Rydges Wellington
Rydges has great harbour views and easy access to downtown. It's convenient to the railway station and ferry terminal.
Facilities include an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and onsite spa.
* DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
The DoubleTree combines heritage charm with modern facilities had has easy access to Wellington's attractions. As with other DoubleTree hotels, you'll be given a warm cookie on arrival. The rooms facing Lambton Quay have great views and some rooms on the top floor have a balcony.
The hotel has a small gym.
* Novotel Wellington
The Novotel is centrally located on The Terrace, offering direct access to the Lambton Quay shopping district via a unique lift system.
The hotel has a fitness center and conference facilities. You can also access the gym and pool approx 50m down the street at Synergy Gym.
* Oaks Wellington Hotel
The Oaks hotel is in a historic building originally constructed in 1922 as a Ford vehicle assembly plant.
The hotel has a small gym.
Wellington Apartments and Residences
* Museum Apartment Hotel
This apartment hotel is located in the heart of Wellington's cultural scene and showcases an eclectic collection of New Zealand art.
The facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym.
* Sojourn Apartment Hotel
This fully serviced apartment hotel is in Ghuznee Street, 150 metres from Cuba Street. There are options from studios to two-bedroom family apartments.
The hotel has laundry access which is free for guests.
* Boulcott Suites
The Boulcott Suites have apartments, including studio apartments, single-level suites, and fully-equipped executive two and four-bedroom townhouses.
Suites include a washing machine, dryer and full kitchen facilities.
* Quest 256 Lambton
This new apartment opened in 2022. The studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments are equipped with kitchens.
Wellington Airport Hotels
* Rydges Wellington Airport
Opened in 2018, Rydges Wellington Airport hotel is a contemporary hotel within the airport's main terminal. You'll have easy access to the newly redeveloped passenger lounge.
The hotel has a well equipped gym.
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Happy travelling!
Anna
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