When I visited New Zealand recently, I stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland and thought it might be good to share what it was realy like. Located in the heart of the city centre (the Sky Tower is literally on your doorstep), this hotel make getting around pretty straightforward. A solid mid-range hotel, it doesn’t try to be anything fancy but covers all the bases without any real drama.
I spent a few nights at the property and walked around the place so I got a good idea of what to expect if you’re thinking about staying here too. Let’s take a walk through the lobby, my room, and everything else you really care about when trying to decide where to lay your head at night.
My Hotel Review
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
One thing that makes this place stand out is its closeness to the Sky Tower, it’s right behind the building! The area was also convenient based off the moment I got there (it was early evening), lots of restaurants nearby and close to the waterfront.
I was surprised by how large the lobby was, and it felt even bigger thanks to all the reflective surfaces and high ceilings. As soon as I entered, I spotted the atrium design and there were a couple of seating areas throughout if you wanted to sit down and wait for someone or just take a breather from lugging your bags around. The check-in process was fast and the staff was friendly but not too chatty (which is what I like after a long flight).
After settling into my room, I took a quick look around to see what I’d be dealing with. It had the typical door hanger system and I noticed they hung the fire safety notice on the inside of the door. 7°C, so I wasn’t realy tempted to adjust it too much for the duration of my stay.
It is clean. The layout made sense. The bed was along one wall, the desk and TV console were across from it, and the sofa sits beneath the window.
To be honest, everything was a little old.
But it wasn’t in bad shape at all; nothing felt neglected or worn out. The bedding was fresh and the bed were firm (which I appreciate). The bedside setup included a phone, a notepad, and an in-room dining menu.
Here’s what I usually find: A phone, a notepad, and an in-room dining menu in case someone wants to order up. There was also a pillow menu on the counter. I didn’t use it, but it seems like a nice touch for people who are particular about such things.
The view out the window was nothing spectacular. However, it gave me a place to sit other than my desk chair or bed. I spent quite a bit of time on the couch by the window in the morning with my coffee.
There was good light coming through the windows and I was able to see a little of the surrounding city.
Pulling open the wardrobe, I discovered it contained all that you would hope for, hangers, a vertical ironing board, a spare pillow at the top shelf, and the safe hidden underneath. Plus, there was a guest guide open on one of the shelves containing details of local attractions and hotel services.
There were actual cups and saucers (not those flimsy plastic ones that certain hotels provides) along with a kettle and some Dilmah sachets: it’s a full-on tea and coffee set-up. Opening the cupboard underneath revealed the minibar fridge, packed with the standard snacks and drinks and at prices you’d imagine from a hotel.
The waste/recycling was separated into two bins (something I always appreciate) and there was a card hanging from the bin handle reminding people to sort their rubbish. It didn’t make any difference, because at some point I’ll have had take-away and will end up with a few container, but it made me feel a little bit better about it. Bathroom: Small but nice enough.
It had a tub/shower combo and a fairly good-sized vanity, although it had those annoying pump-dispenser bottles of amenities instead of minis. There was also a wall-mounted magnifying mirror, which I appreciated. All was clean at check-in.
There were towels folded between the toilet and the vanity. The bathroom was fine.
There were toiletries (shampoo and body wash) in the wall dispensers and extra tissues and toilet roll hidden in a drawer beneath the sink. The shower had decent water pressure and it retain its temperature. It wasn’t anything special, but nor was it anything disappointing, it simply got the job done.
In conclusion, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland was fine but unremarkable. It’s certainly not a place I’ll remember fondly, but then again, it didn’t need to be. If you want something centrally located with no frills (and without paying the price of a luxurius hotel), this place meets those needs.
Would I stay here again? Maybe, but only if I wanted something simple in the middle of town. And I would of probably look around for better rates before doing so.
Have you ever stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland, or are you thinking of staying there during your next visit? Let me know what you thought or ask me some questions if you’re still undecided about booking.
