Crowne Plaza Auckland – Hotel Review

Banking on a good night’s shut-eye? You’re in luck at Crowne Plaza Auckland, where quality sleep seems at the top of the list of amenities. From pillow menus to the Good Sleep Advantage Programme of aromatherapy extras and plush, cloud-like bedding, business and leisure travellers alike can rest easy (literally) in this downtown hotel. Read on for the full review.

Where is Crowne Plaza Auckland?

Towards the south of downtown, a few blocks from Albert Park. It takes about 25 minutes to reach the hotel by car from Auckland Airport.

What’s near Crowne Plaza Auckland?

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki in the south-west corner of Albert Park is an exceptional collection of art, an impressive 15,000 pieces strong. Exhibitions have included greats from Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera, while the permanent collection features work from Māori artists Robyn Kahukiwa and Kura Te Waru Rewiri. The gallery is about a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Similarly, Sky Tower, a 328-metre tall spire piercing the sky above Auckland, is less than a city block away.

Room types

The functional rooms – divisible by Standard, Premium and Suite categories – are relatively unadorned, in tones of beige and white, the only feature being patterned carpets and curved bedheads. Premium rooms are discernible only for their placement on higher floors, delivering better city views, while suites are notable for their sprawl over two levels – a kind of mini-apartment with a central circular staircase, separate TV area and balcony attached to the loft-style bedroom.

The hotel’s Sleep Advantage Programme is a nice touch and includes room allocation away from lifts and groups, as well as fancy This Works aromatherapy kits and super-comfy bedding. The inclusion of Antipodes amenities adds a little luxury to the rooms.

Restaurants and bars

Aria Restaurant & Bar is a full-service offering, serving guests hearty à la carte breakfasts of pancakes and croque madame plus an all-day menu of Club sandwiches, Cajun-spiced pork ribs and vegan burgers with caramelised onion. Club sandwiches, pizza and chips are among the dining options available for room service, 24 hours a day.

Travel for work

If there’s work to be done outside of emails, level 14 houses a business centre with access to secretarial and courier services, as well as printing and computer stations (laptop chargers can be elusive, after all). Burning the midnight oil? The centre is open 24 hours a day.

Gym and sauna

The on-site fitness centre on level 12 is also open at all hours should you fancy a late-night spin on a bike or treadmill. Or sweat it out in the sauna (on the same floor).

Sustainability

The hotel has pledged to be part of New Zealand Tourism’s sustainability push. Their first initiative? An on-site beehive, the spoils of which are served to guests at breakfast.

Accessibility

There are 15 accessible rooms at Crowne Plaza Auckland, with all common areas of the hotel being wheelchair friendly.

What you need to know

Don’t settle for the cushion you’ve been stumped with: there’s a pillow menu available to guests.

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