Skycity Grand Hotel

From the drive-​way to our hotel room, I just loved the modernness of it all.
From our hotel to couple blocks down, there were shops and restaurants lined up worth checking out.
From the moment we stepped out of our car to the moment we checked out, we received nothing but excellent service.
–We did score a great rate for our one-​night stay. So, the question is… would I stay here if the rate was higher? The answer is YES!

At our last stop in New Zealand, we stayed at the Skycity Grand for 3 nights. Even though we arrived on New Year’s Eve, checking in was no problem at all, and the folks taking care of the valet parking and bags were great — we gave them our bags and wandered off, and by the time we finally made it upstairs, everything was there as expected. The lobby is pretty spacious — very high ceilings with plenty of walking room. The folks at the front desk got us checked in quickly despite us showing up a tad early, and a free macaroon (which is set up every day around check-​in time) never hurts! Getting up to the room was no problem, although having only 3 elevators is a bit weak, IMO — there were definitely some lengthier waits.
As for the room itself, it was perfect. We had a view facing west/​northwest, so we saw a broad expanse of Auckland, as well as some of the water, and we had a decent view of the Sky Tower as well (we could see the fireworks without too much trouble that went off at midnight). All amenities are modern, and the bathroom here, even though it keeps in tradition with the (what I thought is) strange tradition of not having a fully enclosed shower, also had very modern amenities and finishes. You do have to insert a key to power on all the appliances, which is a nice environmentally-​friendly feature to include but also a bit irritating at times. I will say that I did raid the minibar for a couple of the in-​room pinot noirs (pretty average but quite drinkable) and snacks, and the prices aren’t as obscene as most in-​room bars in the U.S. that I have encountered. Room service was also pretty standard; I would say the only thing I disliked is that relative to the rest of the rooms on our floor, our room was always made up late, without fail, both days we were there. It wasn’t a huge deal, but given that it was pouring rain outside for most of our time in Auckland, it was not as if we could trek out easily without giving it another thought.
Overall, though, I was glad we stayed in the heart of the city while we were here, and I’d definitely stay here again if I pass through Auckland in the future. Another plus is that if you like to gamble, the casino across Federal Street is not too shabby (although playing blackjack with the dealer only having dealt themselves one card was a bit unnerving at first), and the dining options are very solid, particularly Depot.

My husband and I stayed here for 3 nights in October 2015 during our New Zealand holiday. The hotel was very clean and modern and all of the staff was very friendly. Wifi worked great and the hotel gym was sufficient and bigger than I expected. The hotel definitely had a corporate feel to it, which didn’t bother us but is just worth noting. The location was in the center of the downtown and very convenient to restaurants, shopping, and the wharf. I’d stay here again if I were in the area.

Great hotel! Wonderful service! Modern décor! Super fast wifi speeds! And free macarons in the evening at the check in desk.
In all, I was very happy with this hotel. The front desk representative was so friendly and sweet. She gave us wonderful suggestions for dinner because it was a holiday. The bell staff was also quick to hail down our bus when it was time for our tour. The room was very spacious. My only complaint was that the lobby was small and narrow so seating was limited when you were waiting for transportation. You either had to wait outside or on the few chairs they had right inside the entrance.
The location is great. You are right next to a casino so you know there are many places around for you to eat, drink, and gamble. The Sky Tower is literally 100 steps away when you walk out the front door. If you want to go shopping, just walk down a few blocks and you’re surrounded by designer and souvenir stores.

After we checked in and saw the room, I was ready to give this place 4 stars. Friendly and very helpful staff, decent quality furniture in the rooms, nice bathrooms, etc…
Then our afternoon happened. We’re traveling with a 12 month old baby. She goes down for naps in the early afternoon. We returned to our room to find it already cleaned. +1 for attentive housekeeping staff. But when we entered the room, we could barely hear each other over the noise from power tools in construction of an adjacent room. Now, I fully understand you want to put a family with a baby away from other guests. No problem. But putting us in the middle of construction? That’s unacceptable.
The construction noise was incredibly loud and constant causing vibrations in the room itself.

We are Aucklanders but booked a night at Sky City Grand as felt like some pampering.
The lobby and ground floor eateries certainty live up to the grand name but the room left me very disappointed. I felt that it was well short of of five stars and thought that even the regular Sky City hotel is more luxy. Room amenities were a bit low rent and there is not much storage. Nice places to go on Federal St so it’s a great location.
Next time I would be keen to try The Langham or Sofitel or maybe just the Sky City hotel.

We came here immediately following a week spent in the quiet, rural, picturesque south island. At first it was jarring to me to be back in a big city, with throngs of people all around, and this massive, imposing hotel in the thick of it all, when we’d been staying at B&Bs. However, once we found that we’d been upgraded to a suite and actually saw what it looked like inside we were enthralled. There were two bathrooms, a walk-​in closet, a bedroom that opened up into a living room, a kitchenette, and free champagne and bottled water left for us in an ice bucket on the dining room table. The suite was immaculately clean, the toiletry products in the bathroom were high quality and smelled just wonderful, and the bed was huge and comfy. Despite being in the middle of the city, soundproofing in the room was excellent, and with two layers of curtains on the window we had a superb night’s sleep. If you’re looking for luxury in the city, I’m sure you won’t find better than this top-​notch hotel. If I ever find myself in Auckland again, there’s no question I’ll book here.

Since I wasn’t renting a car, my New Zealander friend in Tokyo strongly recommended to stay within CBD.
Also because I was looking for a room very, very last minute (a week prior to the visit), this place was only option left. Despite of being out of my budget, I simply went «Fuck it. I guess it’s OK to be posh once in awhile.»
Their service was top notch. Especially having come from «asshole by default» hometown (which includes me. I’m, too and proudly, an asshole), it felt that we were treated like king and queen here.
And unlimited internet connection was so grateful after spending 3 nights at a motel that had 20MB per day limit prior to this hotel.
Even after the checkout, their superb service continued. Our flight wasn’t til 11pm but they generously let us take shower at the gym after coming back from hiking at Waiheke Island.
It was roughly $ 800 AUD for 2 nights. Yes, it is steep but definitely offers what money’s worth.

This is a good enough hotel. Last visit we stayed at the Westin which is now a Sofitel. It is close to Viaduct harbor which is good for some reasons. This time we felt in the middle of everything. Skycity is across the street. Checkin was hectic because our cruise line had arriving and departing passengers at the same hotel. Our room wasn’t ready and I wasn’t amazed. Seating was a problem as we competed with departing cruisers. I wish Crystal Cruises would provide someplace to sit but that is a decision for the bean counters. When a restaurant by the lobby (The Grill) opened we had a nice lunch and the room was ready by then. Our room was adequate, the view was nice, the bed was comfortable, the bell staff was efficient, the front desk efficient coming and going, and amenities in the bathroom satisfactory. we had an electrical problem that got fixed. The lobby bar isn’t as good as some but was ok. We had lunch and enjoyed it and I had a glass of wine as we left and saw some local color. We had a torn suitcase and the bell staff fixed it. It was hard to tip anyone. This was good for our purposes but a smaller hotel would have been nice too.

This being our first trip to New Zealand we were not sure what to expect. This hotel is next door to the Sky Tower so that is one way to find it in the city. The views from the hotel are great. We got there at sunset. The location is great. The staff was kind. There are plenty of options for food in the hotel and the surrounding area. There is a bus stop about 2 blocks from the hotel that goes to the airport. This place is a little expensive but worth the price.

I was very impressed with this hotel. For the price, you cannot beat the location and the amenities. The rooms were clean and looked new. Got the standard room which had 1 full sized bed and a twin bed. Had a room on the 20^th floor with amazing views of the city. Checked out the gym and pool which was empty but was clean. The pool is heated. There a a smoking terrace on the 7^th floor that I hung out at while waiting for friends. There are many restaurants close by the hotel and some right next door. I didn’t get to try any of them but they always had people inside and looked like they had a good following. Staff was friendly especially the doorman.
The hotel is across from the Sky Tower and has a casino that you can get to on the 5^th floor or ground floor. Walking distances to a lot of places. Highly recommend!

Yup, it’s a big box in the sky filled with identical corridors lined with identical looking rooms. But as far as big hotels go, it’s not a bad choice if you want to be central to most things in Auckland.
Pros:
— The dining options within the hotel are good. Expensive ($ 10 for a green juice!) but of good quality.
— The mini bar is excellent. Well priced (selling a kidney not required) and complete with things like toothbrush, Berroca and even a razor!
— The spa attached to the hotel is amazing. Absolutely worth the coin.
— The beds are massive and comfortable.
Cons:
— The bathroom is a bit daggy.
— Being a big hotel, it lacks a bit of character.

The Skycity Grand Hotel is lucky to have Linda. She caught me wandering around before seven in the morning, the 13 hour flight from San Francisco showing in my haggard appearance. She found someone to clean my room when the front desk staff couldn’t and checked in several times to tell me when I’d get it and then took me there when it was ready. Her personal attention made my stay here loads better.
Overall, the Skycity Grand Hotel probably isn’t a place I’d sleep again — it’s attached to a casino and has 316 guest rooms making it feel a bit big, generic and overwhelming for me. However, it served its purpose well (we held many of our meetings in the spacious and quiet lobby) and my room had a great view of the iconic Sky Tower.

I guess the main draw of Skycity Grand as a hotel is the location — you are right in the heart of Auckland. Not only that but you are adjacent to all the amenities of the hotel — the casino, the bars, and restuarants. We went there for our wedding anniversary and were hoping to go to Peter Gordon’s Dine restaurant but there was no vegetarian main course so we went elsewhere. As regards the rooms, they are perfectly adequate but unfortunately ours did not have a harbour view — just a view of the city. The staff were very friendly and helpful and we got a good breakfast the following day. If there is a critcism of this hotel, it’s that it a bit bland and lacks character — but then again you can say that about a lot of the buildings in Auckland. Still, if you want a good hotel in the middle of Auckland, you should come here.

The bathrooms in this place are AWESOME. They are absolutely huge and very modern. There’s also an interesting slightly translucent wall between the bathroom and the bedroom behind the bath, which means when you go into the bathroom and turn on the light it kind of shines into the bedroom. I’m not sure how I feel about that because it could be annoying if someone got up in the night to go to the loo… but I feel like I’m missing a key point… THERE IS A BATH. This is pretty rare in most of the hotels I’ve been in and I think it’s just a little touch of luxury that makes all the difference. To be honest, without the bathroom, this is a pretty standard hotel room. Great location etc but nothing to write home about.

I think this is one of Auckland best hotels, it has very nice standard rooms and the suites are very nice for something a bit more special. If you want good views you have to book a harbour view room though. Its a 5 star hotel and for Auckland standards it is everything you would expect a 5 star hotel to be from including welcoming reception, the rooms, the services and facilities they have.
The hotel has a nice indoor heated pool and spa area which is great for winter if you want to go and relax there a bit.
What I love about this hotel is that the whole Sky City Complex is a destination in itself so you don’t even need to go anywhere else if you didn’t want to. They are many cafes and restaurants including Dine by Peter Gordon which is a very elegant restaurant, and in the SkyCity complex there is Orbit and The Observatory which are both very good restaurants, apart from these there are many others. Then of course there is the casino and for the more adventurous there is the Sky Jump !!
So really this is a one stop destination and a truly great hotel.

I booked this place for a family of relatives who were visiting from overseas. It was nice, but thats about all you can say about it, it by no measure blew my mind. I actually do think that if a hotel has been awarded a five star rating there should be something exceptional about it. I found Skycity Grand to be very plain, as if they had performed the absolute minimum required to only just tick the boxes of the hotel rating system. Nice enough lobby, but the rooms were so boring, we ordered room service for lunch one day, and again, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either. It is a comfortable enough experience, but don’t expect the Ritz.