Did you know it’s possible to feel as though you’re on an international holiday without the hassle of heading to the airport, finding a car park, checking in your baggage and getting on a plane?
For Aucklanders all they need to do is book a stay at one of the city’s highly impressive hotels.
I recently had the rare chance to enjoy a two-night stay at the five-star Cordis Auckland, thanks to the generosity of Times Media director Bo Burns, and what an experience it was.
I’d never stayed at this luxury hotel, located up the road from the University of Auckland on Symonds Street, but I’ve seen it on TV numerous times and it’s a well-known sight for locals.
It was previously known as The Langham. Political observers will know the hotel served as the negotiating base for political leaders Christopher Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters following the 2023 general election, when they met at the Cordis to hammer out their incoming Government’s coalition agreement.
As a first-time guest my arrival was interesting as everything was new to me. I entered the long, swooping driveway and stopped my car outside the grand entrance.
A friendly valet car parker was with me in no time, got my bags onto a trolley, and as he drove off to find a car park I entered the hotel.
It’s an open and impressive space that’s immaculately clean. The check-in process was efficient and smooth and I headed to the lifts to find my room.
I had the good fortune to be in a room on one of the upper floors in the hotel’s Pinnacle Tower and wow, what a view!
It was nighttime when I arrived and the stunning nightscape of Auckland’s CBD, with the SkyTower as the dramatic centre point, were laid out in front of me.
The room was spacious and had everything I needed. A large TV, double bed, bath, shower and numerous facilities with a fridge containing cold drinks and snacks.
I made use of the room service twice during my stay. The Chinese noodles were delicious, as was the hemp burger and fries.
As someone who enjoys regular exercise, I was excited to try out the hotel’s fully-equipped health club, which contains a wide range of exercise equipment.
It’s got stationary bikes, treadmills, and all the weights you need for a great workout.
I also grabbed the chance to look at the revitalising Chuan Spa and the stunning rooftop swimming pool and spa pool.
As I’d checked in later in the day I didn’t have the time or energy to go for much of a walk, so lay on the very comfortable bed and watched TV to ease into the night.
The following morning at about 7am I headed downstairs to check out what I’d heard was an amazing buffet breakfast. It did not disappoint.
There were hashbrowns, button mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs several ways, breads, sausages, seafoods, hot and cold drinks, a wide array of cheeses, and numerous sweet options also.
With my appetite fully satisfied, it was time to lace up my walking shoes and head out.
The first destination I had to check out is the famous Hard to Find Books located on Saint Benedicts Street, just a 10-minute stroll from the hotel.
This bookstore is an Auckland institution and is currently housed in a large brick building that was previously a convent.
Sadly, the building’s owners are selling it, and the bookstore needs to relocate.
It has a massive amount of stock and I grabbed a haul of books including a biography of Charles Dickens, the history of the Central Intelligence Agency, the history of Australia, and several books on Africa.
The rest of my time at Cordis Auckland was relaxing and enjoyable and I made as much use of the extensive facilities as possible.
I enjoyed another buffet breakfast the next morning before checking out at midday.
Overall, it was a fantastic way to feel as though I was overseas without leaving the city and I recommend the hotel to all.
