THE HOTEL: The SkyCity Grand is part of the SkyCity group which runs the Southern hemisphere's tallest tower and four-star sister hotel, just over the road in central Auckland.
THE CHECK IN: Arriving mid-morning at the busy reception of the SkyCity Hotel – entrance point to the SkyTower's various attractions – I was promptly directed over the road. Here was the more serene, calming lobby of the SkyCity Grand, where I was quickly attended to by reception staff. A room was not yet available so I left my luggage at reception and headed off into town. Returning later, I was quickly checked in and shown to my room.
THE ROOM: The Luxury King Room was reasonably spacious, with subtle decor in autumnal tones. There was a huge wardrobe space, satellite TV, small sofa and table, bright bathroom with separate bath and shower, tea and coffee-making facilities and iron and ironing board. Nice, large windows allowed plenty of light in, but the city centre views weren't much to shout about.
THE FACILITIES: The East Day Spa is well regarded in the city and there's also a 25metre lap pool and gym. Dine by Peter Gordon is the hotel's signature restaurant; The Lobby is a more informal options for lighter meals and drinks; an excellent buffet breakfast is served in The Terrace. Other facilities include car parking, laundry and currency exchange.
THE BUSINESS: There's a small business centre, plus the Club Lounge for functions of 20 through to 200 guests. There are further options at the SkyTower and SkyCity Hotel.
THE VERDICT: A cavernous and trendy ground floor space left me a little disappointed in the guestroom which, although more than adequately equipped for a five-star hotel, lacked something to really set it apart. Still, the hotel's in a good location in central Auckland, the service was consistently good and the designer environment doesn't succumb to outright pretentiousness.
THE DETAILS: 90 Federal Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. Low season rates start from around £100 a night not including breakfast.
Tel: +64 9 363 6000
Email: grandreservations@skycity.co.nz
See: www.skycityauckland.co.nz Andy Hoskins
