Located in the very heart of the city, Queen Street, connecting the Auckland’s waterfront with Karangahape / K Road ridge, is considered to be the most major commercial thoroughfare in the country.
Following the general path of the (now-covered) Waihorotiu Stream, the 3 kilometre long Queen Street is distinguished by reputation all over the nation — even by those who have never been there. There is a reason why it is the most expensive square in the New Zealand version of Monopoly after all.
If you happen to come into the city, there is no doubt you’ll want to grab a meal at Commercial Bay, do a little shopping at Smith & Caughey’s, watch a show at the Civic or even have a night out… so why not book a hotel room nearby?
Here is a selection of our best hotels on Queen Street Auckland, with something for all budgets and tastes. We have even put them in order of distance for you, starting with those at the bottom of Queen St, closest to the water and the picturesque Viaduct Harbour.
Grand Mercure Auckland ☆☆☆☆
8 Customs Street East
Situated next to Britomart Transport Centre at the very beginning of Queen Street, the Grand Mercure Auckland has 207 guest rooms and a location that can’t be beat.
The luxurious refurbished guest rooms and suites are composed with soft botanical shades and modern Pacifica art. In terms of in-room amenities, we are talking Smart TV’s with Bluetooth connectivity, delicious Āmiki Manuka honey and complimentary Wi-Fi.
There is a small wellness room to work out in (or enjoy morning yoga), a library with plush leather chairs to relax in, and a state of the art business centre if you need to get a little work done during your stay.
One of the highlights of staying at the Grand Mercure Auckland is the Vue Restaurant and Bar, positioned on the top floor of the hotel, which offers panoramic views of the harbour and bustling city below. While the designer boutiques and chic restaurants of the surrounding Britomart area will surely entice you out, the Grand Mercure Auckland does its best to tempt you back with a hip laneway cafe coming off the main lobby, sumptuous bedding and excellent service.
Its address might say Custom Street, but let us assure you this is one of the top Queen Street hotels in Auckland (it’s on the corner of both).
Hotel Grand Windsor Auckland – MGallery ☆☆☆☆
8/60 Queen Street
Located in the heart of Queen St, the Hotel Grand Windsor was built in 1928 as Auckland’s first skyscraper at a whopping 10-storeys. A place favoured by socialites and the well-to-do, it has been one of the cities preeminent hotels ever since, offering a classic blend of art deco designs with elegant accents reminiscent of a bygone era.
Despite all the pomp, grandeur and history, the boutique hotel is still proudly New Zealand owned and operated after all these years. It was even meticulously refurbished in 2017 to ensure its uniquely high standards of luxury were maintained while meeting 21st-century expectations.
The Hotel Grand Windsor has 79 bespoke rooms and suites all of which offer art deco glamour of the roaring 20s, yet boast modern inclusions like Bose speakers, high-speed Wi-Fi and Smart TVs.
For guests who to want to check-in, relax and indulge there is beautiful T2 tea ware (their flagship store in Auckland is across the street) accompanied by a selection of organic teas, and bathroom amenities from Floris London, the only Appointed Perfumer to Her Majesty the Queen. If you prefer the contemporary touch, you’ll find a Nespresso machine with a range of capsules.
A tribute to Auckland’s architectural heritage and a time capsulate stuffed with creativity and elegance, there is also the unmatched ambience of Cooke’s restaurant to complete the appeal.
Should you be interested, one of Auckland’s best high teas is held here every Saturday and Sunday. Think dainties such as buttermilk scones with strawberry and rose preserve, elderflower profiteroles and marzipan cupcake with sour citrus cream…
Quest On Queen Serviced Apartments ☆☆☆
62 Queen Street
Quest on Queen’s serviced apartment-style hotel rooms give guests a convenient and calm Auckland accommodation experience ideal for both short or long stays.
Quest on Queen has 39 one-bedroom apartments, which are a good alternative to a hotel room, especially for those looking for more space — or are on a budget. Many guests include those looking for a home-away-from-home experience for longer stays in the city, including free Wi-Fi, sofa, LCD TV, work desk, and fully equipped kitchen.
The bathroom even has laundry facilities, should you need them. Someone is always onsite 24/7 to help with any issues, but Quest runs like a well-oiled machine and everything should be in order.
Some of the apartments even offer balconies and views, which is always a great bonus.
CityLife Auckland ☆☆☆
171 Queen Street
This Queen Street hotel provides some of the finest serviced apartments in the city, and are ideal for corporate visitors looking for long term accommodation in Auckland.
CityLife Auckland offers one, two or three-bedroom suites, along with superior rooms, directors suites, and even a rooftop penthouse suite for those looking to go all out. Each of the accommodation types offers the best in terms of comfort, space and facilities. And, like most places in Auckland, you can expect fantastic service too.
If you require it, there is indoor valet car parking, which is useful given the lack of parking on Queen Street. And after checking in, or a long day of work, try a dip in the indoor saltwater swimming pool — a simple pleasure, but only available at CityLife out of all the hotels on our list.
A small gym is located onsite but true gym bunnies should ask at the concierge about access to the nearby CityFitness, one of Auckland Centrals best gyms, which is available to hotel guests.
Base Backpackers Auckland ☆☆
229 Queen Street
Not a hotel, but Base Backpackers is one of the cheapest accommodation options of Queen Street — if you are willing to stay in a hostel.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, this is a spot with loads of daytime activities to keep you busy, and an energetic bar to help you make new mates. There are shared dorms with bunk beds and lockers, along with your typical hostel antics like beer pong and live music.
If you need it, there is a communal kitchen, continental breakfast buffet and guest laundry facilities. Love it or hate it, there is no denying Base Backpackers is exceptionally affordable.
Airedale Boutique Suites ☆☆☆☆
380 Queen Street
Airedale Boutique Suites, situated on Queen Street in Auckland’s Theatre District, has recently reopened after a significant refurbishment.
Everything here is new from the interior rooms to outdoor spaces and a complete facelift for the historic façade. The new hotel celebrates the history of this iconic building while adding something unique and authentic, incorporating the flair of art deco architecture with contemporary style and comfort.
Perfect for a short city break, all rooms come with luxurious tailor-made Queen or King beds with platinum grade bed linen perfect for lazy mornings in bed. For the most active of us, there is an onsite gym. During your stay, try to plan a meal or drink at the ground level Trocadero Restaurant and Bar with modern decor, big bi-fold windows opening onto Queen Street and a menu dedicated to the authentic flavours of New Zealand.
Formerly the Scenic Hotel Auckland, the Airedale Boutique Suites Queen Street hotel offers a sense of thoughtful ease, a touch of humble glamour, and a sensation of modern nostalgia. Staying an evening, or more, will leave a lasting impression.
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland ☆☆☆☆
396 Queen Street
The fabulous Four Points by Sheraton in Auckland invites you to stay on upper Queen Street with luxurious rooms and outstanding service.
Located in the Arts Quarter, this modern hotel is close to Aotea Square and across the road from Auckland institutions such as the Classic Comedy & Bar and the Q Theatre. Inside the hotel, guests can enjoy sophisticated rooms and suites starring signature bedding, spacious bathrooms and free Wi-Fi, as well as outlooks of the city centre from the upper floors.
Suites even have balconies — ideal for visiting friends or celebrating special events. If you want to exercise, there is a 24-hour fitness centre. Still, the star of the show is the expansive view of the city from The Churchill Gin Bar, Auckland’s highest rooftop bar.
Even if you don’t stay at this Queen Street hotel in Auckland, you should plan to visit The Churchill for sunset. It is nothing short of magical.
Quest Auckland Serviced Apartments ☆☆☆
363 Queen Street
No, you’re not seeing double, there is a second Quest Serviced Apartments on Queen Street, (and another two in the central city, but who’s counting).
While they are both somewhat similar, this one is located further up Queen Street and more convenient to places like the Aotea Conference Exhibition Centre and Auckland Town Hall. It is typically a little cheaper, being further away from the action, and on a quieter stretch of road. This could mean you get a better night’s sleep, though it is also closer to the bohemian K Road and its late night club venues.
The other point of difference is Quest Auckland Serviced Apartments has two-bedroom apartments, so if you are staying with friends, it might be a more budget-friendly option.
Kiwi International Hotel ☆☆
411 Queen Street
A friendly and affordable budget hotel on Queen Street, the Kiwi International Hotel provides simple accommodation for travellers seeking value and comfort in an excellent city-centre location.
With a varied range of room configurations, suitable for singles, couples, families and groups, they have everything from economy budget rooms to standard ensuite rooms and family apartments. There are 14 carpark spaces available on a “first-come, first-served” basis, handy if you are driving, and accommodating reception staff.
The Kiwi International isn’t fancy at all, but they have everything you need, without the frills or expensive price tag.
So there you have it. All of the best hotels on Queen Street in Auckland, with something for every budget and circumstance. Now your biggest concern only needs to be what to do after you check-in…
CBD Brunches? Teppanyaki? Steakhouses? Nightclubs? The world – or more specifically Auckland – is your oyster.