HOTELS

ASCOT PARNELL
36 St. Stephens Ave., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/309-9012
Fax: 09/309-3729
$80 to $125
Parnell
While the accommodations in this sprawling guest house are comfortable, space and character have been sacrificed to provide rooms with private bathrooms at a reasonable price. The room with the attached sunroom at the back of the house is small but pleasant. The house stands on a relatively busy street, within easy walking distance of the shops and nightlife of Parnell Village. Smoking is not permitted inside. www.ascotparnell.com. 9 rooms. AE, MC, V. Full breakfast.



ASCOTT METROPOLIS HOTEL
1 Courthouse La., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/300-8800
Fax: 09/300-8899
Over $200
city center
Auckland's old magistrate's court house has been converted to provide an elegant lobby, restaurant, and bar for this all-suite hotel. The guest rooms are all in a new tower built just behind the court. Though most rooms have decent views, the best sea views are available higher up on the east side of the hotel. On a clear day you'll be able to see right across the harbor to the Coromandel Peninsula. Units are either one- or two-bedroom; most have balconies, and all come with a kitchenette and washing machine and dryer. www.theascott.com. 315 suites. Restaurant, kitchenettes, indoor pool, health club, 2 hot tubs, sauna, bar. AE, DC, MC, V.



AUCKLAND CENTRAL BACKPACKERS
229 Queen St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/358-4877
Fax: 09/358-4872
Under $80
city center
The best-equipped budget place in town, this hostel manages to keep the lid on its rates despite a Queen Street locale. Opened in 2002, it includes features such as air-conditioning and a security system that you would normally expect to pay a lot more for. Accommodation varies from a six-bed bunk room to family rooms with bath. The lounge and Internet-café area act as the hostel's social hub, where you'll also find a travel center and even a New Zealand job-search service should you be looking for temporary work. www.acb.co.nz. 71 rooms, 23 with bath. Restaurant, café, kitchen, bar, laundry facilities, travel services. AE, DC, MC, V.



AUCKLAND CITY YHA
City Rd. at Liverpool St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/309-2802
Fax: 09/373-5083
Under $80
city center
Hotels with much higher room rates must envy this hostel's location just behind upper Queen Street. It's a few minutes' walk to the lively area of Karangahape Road and close to the bus circuit. Most rooms have a view over Auckland toward the harbor, but the best outlook is from the sun deck and common room. All share bathrooms. You can arrange for meals at the in-house restaurant; luggage storage and tour booking are available. www.yha.org.nz. 160 beds. Restaurant, travel services; no a/c. AE, MC, V.



CARLTON
Mayoral Dr. and Vincent St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/366-3000
Fax: 09/366-0121
Over $200
city center
Its proximity to the Aotea Centre performance venue and downtown makes the Carlton a favorite with business travelers. Guest rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished, with particularly well-equipped bathrooms. The best views are from the rooms that overlook the parklands and the harbor to the east. Polished granite and warm, earthy tones have been used liberally throughout the building. The hotel's restaurants have occasional food festivals and cooking classes. www.carlton-auckland.co.nz. 455 rooms, 14 suites. 2 restaurants, coffee shop, minibars, in-room data ports, tennis court, 2 bars. AE, DC, MC, V.


CROWNE PLAZA
128 Albert St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/302-1111
Fax: 09/302-3111
$125 to $200
city center
Rooms at this city landmark equal those in just about any of Auckland's leading hotels, but cutting down on facilities and glossy public areas has reduced prices substantially. Accommodations begin on the 16th floor. The suites on the 28th floor have great views and bigger bathrooms for just a slightly higher price. Service is keen and professional. www.crowneplaza.co.nz. 252 rooms. Restaurant, gym, bar. AE, DC, MC, V.



HERITAGE AUCKLAND
35 Hobson St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/379-8553
Fax: 09/379-8554
Over $200
city center
Transforming one of Auckland's landmark buildings, the Farmers Department Store, this hotel opened in 1998 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest in the city. Since then it has added a tower wing, making it New Zealand's largest hotel as well. The size hasn't detracted from its character -- the main building has retained its original 1920s Art Deco design, including high ceilings, large jarrah-wood columns, and native timber floors. The tower wing is more contemporary and includes New Zealand art especially commissioned for the rooms and public areas. Ask for a harbor-view room. www.heritagehotels.co.nz. 224 rooms, 243 suites. 2 restaurants, in-room safes, minibars, in-room data ports, tennis court, indoor pool, pool, health club, sauna, spa, 2 bars, meeting rooms. AE, DC, MC, V.



STAMFORD PLAZA
Albert St. and Swanson St., Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09/309-8888
Fax: 09/379-6445
Over $200
city center
Constant upgrades, noteworthy service, and attention to detail keep this mid-city hotel at the top of its game. Standard rooms are large and furnished extensively with natural fabrics and native woods in an updated art deco style. The best rooms are on the harbor side -- the higher the better. Make sure you check out the rooftop area, with its expansive views over Auckland's harbor, or, on a rainy day, take high tea in the lobby. If you've got something to celebrate, head to the Yanrepé champagne bar. www.stamford.com.au. 332 rooms. 2 restaurants, in-room safes, minibars, in-room data ports, pool, bar. AE, DC, MC, V.

Hotel List, addresses, phones