We’ve hand-picked 12 of the best hotels in Wellington. Photo / Supplied
We’ve hand-picked 12 of the best hotels in Wellington. Photo / Supplied
Planning to visit Wellington? No matter what your reason is for visiting our nation’s capital, make sure you stay in one of these hotels in Wellington.
Plus, you need to think about how you’ll get around the city. Do you require access to public transport, or would you prefer to be within walking distance of all the sensational attractions Wellington has to offer?
To ensure you have the perfect getaway, we’ve hand-picked 12 of the best hotels in Wellington. No matter how long you’re visiting or what is on your itinerary, these places have everything you need and more.
Despite only opening in November 2022, Naumi Hotel Wellington has quickly become one of the most popular hotels in the city. It might be the studio apartment vibe. Maybe it’s the floor-to-ceiling windows letting you absorb everything Wellington has to offer. But our guess is that it’s the combination of vibrant colours, a luxurious atmosphere and unique furnishings.
It’s close to Cuba Street, making it the ideal spot to return to after a big night out on the town or if you’re in Wellington to experience some of the city’s eclectic culture.
You’re spoiled for choice for different types of rooms. There are studio options for various kinds of stays and suites if you’re bringing the whole family with you. We recommend dining at least once at the in-house restaurant Artisan. It features a seasonal Kiwi cuisine that is a must-try.
Best features:
Within walking distance of the shopping and restaurant districts
Returning visitors to Wellington keep coming back to the Rydges. The central location makes it effortless to get around the city. You can stroll down to Wellington Museum or hike up Mt Victoria.
But travellers also love coming back to the Rydges Wellington because of the spacious rooms. Each one features a handy kitchenette, and there are apartment-style options if you need washer and dryer facilities.
If you plan on walking from one attraction to the next, you’ll want to stay at InterContinental Wellington. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a five-star hotel, but it is right near the Wellington Cable Car and literally a minute’s walk away from the Museum of Wellington City & Sea.
When you’re ready to explore outside the hotel’s radius, you can speak to the friendly staff to organise activities such as the Wellington Harbour Cruise, Zealandia Eco Sanctuary and Martinborough Gourmet Wine Tour. You can even go on a Lord of the Rings Tour and get picked up from the hotel.
Best features:
The central location makes it effortless to navigate around the city
Customers adore the food at The Lobby Lounge and GPO restaurant
The elegant rooms are the perfect place to rest after being on your feet all day
Located near Lambton Quay and The Terrace, Gilmer Apartment Hotel is ideal for travellers visiting for business or pleasure. It offers competitive corporate rates for short-term and long-term visits as well as discounted parking.
There’s also a washing machine and dryer available in every room if you run out of clothes to wear. The hotel even provides free access to Habit Health and Fitness Club if you need to burn off some stress after a busy day in the office.
Best features:
It’s only a five-minute walk to Wellington Central
The rooms are filled with amenities, including dishwashing soap, scissors, toiletries and more
Close to supermarkets for visitors who prefer to cook for themselves
If you’re bringing the family to Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, stay at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. It’s located in The Terrace, which is next to the shopping district for Mum and the Cable Car for the kids. Sky Stadium is also easy to get to if Dad wants to catch a rugby game.
Inside, the hotel has everything you need. The highlight is the Harbour View Lounge, which provides a bird’s eye view of the waterfront. It also has unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and snacks that the whole family can enjoy.
For visitors wanting easy access to Cuba Street, Sojourn Apartment Hotel offers all that and more. One step outside, and you’ll experience an abundance of colours and cultures in one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Wellington. It’s a one-of-a-kind place where all you’ll want to do is eat, drink and have a good time.
When you’re spent, head back to your stylish and luxurious apartment featuring all the necessary amenities. Different sizes are available, including a petite room for solo travellers and a group space for larger gatherings.
Best features:
Deluxe imperial king or double beds in every room so you can spread out
Double-glazed windows help keep the party noise outside
Espresso coffee machine to help wake you up after an all-nighter
It’s hard not to fall in love with the stunning art-deco architecture of TRYP by Wyndham. This heritage building is anything but ancient. Inside is a stylish, colourful decor where everything looks too luxurious to touch.
You can choose a traditional hotel room, an apartment or a stylish suite. There are several layouts, so returning to Wellington and staying in this hotel could be a completely different experience next time.
Best features:
The hotel is surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Wellington
Several public transport options nearby, including Wellington Station
Close to Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre if you’re visiting to attend an event
The Airport Motor Lodge isn’t just close to Wellington Airport. It’s minutes from the beautiful Wellington beaches and the lush mountain ranges. No wonder Hollywood loves to shoot films in Miramar.
You’ll also find some fantastic cafes nearby that previous guests have recommended and plenty of exciting walking trails in the area. Weta Film Studios are also locals, so don’t be surprised if you pass a movie star while you’re hiking through the lush environments.
This hotel fits like a glove in Te Aro. It’s full of glitz and glamour, which perfectly pairs with the vibrant nightlife of the neighbourhood. The moment you step foot in the door, you’re presented with lush carpets, moody lighting and unique furniture that looks like it was pulled straight out of a 1920s piano bar.
Inside, your room is just as swanky. Each is its own unique piece of art featuring spacious king-size beds, a deep-dish bath and the fluffiest white robes your skin will ever experience.
Best features:
The best hotel in Wellington to stay if you want to experience the Te Aro nightlife
On the weekends, do yourself a favour and try Hippopotamus’ famous high tea
Cocktail lovers need to start their night out at the hotel’s Gallery Lounge before hitting the clubs
Blink and you’ll miss Ohtel Wellington. It’s hidden amongst a row of houses in Oriental Bay, but inside is a boutique-style hotel featuring open spaces and a splash of urban chic.
This hotel is located in Wellington’s entertainment district and is close to Bats Theatre and St James Theatre. You’ll also find the Te Papa Museum nearby and Oriental Bay Beach if you’re in the mood for an afternoon dip.
Best features:
Great dining options for foodies such as Ortega Fish Shack and Duppa Bar
Located at the bottom of Mt Victoria, which features several scenic walking tracks
Several room styles, with each one containing Nespresso coffee machines and loose-leaf tea
Despite being 15 minutes out of the CBD, Lower Hutt is home to some of the best hotels in Wellington, like the Sebel. The train station around the corner is the best way to travel into the city if you want to see the sights, but there’s also plenty to do nearby if you’re a nature lover.
Stroll along the river, visit one of the many museums, or stop by the nature sanctuary. You’ll also find plenty of boutique retailers and craft breweries throughout the region.
It’s best if you come to Wellington with a plan. There’s so much to see and do you’ll want to make the most of every minute of your holiday. Here are some expert tips for planning your visit.
Choose how to get around Wellington: This will help you decide where to stay. If you’re happy to walk to attractions, book a hotel in the Wellington CBD. However, you can also remain on the outskirts and use public transport to get to where you’re going easily.
Pick the best time to visit Wellington: February is the hottest month in Wellington, with temperatures around 19 degrees Celcius. It cools down in July as temperatures hit 10 degrees Celcius. Our pick is the summer months.
Deciding the best hotel in Wellington: There are many different styles of hotels to suit all tastes. We recommend choosing a place to stay that’s close to the activities you want to do. For example, Te Aro for the nightlife.
Finding activities for the kids: The kids will have a ball in Wellington with attractions such as Zealandia Ecosanctuary and the interactive exhibits at the Te Papa Museum.
How to find free attractions: You’ll find dozens of free activities in Wellington that are fun for all ages, including the Botanic Gardens, Wellington Waterfront and Mt Victoria.
Where should you eat in Wellington? When you’re feeling peckish, head to Karaka Cafe, Logan Brown or Capital Market for some great food. But there is no shortage of delicious dining experiences throughout the city.
While you might be out and about enjoying everything our capital city has to offer, you’ll want to make sure you come back to one of the best hotels in Wellington. Photo / Supplied
Enjoy your stay in Wellington
There’s so much to see and do in Wellington that it’s easy to forget about booking a place to stay. While you might be out and about enjoying everything our capital city has to offer, you’ll want to make sure you come back to one of the best hotels in Wellington to relax and recuperate. It will make your stay even more pleasurable.
The best neighbourhoods to stay in Wellington
There are several regions around Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, each featuring exciting attractions and its own type of vibe. Here are neighbourhoods you need to know about.
Wellington CBD
Description: The city centre has all the main attractions, restaurants and public transport options you need to explore Wellington.
Best for: First-time visitors who want to visit the cultural sites such as the Wellington New Zealand and Botanical Garden
It is noisier than other Wellington neighbourhoods.
Te Aro
Description: South of the CBD, Te Aro is Wellington’s home of entertainment. You’ll find quirky art galleries and vibrant nightclubs everywhere you look.
Best for: Solo travellers and night owls who plan on spending most of their time in Wellington when the sun is down.
We curated our list by carefully examining customer feedback and consulting guests who have stayed in these hotels. Photo / Supplied
Wellington frequently asked questions
Are there any pet-friendly hotels in Wellington?
Pets are more than welcome to join you at Ohtel Wellington. They have a dedicated pet-friendly room in the studio room. Extra charges do apply.
What are the best hotels for business travellers in Wellington?
If you’re visiting Wellington for work, you’ll probably want to stay close to the CBD. Check out Naumi Hotel Wellington or the Bolton Hotel, which also offers excellent business amenities.
What are the most sustainable hotels in Wellington?
*This story contains carefully curated selections from The Selection team and affiliate links which may earn NZ Herald a commission.*Prices are as stated at the time of publication, these prices may vary at the discretion of the listed brands.
