Getting there: I arrived in town on the train from Masterton and was pleased to discover Rydges was only about a five-minute walk away, as I was a bit ragged from too many beersies in the Wairarapa the night before.
Check-in experience: Iwas quite early, but staff were very friendly and happy to hold my bags while I went in search of much-needed breakfast. The lobby was bustling with lots of visitors coming and going. I didn't have to wait too long to be seen though.
Room: A deluxe king suite with a kitchen and lounge, which gave me a huge amount of space to stretch out in after I returned from breakfast, lunch and a walk around the Botanic Gardens.
What's so good about this place? Its central location and awesome views of the harbour.
Food and drink: The hotel has a restaurant, The Portlander Bar and Grill, but I didn't eat there during my stay.
The bed: A king-size bed with lots of pillows. I had a great nap as soon as I checked in.
A room with a view? My room had a balcony with a spectacular view of the harbour — and luckily enough, it was "you can't beat Wellington on a good day" kind of weather for my trip.
Bathroom: Spacious, with a bathtub and separate shower.
Free Wi-Fi? Yes and I had no problems with it.
Noise: None that I noticed.
Price: Prices start at around $289 for the room on Booking.com.
Exercise facilities: There's an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness centre — but I wasn't in town to work out.
Perfect for: Couples, business-people, those settling in for an extended stay in our nation's capital.
