With its grand chandelier, marble tiles, and brass detailing, stepping off Queen St and into the newly renovated Hotel Grand Windsor feels like entering another era one best suited to those who aren’t afraid of a little glitz and glamour.
Housed in a heritage building from the 1920s, the hotel has been transformed from a three to a five-star destination, inspired by the service and grandeur found in iconic London hotels of the last century.
The lobby alone is somewhere you’ll want to linger all day, its plush furniture also featuring throughout the restaurant.
General manager Renato Gualberto has worked in hotels around the world and is determined to make your stay world class. Each of the 79 rooms are themed around a photograph inspired by the world’s most extravagant jewellery collections, with furniture to match the colour of the sparkling gems.
There are vintage teasets on the tables, bespoke fixtures in the bathrooms and even the toiletries are by historical and exclusive brand Floris.
A wellness centre with a gym and beauty spa are set to be open shortly, completing the selection of indulgences on offer. Even if Auckland is your home, there’s no need to be jealous of the travellers who get to stay here: when we visited the Hotel Grand Windsor, “staycation” was the first word that sprang to mind.
• 58-60 Queen St, Auckland. Visit Hotelgrandwindsor.com
