|
|
When choosing a hotel in New Zealand, a great starting point is to understand their star ratings. The Qualmark system in New Zealand and Australia has a star grading for accommodation and is New Zealand Tourism’s official mark of quality :
- Basic acceptance is that a 1 star will meet the customers’ minimum requirements – Basic, clean, and comfortable.
- 3 stars and the accommodation provider provides a range of facilities and services and achieves a good to very good quality standard.
- The highest standard is 5 stars and is considered to be amongst the best in that country.
The AAA (US) rating system applies a similar method and rates accommodation on a one to five Diamonds scale. Many Hotel providers also use a “self rating” system and this shouldn’t be taken as a negative in most cases. Larger Hotel chains have developed their own rating systems that accurately reflect what options are available for each of their resorts.
Star ratings can be a good guide for pricing, but should not be the sole decider, when choosing your Auckland hotel.
It is expected that a 1 star Hotel room will be cheaper than a 5 star. But for those 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, specials, last minute offers and specific locations can lead to a 2 star hotel being more expensive than a 4 star. For example, a 3 star hotel located in Auckland city centre, could charge more than a 5 star hotel an hour out of town. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing a place to stay, but don’t let price be your indicator of quality and comfort.
With cost in mind, think also about what your stay is intended for.
If you are visiting friends or family in Auckland, then try to consider your choices based on location. Meaning that you can get to (and leave as quickly) your guests location without any major requirements or inconveniences to them.
If your travel is for business, do you really need to be located in the city?
Unless you can walk to your meetings, maybe a hotel at Auckland airport will suit your purposes better. Just like any other day, you will be heading into work for 8-12 hours and should have no real need to return to your hotel room throughout the day.
With it’s international airport, Auckland has a plentiful array of hotels and offerings for travelers. Hotels near the airport tend to cost less than those in the central business district and cater predominantly to business people. You will also avoid having to get up hours earlier than needed. By staying close to the transport hubs you avoid the need to allow additional time for delays and traffic jams prior to departure. Plus most Airport hotels provide a free shuttle service. One thing we have also noted is that the staff in Airport hotels take wake-up calls seriously – They know the importance of these calls and the consequences. So unlike many other stays, I have never missed a flight (due to a missed wake up call) when staying at an Airport Hotel.
It is a good idea to also list in writing, what you want in a hotel stay. Quality ratings are a good indicator of comfort, but do you want to pay for options you know you probably won’t use? Most websites will list all the amenities such as 24 hour reception, mini-bar, room service, valet, laundry etc. Compare these offerings and if you find you’re paying 20-30% more for the use of a gym or sauna (that you probably won’t use), then theses savings are worthwhile.
Finally, decide on what your budget is and stick with it. Search online and try last minute accommodation websites which offer great discounts for those travelers wanting to book at the last minute. But don’t always just take the hotel rate into account when deciding as there may be some inclusions on offer. These could include free breakfast, a drink voucher and discount tickets to local attractions or free parking. If you are traveling with kids serviced apartments have become popular choices because of the kitchen facilities and the ability to cook your own food and thus save money. Also consider taking smaller more frequent breaks as apposed to a long getaway.
Take the time to select luxury accommodation in Auckland that will give you the personal touch. As New Zealand’s largest city, sprawling out across the suburbs, it can be easy to visit and leave again without feeling you’ve really experienced the city at all. By staying with hosts who are committed to giving you the very best experience, you’ll leave feeling connected and refreshed.
While many visitors to New Zealand spend the bulk of their time visiting the pretty landscapes of the South Island, their trips begin, and often end, in this specific city. There are many things in Auckland to keep you exploring, from taking a play on some of the regions water playgrounds, to learning of some of New Zealand’s cultural history, to exploring some of the great cafes, providers and designers in the city and outlying areas.
If you have selected an accommodation with a host, ask them to tell you their favourite parts of the city. They may be able to point you in the direction of authentic farmer’s markets where you can buy locally grown produce direct from the producers. Or perhaps they can tell you where their favorite beach is, and give you insight to some of the great coastal walks this city has near so many of the suburbs.
Luxury accommodation in Auckland can be central, or somewhere a little further out. It’s a good idea to take into consideration whether you’ll have your own transport or if the place you are planning to stay in is close to public transport, and how often it runs. Aucklanders often complain about the traffic, but compared to any cities around the world it is reasonably light and free moving if you prefer to drive. Staying out of the city centre can still mean you are close by all the action, as many of the inner west and east suburbs are close enough for easy commuting. Ask your host to let you know their favourite local places to enjoy soaking up the flavour of a real New Zealand stay.
This multicultural city will provide you with many places to discover and explore no matter how long your stay. It’s big enough to give you a trip filled with the interests you best enjoy, be they cultural, sporting or recreational. Find your accommodation in Auckland and then you’ll be ready to plan a trip of fun and rejuvenation.
If you are planning on taking a hotel holiday in Auckland, New Zealand, have you thought about booking your accommodation at the ‘last minute’? Sounds scary but doing this can save you money for the rest of your trip. Usually these rates apply for a period of up to 28 days, so you can have peace of mind that this doesn’t mean you have to book the day before you leave.
So How Do They Work?
Many Auckland hotel accommodations have a number of rooms which don’t get booked, these are made available on last minute accommodation websites at a cheaper price, which can be discounted by up to 60% of the standard rate.
There are a range of websites promoting these offers so it pays to check each for exactly what is on offer and what you are paying for. Some will provide ‘extras’ like free breakfasts, champagne on arrival or a free shuttle service, while others are simply providing just the hotel suite accommodation so it’s a good idea to check what you are required to pay for before you book.
We all know that feeling when you are about to book an accommodation and you start to wonder what you are really going to get for the price you pay. Some ‘last minute’ websites allow you to see all of the available rates on one page which allows you to compare more than one accommodation (& their services) at a time – thus making your decision a little easier!
So What Can You Do With the Money You Save On Auckland Hotel Accommodation?
With Auckland being the largest city in New Zealand, there is plenty to see and do – and not just in the city either! Whether you are travelling with friends, your partner or the whole family you will be sure to find something to keep you entertained. Here’s some ideas to get you started :
•- Take a trip to Waiheke Island and enjoy some wine tasting tours!
•- Enjoy shopping in the city and then have a meal in Auckland’s inner city waterfront development – the Viaduct
•- Take a boat trip in the Hauraki Gulf and see pods of dolphins & whales
•- Visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter
•- Sail the Waitamata Harbour
•- Bungy Jump off the Sky Tower – 192 metres straight down!!
•- Take a trip to Waiwera Thermal Resort mineral pools
Of course if you plan to have a quiet trip away there is nothing wrong with staying indoors and enjoying the accommodation you have booked!
By now you should be inspired enough to go browse on the Internet for last minute hotel accommodation rates currently available in Auckland. Who knows you might even save enough money you can leave tomorrow
Auckland accommodation has much variety to offer visitors and tourists to this unique area. You could try Auckland motels or hotels and even bed and breakfasts and serviced apartments. If you prefer to look after your self you could try Auckland self contained apartments or holiday parks. What ever you decide New Zealand accommodation has something for every one, from budget to luxury accommodation Auckland is sure to offer you comfort and style
Accommodation in Auckland
There is plenty of accommodation in Auckland and depending on which area you are visiting you may want to book accommodation accordingly. It may be a good idea to book your Auckland New Zealand accommodation in advance so that you don’t have to worry about where you are going to stay. This will also ensure that you have a nice Auckland hotel to stay at even if you arrive in peak season. Auckland is a round the year holiday destination and you can plan a holiday in Auckland any time of the year.
The foundations of Auckland are built on top of a volcanic field. And this gives the area characteristic volcanic vents that have emerged as lakes, lagoons and islands. The city lies on an isthmus and is surrounded by water on two sides. There is no other place in New Zealand quite like the city of Auckland. The Auckland area covers four cities, many suburbs and islands. You may want to consider staying in the inner suburb of Parnell. The shopping village offers plenty for you to explore. There are cafes, galleries, craft shops, boutiques and wonderful historic buildings for you to discover.
Accommodation Auckland City
If you are looking for Auckland accommodation it may be best to look for Auckland apartments, motels, B&Bs and hotels with one eye on an Auckland map. This will ensure that you book accommodation close to where you want to be. While some visitors like to stay in Auckland City others may prefer the suburbs. While still others may enjoy staying in hotels and B&Bs that are off the beaten track.
You will find some incredible variety at Backpackers Auckland. Mixing with the locals gives you a good feel of the culture and heritage of this area. The scenic beauty that drives crowds too Auckland has to be seen to be believed. Cheap accommodation in Auckland is easy to come by especially if you research the area well and book ahead of time.
How about booking your Hamilton accommodation and stopping over for the night. Hamilton, also known as Kirikiriroa in Maori, is a large city south of Auckland. It began as a group of Maori villages and it has become one of the largest cities of the country supporting a rich agricultural area. It has a large student population that adds colour and life to the city. The climate in Auckland is very conducive to dining out and this is reflected in the abundance of outside eating areas which are enjoyed by locals and tourists.
Do you want to take a holiday with the aim being to revitalise your senses? Do you want to bring home memories of a truly remarkable visit? Simply book your Auckland accommodation and get ready to go on holiday.
|
|
