Review: Park Hyatt Auckland

Upon my arrival from French Polynesia into Auckland, my first destination was the newly established Park Hyatt Auckland, a prestigious recent addition to the Hyatt portfolio.

The Park Hyatt Auckland is a luxurious waterfront property that opened in 2020 and has quickly established itself as a top-tier property in both Auckland and New Zealand as a whole.

Auckland is one of my favourite cities in the world, and after a lengthy absence due to the pandemic, I was looking forward to kicking off my long-awaited return at this gorgeous property.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Booking

As a luxury property within Hyatt’s portfolio, the hotel’s nightly rates begin at $430 NZD ($260 USD, $350 CAD) and climb to $800 NZD ($485 USD, $640 CAD) during peak times.

The Park Hyatt Auckland is currently a Category 5 property under the World of Hyatt loyalty program, and I paid a standard rate of 20,000 World of Hyatt points. You’ll also find pricing of 17,000 or 23,000 points on off-peak and peak dates, respectively.

We value Hyatt points at 1.5 cents per point (USD) or 2 cents per point (CAD). In this case, my redemption beat out our target valuations, and I was pretty pleased with the value.

If you’re booking a cash rate at the Park Hyatt Auckland, get in touch with a travel advisor with access to Hyatt Privé, Hyatt’s preferred partner program.

You’ll pay the same as the publicly available refundable rate, but you’ll get extra perks such as free breakfast, a $100 (USD) property credit, a room upgrade, and more.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Location

Auckland, which is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, flaunts a captivating skyline with towering skyscrapers. It’s a city of many contrasts, laden with vibrant harbours, volcanic landscapes, art galleries, and beaches.

Nestled perfectly on the water’s edge, Park Hyatt Auckland has a prime spot with sweeping views of Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and Waitematā Harbour. The area is well-established as a prominent hub for business, so there’s a multitude of offices, apartments, and other hotels nearby.

Beyond this, it’s quite easy to meander around. From the hotel, it’s a leisurely stroll to an array of restaurants and local bars, all of which offer stunning views of the harbour.

A short walk from the property will also take you to Queen Street, the main shopping hub. Then, heading across a pedestrian bridge takes you to the Britomart area, which offers a mix of historic buildings, new developments, and open public spaces.

The Park Hyatt Auckland is also a stone’s throw from many major hotspots. It’s a 20-minute journey by vehicle to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Sky Tower, and the SKYCITY Auckland, so all the action is right at your fingertips.

Lastly, the Park Hyatt Auckland is a 30-minute drive from Auckland Airport, and I was in great spirits as I arrived at the hotel by Uber on a beautiful day in the city. 

Park Hyatt Auckland – Check-In

The entrance to the Park Hyatt Auckland sits directly off Halsey Street in Auckland Central, where a porte-cochère welcomes you inside.

The hotel’s exterior immediately carries a distinctly modern design, adorned with pivoting bronzed stainless steel mesh screens that are meant to represent a traditional Māori cloak called a korowai.

To add to this, the hotel draws inspiration from the Auckland Harbour and New Zealand’s rich natural beauty. It incorporates locally sourced materials and many Māori touches, alongside industrial elements and urban references.

The hotel showcases numerous works of art. The first piece of Māori artwork is the hotel’s façade, while the second installation occupies the entrance wall – a wooden waka by Lyonel Grant, a renowned New Zealand Māori master carver and sculptor.

As a striking contrast to the low entry porte-cochère, inside, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking seven-storey central atrium, encircled by the hotel’s guest rooms.

The atrium of the hotel incorporates elements inspired by the Māori. Irregularly shaped fins extend upwards on both sides of the atrium, and overhead, and the spaces between these fins are glazed. This enables natural daylight to illuminate the interior as it moves throughout the day.

The lobby is outright striking, with tukutuku panels and a multi-coloured art display by artist Peata Larkin. This backdrop features painted woven patterns that are illuminated with LED lighting to echo Māori weavings.

When you enter the lobby, there are two curved couches and colourful ottomans which sit over a strip-patterned rug. To its right, a map of the Auckland area hangs prominently on the wall.

The front of the lobby is where the check-in and the concierge desks are located, while towards the back is an open-air event space.

After checking out the space, I headed over to the check-in area. Here, three desks are framed by slatted wooden structures, and more tukutuku panels serve as a backdrop.

Ordinarily, Hyatt Globalist members are entitled to a “Standard Suite” upgrade upon availability at check-in; however, it wasn’t looking too good in terms of getting an upgrade upon arrival, since the hotel was quite full.

Nevertheless, the hotel was able to find a Park Suite for me between the time I arrived and the check-in hour at 3pm. In fact, the Park Suite I was allocated is one of the better ones, as it’s situated on the corner of the building, albeit on the third floor closer to ground level.

Indeed, most of the other corner suites on higher floors with a similar layout are designated as Harbour Suites, and are typically not given out to Globalist members. If you’re staying at this hotel as a Globalist, it might be an inspired move to ask for the “Park Suite on the corner on the third floor” as your Standard Suite upgrade. 😉

After this pleasant surprise, I collected my keys and headed to Room 305 on the third floor.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Park Suite

I discovered my room tucked away at the furthest point of the hallway, secluded in its own cozy corner.

This Park Suite spans an impressive 765 square feet, and features a sleek and contemporary design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and thoughtfully crafted.

Upon entering, I was greeted with a brief foyer that lead into a spacious living area. While the suite maintained an open plan concept, each section could be closed off for privacy and versatile usage through sturdy wooden slider doors.

The space emanated a refreshing ambiance, adorned with numerous nautical accents and a warm palette of timber, fabrics, and seamlessly integrated furniture reminiscent of a luxurious yacht.

Positioned beside the floor-to-ceiling windows is a modern grey upholstered sofa, complemented by a leather armchair facing a flat-screen TV mounted on the right-hand wall.

Adjacent to the seating area, there’s a delightful dining nook furnished with a bench and side chair, which also serves as a practical workspace. Conveniently integrated into the vertical surface of the bench were charging outlets and USB ports.

Beyond the seating area, the bedroom awaits. At the heart of the room, a king bed stands, accompanied by floating side tables and contemporary hanging fixtures. Then, a leather bench graces the foot of the bed.

Nestled in the far corner, a flat-screen TV rests on a stand, while ample natural light streams through the windows. The bedroom has breathtaking views of the waterfront; however, blackout curtains were also thoughtfully provided for privacy.

Upon entering the room, the minibar can be found across from the closet on the right-hand side of the foyer. Here I found my welcome amenity on the table: chilled tea and butter cookies, which I thoroughly enjoyed snacking on.

To the left of the room, a door opens up to reveal a spacious walk-in closet, a toilet, and an elegant marble-clad bathroom.

The bathroom boasts a generous size and is equipped with both a rain shower and a separate soaking bathtub, both accessible from the bedroom. The free-standing bathtub, positioned against the wall, is the focal point of the space.

Directly across from the bathtub, a beautiful vanity is strategically placed, although the counter space is slightly limited.

Overall, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the stunning marble bathroom, illuminated so elegantly by natural light flooding in via the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The design reminded me of the Muir Hotel Halifax’s bathroom aesthetic, which is another property whose bathrooms had left me quite impressed.

Finally, the “half-balcony” space, although covered, features sliding panels that could be opened to admire the outdoor scenery or closed for added privacy.

It would’ve have been splendid to have a full balcony, but those rooms or suites are exclusively reserved for the hotel’s higher floors.

All in all, the Park Suite certainly exceeded my expectations. The sleek and contemporary design of the Park Suite captivated me, with each section of the suite carefully crafted to provide both privacy and versatility.

The refreshing ambiance, adorned with nautical accents and warm timber tones, was beautiful, and the views of Viaduct Harbour were also a sight to behold on a gorgeous day.

Park Hyatt Auckland – King Room with Balcony

I also had the chance to take a tour of the King Room with Balcony and the Executive Rooftop Suite at this property.

Spanning approximately 500 square feet, the King Room with Balcony is a level above the hotel’s standard room category.

These rooms not only feature a comfortable king bed, but also boast a dedicated living area and a generously sized balcony the measures around 100 square feet.

The King Room with Balcony has a modern aesthetic that echoes the Park Suite. Within these walls, nautical accents meld seamlessly with a comforting colour palette, accentuated by wooden touches and fabrics.

Positioned at the front of the room, the king bed takes centre stage, accompanied by a convenient sofa positioned to the right, facing a large flat-screen TV.

As you slide open the doors, a private terrace unfolds to provide a breathtaking vantage point of the vibrant marina and the cityscape.

Like all rooms at this hotel, the King Room with Balcony offers a luxurious bathroom adorned with marble. The striking black accents on the dual vanity leave a lasting impression, while a bathtub, as well as a separate shower and toilet, complete the space.

The King Room with Balcony offers an abundance of space and sophisticated furnishings, making it the perfect choice for guests looking for comfortable living quarters without commanding too high of a price.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Executive Rooftop Suite

The Executive Rooftop Suite is a spacious corner suite situated on the top floor of the property, offering an expansive 1,450 square feet of space.

As you step into the suite, you’ll be welcomed by a sleek open concept living area, elegantly furnished with plush seating arrangements and a generously sized dining table that can comfortably accommodate up to six people.

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the room, allowing ample natural light to flood in.

A separate bedroom awaits, complete with a luxurious king bed. While this room may be on the smaller side, the rest of the suite more than compensates with its expansive layout.

A highlight of this room is the immaculate oversized bathroom, featuring a double vanity that spans the entire length of the room. The bathroom exudes opulence with its oversized marble design, complemented by these stunning dual vanities.

You’ll find a rain shower and a separate bathtub, conveniently connected to the balcony, although the views from this vantage point may be slightly less optimal.

The wrap-around balcony is the crown jewel of this extraordinary suite. The balcony extends from the living room to the bedroom and to the bathroom, and offers multiple seating areas including couches and recliners.

From this remarkable outdoor space, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the harbour, providing an idyllic setting for morning coffee or unwinding in the evening.

Without a doubt, this room is an absolute marvel in terms of size, and the stunning nautical-themed design of the room is the cherry on top.

On the whole, the rooms at the Park Hyatt Auckland are perhaps a fair bit more bold and captivating than the usual minimalism associated with the Park Hyatt brand.

It’s all done in a very tasteful manner, though, and you’re sure to appreciate the Māori-style tukutuku pattern adorning the walls, a distinctive feature found in every room at this hotel.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Breakfast

Breakfast is served at Onemata, the Park Hyatt Auckland’s signature restaurant. It’s located on the ground floor, alongside the other restaurants at the hotel.

On weekdays, breakfast is served from 6:30–10:30am, and on weekends from 7–11am.

Onemata, a name derived from “rich, fertile soil,” gathers its ingredients from farms and fisheries across New Zealand. This venue focuses on an intimate and genuine dining experience, with a menu crafted with specialty ingredients, showcasing local suppliers.

As a Globalist member, I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast benefit. At Onemata, the breakfast options consisted of a limited buffet with typical items like cereal, pastries, cheese, cured meats, fruits, yogurt, juice, as well as self-serve coffee and tea.

However, the à la carte selection stood out, with a variety of delicious egg dishes, porridge, granola, and various types of pancakes.

For my breakfast, I decided to try the Hearth Roasted Salmon, which was indeed quite tasty. The smoky flavour of the salmon complemented the creamy avocado perfectly, while the tangy sourdough added a delightful crunch to the dish.

Moreover, Onemata also offered a great selection of coffee options to start the day, keeping in mind the renowned coffee culture of the Oceania region as a whole.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Dining

The Pantry is located on the street level of the hotel, and is open for breakfast and lunch from 7am–2pm on weekdays and from 8am–3pm on weekends.

Here, you can find a range of handcrafted food, including cakes, desserts, pastries, and comfort food for breakfast and lunch.

Inside, the venue has a relaxing coworking vibe with seating options that include communal, two-to-four person seating, and some outdoor seating.

You’ll also find The Living Room at Park Hyatt Auckland, which overlooks the Viaduct Basin.

The Living Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and provides a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views. Whether you’re looking to unwind, hang out with friends, or even have a casual meeting, The Living Room would be an ideal spot.

The menu features light and tasty options, and the venue also plays host to the Park Hyatt Auckland’s Afternoon Tea.

If you’re in the mood for cocktails and some small bites, Captain’s Bar is situated just down the hall from The Living Room.

This cozy and sophisticated space features a stunning two-sided bar, with beautiful lighting. Additionally, there’s stunning views from the outdoor terrace, which is also equipped with a beautiful fireplace.

Park Hyatt Auckland – Other Facilities

The fitness centre is a spacious and well-lit facility, and is open 24 hours every day. Its large windows allow plenty of natural light to fill the space, creating an inviting space for workouts.

Inside, you’ll find a range of high-quality Technogym cardio equipment, as well as a modest selection of strength- and weight-training machines.

However, given the size of the fitness centre, the range of equipment options was slightly limited, and I was disappointed in that respect.

The pool at the Park Hyatt Auckland is a 25-metre, partially outdoor infinity pool with sweeping views of Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin, open from 6:20am–9:30pm daily.

The pool was attractive and looked to be a great spot to take a dip, especially with a few recliners available on the pool deck.

However, the real highlight in this area is the hydrotherapy spa. The Spa at the Park Hyatt Auckland is directly connected to the hotel’s pool and fitness facility.

The hydrotherapy area includes an aroma steam room, a sauna, and a full-feature jacuzzi, as well as a cold plunge pool that actually wasn’t too cold.

You can also book a range of treatments here; however, the pool and spa facilities are reserved exclusively for guests at the hotel, so you won’t have to worry about overcrowding.

Conclusion

The Park Hyatt Auckland is unquestionably the best luxury hotel in Auckland, setting a new standard for the hotel scene in the city.

The hotel’s beautiful waterfront location provides stunning views and unparalleled walkability, allowing you to easily explore the nearby attractions.

The Park Suite and the hotel’s other room types feature stunning harbour views, complemented by modern and trendy Māori-inspired interiors. What’s more, the hotel’s art-filled public spaces, ambiance, and excellent spa facilities certainly make it an appealing choice for those seeking high-end accommodations in Auckland.

Overall, the Park Hyatt Auckland has a lot to offer, particularly for World of Hyatt members. It’s a very impressive addition to the brand’s global portfolio, and one that I’d highly recommend.