Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Auckland (Park Suite) - Luxurious Waterfront Escape along Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour
The Park Hyatt Auckland is a luxury hotel that sits on the vibrant waterfront of Wynyard Quarter in Auckland. The property offers stunning views of Waitematā Harbour and boasts a prime location within walking distance of some of the city's most renowned attractions, including the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Fish Market as well as the CBD if you are willing to stroll a little bit further. Opened back in 2020, Park Hyatt Auckland is the only Hyatt property in New Zealand and it is home to 195 spacious rooms and suites. This is my second stay at the stunning Park Hyatt Auckland, though unfortunately, I lost all the photos from my previous visit when both my MacBook Pro and external hard drive failed.
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While the Park Hyatt Auckland is arguably the finest hotel in the city, the soft product does fall short of the standards typically associated with a luxury hotel brand—it needs further refinement to align with those expectations. I arrived in Auckland on SQ281, landing at Auckland Airport around 11:35 PM, and reached the hotel just after midnight. As anticipated, there was no one at the door to assist with luggage. On my previous visit, even the check-in desk was unmanned, but I was pleased to find someone present this time. I had two separate reservations for this stay, both of which were booked through Hyatt Privé - a program offering exclusive benefits when booked through a luxury travel advisor like ClassicTravel.com. As a Globalist member, I was upgraded to a Park Suite, and my Hyatt Concierge went the extra mile to arrange some special birthday amenities for me, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience.
Since I arrived at the suite quite late, I decided to take photos the next morning after housekeeping had refreshed the room. As a result, you'll notice that the photos were taken during the day despite my late arrival. The first thing that caught my eye in the Park Suite was the thoughtful birthday amenity set-up. My Hyatt Concierge, along with the team at the Park Hyatt Auckland, had arranged a handwritten note, a bottle of sparkling wine (though not Champagne), and a delicious slice of cake in my room. A bottle of sparkling wine on ice is the perfect welcome, in my opinion.
As mentioned earlier, I booked a Hyatt Privé rate for this stay, which typically includes the following benefits at participating Hyatt properties worldwide:
USD 100 Property Credit (amount may vary by property)
Daily Breakfast for Two
Welcome Amenity and Letter
Priority Early Check-in and Late Check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
As a Globalist member in the World of Hyatt program, I already enjoy most of these benefits, including a guaranteed 4:00 PM late checkout. However, the USD 100 property credit is a fantastic perk, especially considering the Park Hyatt Auckland offers very reasonable pricing for food and drinks. I also took advantage of a third-night-free offer that was available as an exclusive Hyatt Privé rate, adding even more value to my stay. The Park Hyatt Auckland provides 24/7 in-room dining, and I opted for a late-night meal of steak with a delectable potato gratin, all for a reasonable NZD 48, as I was still wide awake from the time difference.
The Park Hyatt Auckland does not officially list the Park Suite as the designated Standard Suite, but it is the suite that you will secure in advance if you use a Suite Upgrade Award. This 71 sqm corner suite features a comfortable king-size bed, a separate dining and living area, a spacious marble bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and an 8 sqm furnished balcony where you can enjoy stunning views. Despite having two separate reservations, the hotel accommodated me with an adjacent room, effectively creating a two-bedroom suite, each with its own set of doors for maximum privacy.
Near the entrance of the Park Suite, you will find a cozy nook that serves as a dining area for at least two adults. I found this spot particularly useful for getting work done, especially since it can get quite chilly in Auckland during the winter. It's also the perfect place to enjoy your in-room dining if you prefer to use your property credit in the comfort of your suite rather than at one of the hotel's restaurants or bars.
Having stayed at numerous luxury hotels in Australia and New Zealand, I've noticed that universal power outlets are rarely provided, so it's essential to bring a universal power adapter when visiting these countries. The suite is equipped with conveniently placed power outlets and plenty of USB charging ports, allowing you to keep your devices charged and work from various locations within the suite, rather than being confined to the typical work desk area.
The Park Suite at the Park Hyatt Auckland is equipped with a basic Nespresso machine and six complimentary coffee capsules each day. You’ll also find a selection of caffeinated and non-caffeinated teabags in a drawer beneath the minibar. While these items are supposedly replenished during evening turndown and in the morning, housekeeping at this property has been notably inconsistent during both of my stays. Evening turndown service was rarely performed, possibly available only upon request - a detail that wasn't mentioned during check-in. In fact, I only received turndown service on one night of my stay. Additionally, housekeeping tends to clean the room late in the day (I returned after 5:00 PM on one occasion, and my room still hadn't been serviced), often neglecting to restock essentials like coffee capsules and towels - an oversight you wouldn’t typically expect from a Park Hyatt.
Unlike apps from competitors like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, the World of Hyatt mobile app does not allow you to chat with hotel staff or request housekeeping services, including room make-up or evening turndown. As someone who stays 70-80 nights a year with the World of Hyatt, I find the lack of these features somewhat frustrating as it makes it difficult to communicate with the property efficiently.
Despite the shortcomings, the Park Suite is truly a masterpiece, offering ample space to relax and unwind throughout the day. The living room is stunning, filled with natural sunlight that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. If you're planning to entertain guests, this space is ideal—your friends can easily flow into the dining area and out onto the balcony. The living room also features a 55-inch TV, perfect for catching up on local news, though I believe a larger screen would be more fitting for a suite of this size.
It is no secret that my favorite hotel in Auckland is the Four Points by Sheraton Auckland, and for good reason. Not only is it affordably priced most of the time, but it’s also conveniently located on Upper Queen Street, offering a wider variety of dining options and, most importantly, closer proximity to the fitness and yoga studios I frequent when visiting for work. While the area around the Park Hyatt Auckland is undeniably beautiful, it primarily offers higher-end dining options. However, the Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, just a stone's throw from the Auckland CBD, are arguably the most stunning spots in the area. I've stayed at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, which is just a 10-minute walk away, and I must say, the view from the Park Hyatt Auckland easily surpasses that.
Not all rooms at the Park Hyatt Auckland come with a private balcony, but the Park Suite does feature an 8-square-meter furnished balcony. I love starting my day with a cup of coffee outside, soaking in the fresh air before heading down to breakfast. It also helps me get a real sense of the weather so I can dress appropriately for the day ahead. The balcony’s external screens can be drawn or closed, allowing you to enjoy the view while maintaining privacy when needed. The luxury of experiencing New Zealand’s fresh air while still enjoying all the comforts of a hotel creates a perfect blend of hotel living and the feel of a luxury waterfront home.
The bedroom in the Park Suite at the Park Hyatt Auckland is situated between the living room and the bathroom, occupying a prime corner position. This layout allows for a beautiful view of the Viaduct Harbour on one side and direct access to the furnished balcony on the other. This same balcony also connects to the living room, and the efficient use of space makes the 71-square-meter suite feel even more expansive. Each Park Suite features a king-size bed with a slightly firm mattress, which is to my personal liking. All lighting in the room can be conveniently controlled via a panel located beside the bed. The design of the rooms and suites at the Park Hyatt Auckland is impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the bedroom with natural daylight. The curtains can be easily drawn to ensure privacy when needed.
Additionally, the bedroom is equipped with a 55-inch TV, although I chose not to use it during my stay, preferring instead to enjoy the view and the refreshing cold air from the balcony. My overall sleep quality at the Park Hyatt Auckland was excellent. However, if you are accustomed to some form of white noise from the air-conditioning unit, it is worth noting that the room is exceptionally quiet, as the air-conditioning operates with minimal sound, even on high fan settings.
In the Park Suite, as well as in the standard guest rooms, the lighting system is designed for convenience and flexibility. All lights can be dimmed and adjusted using panels strategically located throughout the suite. Each panel features buttons to increase or decrease the lighting intensity. It’s important to note that a single tap on the button will set the light to full intensity. For gradual adjustment of brightness, you will need to press and hold the button until the desired level is reached. While this functionality is useful, it can take some time to get accustomed to. Although I appreciate the versatility of the lighting system, I found that having all lights suddenly switch to full brightness can be quite startling, especially when navigating to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
There is nothing like waking up to the beautiful view of the harbour and be greeted by the cool fresh air in the morning. Staying at the Park Hyatt Auckland offers the perfect opportunity for a refreshing jog around the harbour. Depending on your fitness level and desired distance, you can easily extend a 2km run into a 15km route by heading towards the Auckland Ferry Terminal, Mission Bay, and Saint Heliers. If running isn't your preference, consider a leisurely stroll around Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, which is equally enjoyable during the day. Additionally, Silo Park (just a short stroll away) frequently hosts events that can add a unique local flavor to your stay. If your stay coincides with one of these events, you might find it an interesting experience.
The Park Suite that I was assigned to for this stay also allowed me to enjoy views of the famous Sky Tower - the second tallest building in the southern hemisphere - from the comfort of my balcony.
The views from most of the guestrooms and suites here are spectacular so if you are sitting on one of those Suite Upgrade Awards, I highly recommend that you put one of them to use if your plans take you to the Park Hyatt Auckland.
The stunning and generously sized marble bathroom in the Park Suite at the Park Hyatt Auckland is one of the highlights of the suite, and it truly shines during the day. The bathroom features a sleek, contemporary design with luxurious marble surfaces that add a touch of elegance. It is equipped with a separate rain shower and a standalone deep-soaking tub, offering a sophisticated space for relaxation. Plush bathrobes and slippers are thoughtfully provided to enhance your comfort and indulgence during your stay. The use of natural light, combined with the high-quality finishes, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Park Suite features double vanity sinks, ensuring ample space for guests to comfortably share the suite without any need for jostling. Additionally, the toilet is thoughtfully placed in a separate compartment between the walk-in closet and the bathroom, complete with a door to provide privacy even when sharing the space with other guests. This thoughtful design enhances the overall comfort and convenience, making the suite well-suited for both individual relaxation and shared stays.
While single-use plastics are minimised at the property, disposable personal amenities such as razors and toothbrushes are still provided in the room. Although many of us travel with our own, it’s convenient to have these essentials readily available for emergencies. I also appreciate how neatly these items are arranged, which helps to satisfy my inner need for order.
Consistent with brand standards, the Park Hyatt Auckland offers bath amenities from Le Labo, featuring their signature Bergamote 22 fragrance. The suite is equipped with bulk-sized dispensers for convenience, and an additional bottle of body wash is thoughtfully placed near the bathtub to avoid the need to retrieve more from the separate shower area. It is important to note that while the amenities are not wall-mounted, a nominal fee will be added to your folio if you choose to remove or take them home.
Although I usually drink less on work trips compared to personal leisure ones (since I tend to go overboard on these ones), I decided to visit Captain's Bar at the Park Hyatt Auckland one evening for a nightcap, as I still had some of the USD 100 property credit remaining. The advantage of these credits is that you don’t need to use them all in one go; you can spread them across your stay. However, it’s advisable to use them up before your departure day so your folio can be adjusted the night before. The bar opens daily at 4:00 PM and extends its hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Despite a price increase since my last visit, cocktails starting at NZD 24 each are quite reasonable for a Park Hyatt property. If you prefer a simple gin and tonic, prices start from just NZD 14, which is excellent value in my opinion.
During my visit, I tried a cocktail that came premixed in a glass bottle, requiring only a pour. Since it wasn’t a barrel-aged cocktail, I was surprised that it wasn't prepared on the spot by the bartender. After that, I opted for a classic gin and tonic, which was a good choice given the bar's decent selection of gins from around the world. However, for a more extensive gin menu, The Churchill at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland offers a broader variety.
Breakfast at the Park Hyatt Auckland is served at Onemata from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM on weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends. If you book a Hyatt Privé rate, complimentary breakfast for two adults is included with your stay, irrespective of your World of Hyatt status. Additionally, Hyatt Privé rates are elite-qualifying, so you'll earn nights and points on these stays. The quality of the food at Onemata is consistently high, with a breakfast menu offering a range of options. The full breakfast experience includes access to the Kitchen Table, featuring fresh fruits, baked goods, and freshly squeezed juices, along with small plates, a large plate, and a selection of beverages. Everything I sampled was delicious, though the Western dishes tended to be more impressive than the Asian options. Don't miss out on grabbing a bottle of Lewis Road Creamery Fresh Chocolate Milk from the fridge - it's incredibly creamy and delightful, making it a must-try treat that’s worth every calorie.
The Park Hyatt Auckland stands out as a premier luxury hotel in the city, boasting an exceptional hard product, impressive food and beverage offerings, and breathtaking views from its guestrooms and suites. This Category 6 property requires as few as 21,000 points for a Standard Room and 36,000 points for a Standard Suite, though in many cases, the cash rate may be more economical. However, the soft product requires improvement; the service level does not consistently align with the high standards expected from a Park Hyatt property.
Having stayed at several Park Hyatt locations, including Saigon, Kyoto, Bangkok, and Tokyo (before its renovation), I found the service at Park Hyatt Auckland to be the least impressive. Housekeeping needs to enhance both the thoroughness and timeliness of their service, including more consistent replenishment of amenities. Additionally, staff throughout the public areas should adopt a more service-oriented approach. While the service is not poor, I have experienced superior treatment at more budget-friendly establishments like the Four Points. Despite these shortcomings, the Park Hyatt Auckland's hard product remains unparalleled and I look forward to returning, provided it fits within my travel budget.
Park Hyatt Auckland
99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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