Hotel Review: SO/ Auckland (COLLECTION Room with Club Signature Access) - CBD Hotel Near Britomart
Located in the heart of downtown Auckland, SO/ Auckland is a bold and design-driven property that blends high fashion with urban luxury—an aesthetic that’s immediately noticeable the moment you step through its doors. On my most recent trip to Auckland, I stayed at this beautiful property, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive an upgrade as an ALL Platinum member. The hotel was fully booked during my stay, likely due to the Coldplay concert happening at the same time, so availability was understandably tight.
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Hotel Lobby
SO/ Auckland
I flew into Auckland on the redeye SQ285 from Singapore and arrived at SO/ Auckland a little before the official check-in time, but thankfully, my room was ready when I got there. Interestingly, the lowest available rate at the time of booking was for a COLLECTION Accessible Room rather than a standard COLLECTION Room, so that’s what I ended up with for this stay. The check-in process was smooth and relatively quick, and I was informed that, as an ALL Platinum member, my room came with access to the Club Signature lounge, which was a nice perk to have.
Bedroom
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
My room was located on level one of the property, and I initially assumed it would be on the ground floor, especially since it was an accessible room. However, despite the numbering, level one is actually one floor above the lobby, so you’ll still need to take the lift up to reach it. The COLLECTION Rooms at SO/ Auckland measure around 32 sqm, which is a comfortable size for a city hotel. It's worth noting that not all rooms in this category come with a freestanding bathtub, so if that’s something you enjoy, it’s best to make a request in advance. The room’s design reflects the hotel’s bold and fashion-forward aesthetic, with an urban palette and artistic details - something that SO/ Hotels are known for.
Bathroom
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
While the dimmer lighting and dark colour palette create a cosy and stylish atmosphere, some older guests or those who prefer brighter spaces might find the room a little too dim overall. Even with all the lights switched on during the day, the room never felt particularly well-lit, which is something to keep in mind if you rely on brighter surroundings. The bathroom, located at the far end of the room away from the window, receives the least amount of natural light, making it feel even darker during the day.
Bathtub
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
I really appreciated having a freestanding bathtub in the room, especially since I was visiting in November, when the weather in Auckland was on the chillier side. It was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. Another thoughtful touch was the extra set of bath amenities placed beside the tub, so I didn’t have to reach for the bulk-size mounted dispensers in the shower area. It might seem like a small detail, but when you’re fully relaxed and soaking in warm water, the last thing you want to do is to step out just to grab shampoo - having everything within arm’s reach made the experience feel much more comfortable.
Separate Shower Area
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
In addition to the freestanding bathtub, the bathroom also features a separate walk-in shower equipped with both a handheld shower head and a rainshower overhead fixture, giving guests the option to tailor their shower experience. The water pressure was strong, and the temperature controls were easy to use, which made for an enjoyable and refreshing shower
Bath Amenities
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
Bath amenities at SO/ Auckland are provided in bulk-size, wall-mounted bottles in the shower area, and they’re from Maraca New Zealand, featuring the Sevillian Neroli range. While I can’t say for certain if the same products are offered by the bathtub but the scent was pleasant and refreshing, with a citrusy and slightly floral profile.
Bedroom
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
Since my room was located on the lowest floor of SO/ Auckland accessible to guests, there wasn’t much of a view to speak of - the window looked directly out to the carpark next to the hotel, which, to be honest, wasn’t particularly appealing. Because of the lack of privacy, I ended up keeping the sheers drawn for most of my stay, as it was quite easy for people passing by on the street to look into the room. That said, I did really enjoy the king-size bed, which was both plush and incredibly comfortable.
King-size Bed
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
The master switch by the bedside was a convenient touch, allowing me to switch off all the lights without having to get up - something I always appreciate in a hotel room. I also liked the inclusion of several smaller lamps throughout the bedroom, which helped create a softer, more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for winding down in the evenings. On the bedside table, there was a small card introducing the Dis-loyalty programme, but to be honest, I didn’t find it particularly compelling. Since I already have an Accor Plus membership, the added benefits didn’t seem worthwhile for my travel habits.
Workdesk
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
The room includes a small but functional work desk, which is perfectly adequate if you need to get a bit of work done on your laptop. That said, since I had access to Club Signature at SO/ Auckland, I found myself preferring to work from there instead. The lounge is a beautifully designed space with a calm, relaxed atmosphere, and it’s surprisingly quiet during the day, making it an ideal spot for catching up on emails or doing some light work. That said, it was a bit odd that the lounge was locked one morning when I tried to access it - something that was rectified immediately once I had informed the staff.
Welcome Amenities
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
As an ALL Platinum member, I was welcomed to SO/ Auckland with a small selection of snacks, a handwritten note, and a reusable water bottle—which I assume is given to all guests as part of the hotel’s sustainability initiative. I really appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the bottle, especially since New Zealand places a strong emphasis on sustainability and recycling. It’s incredibly easy to find water refill stations throughout the city and in popular sightseeing areas, so having a reusable bottle on hand is both practical and eco-friendly. Since I was travelling for work and didn’t pack my usual bottle, this little gesture added genuine value to my stay, and I ended up using it throughout the rest of my trip.
Minibar Area
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
The COLLECTION Room at SO/ Auckland comes equipped with a basic Nespresso machine, along with a set of complimentary coffee capsules that are replenished twice a day - once in the morning and again during the evening turndown service. A particularly nice touch is the complimentary minibar, which is restocked once daily. Everything inside the fridge, as well as the snacks in the drawer, can be enjoyed free of charge. It is a generous inclusion that adds to the overall sense of value and convenience, especially if you’re the type to enjoy a quick drink or snack without having to leave the room.
Complimentary Minibar
COLLECTION Room - SO/ Auckland
For those who prefer chilled water, there’s a glass bottle of water conveniently placed in the fridge. Alongside it, you’ll find a selection of canned drinks and two bars of Whittaker’s chocolate - all of these items are replenished once daily.
Interiors
Club Signature - SO/ Auckland
Club Signature at SO/ Auckland is located on the second floor of the hotel and provides a stylish and comfortable space for eligible guests to unwind or catch up on work. As an ALL Platinum member, I was given access to this beautiful lounge, which also features a second level with an alfresco area - a nice touch if you prefer some fresh air. Throughout the day, the lounge serves light refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapés.
After checking in, I popped by Club Signature to have a quick look at the afternoon tea spread, which seemed pretty decent for some light bites. I didn’t really linger long enough to properly eat, as I had plans to head out, but I did appreciate being able to grab a much-needed coffee before setting off for the afternoon
Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Club Signature - SO/ Auckland
Even though I didn’t really have time on this trip to properly enjoy the evening cocktail spread at SO/ Auckland, I did manage to pop by one evening after work for a quick look. There was a decent selection of red and white wines, along with a sparkling white and a sparkling rosé on offer. While the wine labels weren’t particularly premium, it was still a nice touch - especially considering it’s available complimentary as part of the ALL Platinum benefits.
Evening Cocktails and Canapés
Club Signature - SO/ Auckland
The food selection at Club Signature at SO/ Auckland in the evening isn’t particularly extensive, but it’s perfectly fine if you’re just after some light bites before heading out for a proper meal. If you have dinner plans in the city, the lounge is a convenient spot to enjoy a quick snack and a drink beforehand. Auckland CBD is home to plenty of fantastic restaurants, and the SO/ Auckland is ideally located near Britomart, where you’ll find a great mix of dining options along the waterfront. If you’re up for a bit more of a stroll, you can also wander down to Viaduct Harbour, which offers even more restaurants and bars in a lively setting.
I wouldn’t consider the food at Club Signature to be a proper dinner replacement or a serious substitute for a full meal, but it was decent enough to swing by for a glass of wine or two. If you’re after a light snack and a relaxed atmosphere before heading out for dinner, it certainly does the job, but you’ll definitely want to explore the city’s many great dining options if you’re looking for a proper meal.
Fitness Centre (SO/ Well)
SO/ Auckland
The fitness centre at SO/ Auckland is a compact but well-equipped space, featuring a good range of cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment - more than enough for a solid workout while travelling. The design of the gym mirrors the rest of the hotel’s bold, urban aesthetic, making it feel a little more polished than your typical hotel gym.
Indoor Swimming Pool
SO/ Auckland
Just next door, you’ll find the hotel’s indoor heated pool, which is stylishly designed with a sleek, moody atmosphere. Although the pool isn’t particularly large, it’s a great spot for a leisurely swim or a quick dip, and it feels more like an urban retreat than a standard hotel facility. There’s also a sauna and steam room available for guests looking to fully unwind after a busy day in the city.
Breakfast
Harbour Society - SO/ Auckland
If your room rate includes breakfast, it will be served at Harbour Society on the top floor or SO/ Auckland. Interestingly, the restaurant was fairly busy each morning during my stay, even when I made the effort to get there quite early. One of the highlights of the breakfast service is the live egg station, where you can order eggs cooked to your preference, whether you’re after a simple omelette, poached eggs, or something a little more customised.
The quality of food at breakfast was decent, although the selection didn’t vary much from day to day. While it’s certainly not the most memorable breakfast offering in Auckland - that title would easily go to the Park Hyatt Auckland - it was more than sufficient for grabbing a light bite before heading out. One thing I did particularly appreciate was the strong and delicious coffee served at the restaurant, which was exactly what I needed each morning to properly start the day.
Club Signature
SO/ Auckland
If you need to stay in the CBD and want to be close to the waterfront, the SO/ Auckland is a great option. The rooms are comfortable, and Club Signature is a pleasant enough space to get some work done during the day or simply pop in for a coffee. That said, if you do not hold ALL Platinum status or higher, you might want to consider other properties instead, depending on the price at the time of booking. The lounge access and other elite benefits definitely help to elevate the experience, so without them, the value proposition might not feel quite as strong.
SO/ Auckland
Corner Of Customs St E&, Gore Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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