7 Best Hotels in City Center and Parnell, Auckland

You don't have to be religious to stay at this boutique hotel in a former Catholic Convent, where the creators have faith in the building and have given it a new, designer-style life. In keeping with its past, the rooms have names with a religious reference such as The Sacristy, The Convent Superior, Convent Petite, and Mother Superior. Amenities include luxurious linens and complimentary snacks, and the hotel also has Ada, an Italian restaurant. It's steps away from Grey Lynn, a trendy suburb with an easy, low-key vibe. 

Standing on the end of Princes Wharf, the Hilton resembles the cruise ships that dock alongside it, with white walls and neutral furnishings in chic rooms that allow your eyes to drift to the great views. The hotel's restaurant is good, while the cocktail bar is the best place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The Viaduct Basin with its raft of restaurants is five minutes away on foot.

This five-star, luxurious waterside hotel is in the heart of Wynyard Quarter with its many eateries and the city's home of theater, the Auckland Theatre Company, and it's also just outside the fray so it can be a little less noisy. The gorgeous minimalist, modern guest rooms, many with balconies, look over water toward the harbor, and the hotel's amenities include a 25-meter (82-foot) pool and an up-to-the minute fitness center. There are also four restaurants, from a café to fine dining. If you enjoy walking, the hotel is close to a great coastline walk that can take you to the underside of the Auckland Harbor Bridge.

This waterfront hotel presents guests with both luxury and a friendly environment, as well as views of the ever-changing Viaduct Basin from some rooms. Guest rooms are expertly appointed, with spacious bathrooms, and some rooms have balconies. The Harbour View corner rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows are in particularly high demand. Lava Dining serves a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the casual 21 Viaduct Cafe offers waterside dining. If you don't want to dine in the hotel, you're just a short stroll from the Viaduct Basin or the Wynyard Quarter park and restaurant area.

A bonus of staying at this central city hotel is the specially commissioned artwork by top New Zealand artists hanging in the soaring lobby, an example of the great attention to design throughout. Even the staff uniforms are designed by local fashion mavens. Beautifully furnished rooms are decked in netural, contemporary hues. Some 53 floors up is the Sugar Club, which adds stunning views to its innovative menu and offers some special deals. You'll also find some fantastic eateries just outside the front door.

This hotel is close to the Aotea Centre performance venue, and its central locale close to many well-priced restaurants appeals to business travelers. The best guest rooms are large and have views overlooking the adjacent park or down to the harbor.

With its great location across from Auckland University, the Pullman offers a mix of hotel rooms and apartments; the Residences wing has beautiful balconied rooms, some with partial harbor views, while the Tower offers more conventional rooms and suites. An indoor pool and fitness center are appealing amenities, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar.