8 Best Hotels in Wellington, Wellington and the Wairarapa

Offering luxury loft-style rooms, the Intrepid brings home comforts to your inner-city stay, and you'll be greeted in the morning with complimentary fresh coffee and tea, and maybe a sweet snack or two. Service is excellent and friendly. In keeping with the modern art deco aesthetics, below the hotel is the quiet, speakeasy-styled Puffin wine bar. The hotel's front door sits in the entertainment hub of Ghuznee Street and Cuba Street.

With the hotel's stately heritage facade hiding a colorful, whimsical interior, you'd think you've stumbled onto a set of a Wes Anderson film. Aesthetically striking at every turn, Naumi's reception and downstairs Lola Rouge bar area provide a comfy and delightful lounge in which to work and socialize. The well-designed rooms thoughtfully navigate the smaller dimensions typical of a heritage building. Naumi wholly embodies the cool vibe and friendliness of the capital's iconic Cuba Street.

With bold art on display everywhere you look, this hotel near the harbor is for the hip and trendy. Harbor-view rooms come with huge balconies, while in-room decor and bathrooms are just as design-friendly as the rest of the place. There are coffee machines in every room, and apartments are nicely fitted out for longer stays, including washers and dryers. The in-house restaurant Hippopotamus and Hot Sauce bar offer great cocktails and culinary delights. This is the closest hotel to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Well-known to upscale business travelers, this independently owned hotel is great for extended stays, with some rooms containing full kitchen facilities and washer/dryers. Artisan, the in-house restaurant, is incredible, and it's worth staying in for a night just to experience dinner there. It's not in the heart of downtown, which is preferable to some guests.

These well-appointed loft-style rooms and suites (including some with two bedrooms) in the heart of the city will have you feeling like a true local. Located on Hannah's Laneway, the Cobbler is a stone's throw from the Wellington Chocolate Factory, and it feels more like an upscale apartment block than a hotel. Before your arrival, the owners send you a unique entry code, so you don't have to fuss with check-in times or waiting in line. Don't take the lack of check-in desk as a sign of missing service: the owners are easily contacted should you need anything. Each room also comes with a bespoke, up-to-date guide of local events and eateries that you can take home as a souvenir.

In the heart of the business district and a stone's throw from the waterfront, this landmark high-rise gets the details right, delivering a sleek, contemporary look with a warm yet sophisticated ambience. The bedrooms are luxuriously equipped, and the chic reception area has light, modern furniture. There's a 24-hour car service and even an on-site spa.

In the famous waterfront neighborhood of Oriental Bay, this boutique hotel is tailored to those who enjoy a personalized and luxurious experience. Spacious rooms are uniquely furnished with mid-century decor that combines urban chic with a cozy feel. Perks include its proximity to essential waterfront sights such as the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Oriental Bay Beach, and the harborside market. Parking is a 5-minute walk away at the Te Papa museum.

In celebration of its proximity to the Wellington Botanic Garden, this sophisticated hotel has a strong but subtle floral theme throughout the rooms and shared spaces. The Jardin Grill restaurant serves buffet and à la carte breakfast, and is a great place for a quiet, elegant dining experience. It's a short walk up the hill to the botanic garden or downhill to the city and waterfront.