Located right in the centre of Auckland CBD and within walking distance of SkyCity Casino, Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbour, the Rydges Auckland offers a total of 267 guest rooms, some of which offer sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour.
Check in was a breeze with my GHA Black membership. Heading up to my room, which I found to be of decent size, I simply took the opportunity to get some sleep after the long flight. The bed had just the right amount of firmness, and I slept ever so soundly until the next day.
I loved how the glass desk didn’t seem to take up any space at all. The cable television had loads of entertainment options, great if you just wanted to laze around in the room and have some room service.
The bathroom was simple, but very practical. In the absence of a bathtub, the standing shower area was spacious. The faucet was a little old-fashioned but served its purpose.
I had decided to visit Rotorua during my North Island trip as well. Just a 3-hour drive south of Auckland was the Rydges Rotorua. It was a convenient option for me as the hotel was centrally located within Rotorua, and within a short driving distance of key attractions in the vicinity.
As expected, the rooms at the Rydges Rotorua were much larger compared to those in hotels located within denser cities like Auckland.
There was even a nice wooden dining table and a modest balcony. Although I must admit that leaving the sliding doors open isn’t a great idea at Rotorua as the smell of sulphur might be too overwhelming for some.
The corridors open into a huge atrium overlooking the dining area below, where the breakfast buffet is served daily.
The hotel even comes with an indoor pool and a small fitness centre, just in case you’d like to get some exercise during your stay.
Rydges Hotels & Resorts feature prominently across Australia and New Zealand, and while not at all posh and luxurious, is more than adequate for a comfortable stay for couples and families.