SO/ Auckland

You know what caught me off guard about SO/ Auckland? Walking into the lobby, I actually felt like I was in Paris or Milan – there’s this really sleek, almost art gallery vibe that’s completely different from your typical Auckland hotel scene. The building sits right on that corner where Customs Street East meets Gore, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better spot. You’re literally steps from the waterfront (I mean, you can smell the harbor from the entrance), but you’re also right in the thick of the CBD action.

The rooms are where this place really shines though. I stayed on the 12th floor and the harbor views were incredible – you can see right across to Rangitoto Island on clear days. The design is very French-inspired, which makes sense since SO/ is an Accor brand, but they’ve managed to blend it with some subtle Kiwi touches that don’t feel forced. What I really appreciated was how quiet it was at night, even though you’re surrounded by the city. The windows must be seriously good quality because I barely heard any street noise, and trust me, that corner can get busy during the day with all the foot traffic heading to and from the ferry terminal.

Parking is valet only, which runs about $35 a night – not cheap, but honestly pretty standard for this part of town, and way less stressful than trying to find street parking around here. The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful too, not just going through the motions. They actually gave me solid recommendations for dinner spots that weren’t the usual tourist traps (ended up at a fantastic little place on High Street they suggested). The gym is small but well-equipped, and there’s this rooftop area that’s perfect for a morning coffee – you get amazing views of the Sky Tower and harbor without the crowds you’d find at the actual observation decks. I will say the elevator situation can be a bit slow during busy periods, especially around checkout time, but that’s pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. For the location and the quality, it’s definitely worth the premium you’ll pay over some of the older hotels in the area.