Nice, handy accommodation to the city, but not too pricey, I stayed at The Surrey Hotel (formerly…read moreQuality Inn) for a week with some friends. They have a massive pool in the middle of their complex and reasonably sized motel studios, as well as hotel rooms. Since I was in a big group, they did a good job of putting us in various rooms without separating us too much. We purchased the continental breakfast option and thoroughly enjoyed a buffet of yummy food in the mornings at the restaurant. It's not exactly 5 star, as it's a bit run down in places. However, perfectly comfortable if you're looking for a place to lay your head. Grey Lynn isn't the nicest area, but they have a resident cat to keep your comforted.

Pre booked our accommodation and upon check in the reception staff noted that our booking was made…read moreincorrectly by our travel agent. He was great and upgraded us to ensure we would be comfortable during our stay and given we required 2 rooms we were situated just opposite each other. We organised an apartment with a kitchen which was great and had all the facilities. However, unfortunately the furniture was warn out, the couch dirty and the beds were not comfortable  very soft and lumpy with only very thin pillows. However, we did have great service from the reception staff at all times and the building is very secure as you need your pass to swipe in and out. With great views of the Viaduct and located centrally in Auckland we could walk or take public transport quite easily.

Cute, cute, cute. This hall is the epitome of the shabby chic wedding trend that's hitting millions…read moreof Pinterest pages. I went to a wedding here and it was the best venue I've ever seen a wedding it. It's not too big and not too small which is great because there's nothing worse than an over or under-crowded wedding! The inside is painted white with awesome wooden floors that make it have a really relaxed vibe. There's a big stage at the front for the bridal party to stand on and the whole hall is fully stocked with spotlights and flashing party lights so if you wanted to you could carry the reception on at the same venue. Puhoi is a really cute village only half an hour from the CBD and would be a great way to get people out of the city and exploring a different part of Auckland. Be sure to check out the Puhoi Pub while you're out there too!

I'd never heard of the Victory Convention Centre until I saw it on my Semi-Permanent ticket. After…read morea quick google map search, turns out it's that huuuuuuuuge church next to the motorway on-ramp at Beaumont St. I don't mind old churches with a bit of character and history but the new, modern ones aren't really my cup of tea so I can't sayI was excited about the venue choice. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. It is just like every other big conference centre I've been to. In fact, I almost prefer it to Aotea because it's all accessed from one level and the gradient of the tiered seating isn't very steep. The only thing I could see being an issue for big events is that the foyer isn't huge so if everyone actually arrived on time, unlike these tardy creative types, congestion could ensue.

I was here for my first TEDxAuckland event. The venue is very new and modern with a fresh feel. The…read moreseats are raised like stadium style so you can pretty much see the stage from all angles. The conference carried on all day, but the seats were comfortable and the whole experience was enjoyable. The let down of the day was the inability to get a coffee or food due to the poor organisation of that part of the conference. This however had nothing to do with the venue so I still feel that Victory deserves 4 stars.

The Adina Apartment Hotel in Auckland was a really nice hotel, and one I would book again…read more Don't let the name, Apartment Hotel, confuse you as it's not one of those Condotels! This hotel offers an apartment like hotel--a home away home if you may. That was one of the things that sold me. The location wasn't too far away from the main attractions, such as the Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbor. Roughly 10 minute walking distance. It's close to Albert Park, and super close to Spark Arena. The lobby area is quite small, which I guess fits the "Apartment" style. The staff were very friendly, informative, and helpful. When we got off the elevators, the floors were open air with one walkway down the middle, with each pair of rooms its own walkway, so it was very unique, and actually does give a comfy, homey, apartment-like feeling. Our studio-like, 1 bedroom was quite spacious--living room, bathroom, and a full kitchen and everything you need. The bed was in between the kitchen and bathroom. I've seen many studios like this, but with the addition of the sliding doors, it does make it feel like a bedroom. There was even a sliding "window" connected to the kitchen counter, so you can wake up, open the window, and place an order. :) Another plus of choosing this hotel was the inclusion of free breakfast buffet. Nothing spectacular. Just the usual scrambled eggs, bacon, hash brown, sausage, bread (with marmite!), and etc. Everything was decent. Coffee machine was nice! Wish can adjust the amount though cause I needed it 2x to fill the cup. Overall, this was a very nice hotel. You definitely feel comfortable and peaceful and homey when you step out of the elevator and to your room. Really nice amenities. There was also a gym. The staff were really nice and friendly throughout. Rooms were very clean and neat. Everything was modern with unique touches that make the experience more memorable. Location was nice. Close by to main areas, supermarkets, and restaurants. I'd definitely stay at this hotel the next time I'm in Auckland.

Rooms are pretty nice, they didn't clean on a daily basis, and when they did it wasn't done well…read more Hotel clerks were very friendly. The downer of the trip was Yard Bar, the bar on the first floor. I was excited to try their happy hour. Welp, all they do is very simple drinks, and it seems as though they only know how to make what's on the menu. I asked for a dirty martini. The "bartender" looked like a deer caught in headlights. Apparently they do not have olives. Then I asked for a vodka tonic with lime. He didn't ask what kind of vodka or anything. My husband ordered a peanut butter old fashioned from the menu. The drinks came and my drink was a lot of tonic, a little vodka and a lemon. My husband liked his drink, but it was a half glass. I'd definitely stay at the hotel again, but we'll definitely skip Yard Bar!

We had a comfortable stay. The staff were always polite. Sarah, the main cleaner for the lodge was…read morefantastic. She was always helpful and smiling. She always made sure we were taken care of. Eg: cleaning the room if needed, top up coffee or milk (if we asked), clean towels. The room was a standard room. The price was cheap for 3 people. The bed could be split into single beds if you needed. The room had a small kitchen area, dinning table. stove and fridge. We stayed in the bigger room that was designed for a person with disabilities. It was on the ground floor, had room for a wheelchair (a bit tight, but managble), or a walker and a big bathroom with a shower seat and no barriers to use facilities. There was a ramp to get to room, perfect for someone with disabilities. There is also a little courtyard and spa private spa. In walking distance there are thermal hot pools. A colorful playground with public BBQ's, a campsite, a decent size four square, a bakery, a takeaways, a bottle store (if you want a wine or some beers). There is also Craigweil rest home close if you are from out of town visiting a loved one. Will definitely recommend Parakai Springs Lodge if you want cheap accommodation close to amenities and hot pools. Sarah was fantastic and made our stay welcome.

This is a little bit of a surprise in the very quiet and dated Parakai neighbourhood, a…read morecontemporary development, that is totally needed in the area. I stayed here for a night over the weekend, to escape the rush of the city and enjoy some quiet time. This was a wonderful first time experience, the property I would say has been functioning for less than a year, as it all was very new and fresh. I loved the well planned and designed rooms, with kitchenette, bathroom along with a jacuzzi bath and out on the balcony your very own spa bath with thermal water. Located on a suburban street across the road from a small commercial thermal pool, the west setting sun in the winter afternoon was sublime. Take a five minute walk to the main village shops, where you can purchase groceries and any items you might have forgotten to bring. Before I arrived, my partner and I had to pop into the mineral park motel near by and pre pay the accommodation at the office and pick up keys, however this might just be a present occurrence, as at the lodge I could see that a reception area was in place but at the time not in use. The Premier rooms are the bigger of the two choices, with a super king bed and the thermal outdoor private pools, located on the downstairs block, whilst the upstairs rooms have smaller beds and only the indoor jacuzzi bath. For forty dollars extra I would always recommend the premier room. A wonderful relaxed spot, do explore and check it out.