Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Question about AUK Hyatt & comparable hotels

I was looking at hotels.com and there is a Hyatt rate of $123/night for July 30 - August 3. This seems to be lower then the rest of the major brands by a bundle. Since I haven't any experience with the local hotels I was hoping for some insight.

Should I be considering the local chains?

The Hyatt location seems to be good but really, what do I know?! The Hilton and the Westin are 185 and 250 respectively. I'll use points before I spend that.

I know there is a web site that FTers use for pricing hotels down under but I can't remember what it's called.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.


Thx,
Jeff

wotif.com is one of the more popular sites for getting discount hotel rates, but is only available up to 4 weeks in advance.

Are the rates you quote in USD or NZD? If in NZD then that is a very good rate for the Hilton - it normally goes for much, much more.

Hyatt is slightly less central than the other hotels, on the edge of the CBD - but only 15 minute walk to the ferries, train etc.

Westin is newly opened - should be able to get a decent discount off the list price for stays in the next short while. Hilton and Westin are both near Viaduct Harbour (but on opposite sides - Hilton being more centrally located).

Hi, do you know what sort of room it is at the Hyatt? Also what do you look for in a hotel?

The Hyatt is in a reasonable location (although up a short hill). The Langham is my favourite in AKL, a bit further away (and still up a hill) but a little nicer.

Westin is brand new and down on the water but probably an even further walk as it's on the far side of a marina. Hilton location is in the middle of the waterfront with great views.

The biggest local options would be Metropolis (great location, nice suites) and Sky City Grand (new and attached to the Casino).

... will be at the Hyatt AKL for a few days from Sunday on... will get the scoop and work it into a trip report later...

... will be at the Hyatt AKL for a few days from Sunday on... will get the scoop and work it into a trip report later...

Please do. I'm very interested to hear a review. Also, anyone who's stayed at the SkyCity Grand, please post (or link to, if you already have posted) your comments.

I got put into Sky City Grand once. It's a very nice hotel, by Auckland standard, comparable to the Hilton and the Westin.

The room I was in wasn't that big, but it's very well furnished. Personally, I believe there's a lot to be said about the hotel based on the bathroom amenities. The Sky City Grand doesn't disappoint in that area. The lobby bar is quite nice, as well as the Japanese restaurant. As the building isn't that tall, there isn't much of a view. The view I had was looking at the Tower and people jumping off it...

There is a BIG difference between the Sky City Grand and Sky City. Sky City is a tourist group class group, and is getting run down.