Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Hilton Auckland vs. Westin Auckland

So how do these hotels compare?

I'd like to throw one more hotel into the mix - the Rendezvous (which used to be the Carlton). I can get the Rendezvous for less than half the price of the Hilton or Westin in October, and I suspect that, while it's not quite as nice as the other two, at the price ($83 US including tax through Agoda), it's the superior deal.

The Hilton would cost me around $200 per night, and the Westin would cost me 4000 SPG points plus $60, which monetizes out to something in the $180-200 range.

As I'm travelling alone, I'd definitely prefer to pay well under $100 a night for a 4* equivalent, than double that for a 5*. Is there any reason I should not jump on that deal at the Rendezvous?

I've only stayed at the Westin, but points-wise it is a lot cheaper than the Hilton. The Hilton is close to the ferry terminals, though.

We did get an upgrade, using points, and I have no status in SPG...

NB, the Westin can also be had cheaply, at around 190 NZD (130 USD) (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/search/pre_decider_all.html?propertyID=3015&ratePlanName=APIID5&EM=spg_wi_3015_6120688_6120688_prim) till Oct 11.

The 10,000 points for the Westin and the 40,000 points for the Hilton are basically the same to me. I currently have both reserved, but just want to know how they compare.

Of the two I'd pick the Westin.

Hilton
+ Better Location right in the Viaduct
+ Bellini bar has the most amazing views
- Been around for a while and some of the rooms could be freshened up
- Can be noisy in the weekends

Westin
+ Newer / better quality rooms
+ IMO better staff
- Noisy if you're on the bus depot side

I don't know the Westin, but enjoyed the Hilton very much when I stayed there.

One warning though - make sure you know if a cruise ship is coming in. I awoke one morning with open curtains to discover the passengers on a newly arrived docked ship looking in. Then when going down to get a taxi, it was chaotic with all the passengers arriving, family picking them up etc, and taxi's were impossible to come by.

Both have their pros and cons (which of course is why you've asked the question)

The Westin for a period did have a exec lounge but sadly it was discontinued whereas the Hilton iirc never has. With status both are fairly decent with upgrades. The rooms and decor are much nicer at the Westin but at the Hilton you may well score a room with a massive balcony. The Hilton location is marginally better but really they are only a short walking distance from each other. The breakfast at the Hilton I thought was better

I'd be happy with either really although for revenue stays I most always stay at the Langham

I'd book Hyatt Aukland regency club room for 7K or a suite for 8K (3 day min for suites).

Another reason to stay at the Westin (or not depending on your preference) is that Pamela Anderson is currently staying there lol :D