This is the most stylish hotel I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Whether staying in New Zealand from overseas, or, like us, as Aucklanders on a mini-break, Hotel de Brett is a luxurious boutique hotel that certainly sets the bar high…
This is the most stylish hotel I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Whether staying in New Zealand from overseas, out of town, or, like us, as Aucklanders on a mini-break, Hotel de Brett is a luxurious inner-city boutique hotel that certainly sets the bar high for any future hotel stays.
I visited Hotel de Brett in NZ winter and stayed in the Loft suite. Instead of your standard one-room-with-a-bathroom hotel room, the Loft features doors between its five areas and can be used for daytime conferences with a projector slidescreen on the ceiling and two flat screen tvs – in the lounge and the bedroom – and two toilets.
The room was certainly a showcase for top of the line New Zealand and international designs. It felt at times as though I had gone to sleep after hours in an expensive design store. A design store with a bed and tea and coffee-making facilities!
Speaking of tea and coffee making, we thought it odd there was no milk until we read the welcome note and saw that you can order your choice of milk from the kitchen and it promptly arrived within two minutes at the door. Vacuum-wrapped nuts, plunger coffee and biscotti were all provided complimentary, and a mini-bar with charges, and a 24-hour room service menu.
Valet parking is available at $20 a night, and free use of an off-site gym.
Everything is beautifully designed and God is clearly in the details, right down to the logo stationery.
The bed has luxurious cotton sheets and a red velvet headboard that matched the couch in the lounge. Design pieces included lamps from Kartell, a radio by Tivoli, striking striped carpet throughout, a desk lamp by Artemide, room fragrance by Ecoya, and many more.
I’m not sure which of the spaces inside the Loft suite was my favourite, but surely the bathroom was in the running for top spot. With circular black tiles and the largest bath I have ever been in, the bathroom is sheer decadence.
The only slightly disconcerting thing was the frosted glass doors to the toilet! Oh – and make sure you shut the bathroom doors while bathing as the exterior doors to the Loft suite open straight to the main restaurant thoroughfare and everyone would see you at the sink! Although you could make use of the emerald velvet dressing gown provided.
Also worth a mention are the lovely toiletries. Note they don’t have plastic-wrapped hotel bathroom items such as shower caps, toothbrushes and so on so do take your own. It’s far more ’boutique B&B’ than ‘hotel’ in style – in fact it feels like you are a guest in an incredibly elegant home.
At 6.30 to 7pm we joined other hotel guests for a complimentary cocktail (or beer or wine) in the book-lined drawing room. Some guests ordered in snacks to have with their drinks from the kitchen.
A baby cot is provided upon request, with embroidered native birds sheets, and baby Louis can personally vouch for its comfort.
The following morning, the Continental breakfast is included in your stay. Even without food, the venue alone has a view worth dining out on.
Below: the architecture award-winning Kitchen restaurant. Currently in the running for Cuisine New Zealand Restaurant of the year, they are one of the 50 finalists. The Cuisine menu is online here.
The day we visited it had Bircher muesli, stewed dried fruits, toast and homemade jams, freshly baked Danish pastries, muffins, fresh fruit and a variety of cereals and juices. It’s a nice touch that flat white coffees are also complimentary; the first hotel we’ve encountered that doesn’t charge you extra for these.
Here are the promotional rates as at July 2011. Check their website for current rates and terms and conditions.
+ Classic Room $270
+ Boutique Suite $350
+ O’Connell Suite $400
+ Loft Suite $450
City Escape offer – Stay at weekends and get an upgrade available on the website: Book and stay in a Classic room at the standard rate of $300 by 31 July and receive a complimentary upgrade to a Boutique suite, or experience an O’Connell Suite for the price of a Boutique suite, or in indulge in a Loft suite for the price of an O’Connell suite.
City Retreat offer – Book and stay in a suite for any 2 consecutive weekend nights in June or July and receive a $100 food & beverage voucher to spend during your stay. You can spend your $100 at Kitchen Restaurant, Housebar, mini-bar, and the guest drawing room honesty bar. Terms & Conditions – Offer valid for a minimum stay of 2 consecutive weekend nights (Friday to Monday). $100 credit can not be used on accommodation, retail items, external services or Cornerbar. Not redeemable for cash or discount. Not transferable to future stays.
To book call +64 9 925 9000 or email reservations@hoteldebrett.com
So whichever room you choose, kick back and relax at Hotel de Brett.
By Megan Robinson 10 July 2011
Photography by Kevin Robinson.
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