Reality Check ➔ HOTEL SKYCITY GRAND, AUCKLAND
THE HOTEL: The SkyCity Grand is part of the SkyCity group which runs the Southern hemisphere's tallest tower and four-star sister hotel, just over the road in central Auckland. THE CHECK IN: Arriving mid-morning at the busy reception of the SkyCity Hotel – entrance point to the SkyTower's various attractions – I was promptly directed over the road. Here was the more serene, calming lobby of the SkyCity Grand, where I was quickly attended to by reception staff. A room was not yet available so I left my luggage at reception and headed off into town. Returning later, I was quickly checked in and shown to my room. THE ROOM: The Luxury King Room was reasonably spacious, with subtle decor in autumnal tones. There was a huge wardrobe space, satellite TV, small sofa and table, bright bathroom with separate bath and shower, tea and coffee-making facilities and iron and ironing board. Nice, large windows allowed plenty of light in, but the city centre views weren't much to shout about. THE FACILITIES: The East Day Spa is well regarded in the city and there's also a 25metre lap pool and gym. Dine by Peter Gordon is the hotel's signature restaurant; The Lobby is a more informal options for lighter meals and drinks; an excellent buffet breakfast is served
in The Terrace. Other facilities include car parking, laundry and currency exchange. THE BUSINESS: There's a small business centre, plus the Club Lounge for functions of 20 through to 200 guests. There are further options at the SkyTower and SkyCity Hotel. THE VERDICT: A cavernous and trendy ground floor space left me a little disapp- ointed in the guestroom which, although more than adequately equipped for a five-star hotel, lacked something to really set it apart.
➔ HOTEL MARRIOTT ROYAL BRISTOL
THE HOTEL: An imposing Victorian building that’s been restored, enlarged and rebuilt and in a fantastic location in centre of the city, next to the Cathedral and close to the Hippodrome, Science Experience and historic harbourside. It has been a Marriott since 1991, initially as a Whitbread franchise, and now managed by the US hotel chain and has had £3million lavished on it a couple of years back. THE CHECK-IN: The air of calm in the cavernous lobby immediately takes all the stress away, helped by the fact that there were no queues at the desk. The paperwork was dealt with efficiently and effortlessly. THE ROOM: This was a vast corner suite with grand drapes that framed the cityscape outside, windows that opened and plentiful furniture to relax in. The huge flatscreen TV could be viewed from the bed one side or swivelled round to view it from the sofa in the cavernous living area. Neutral colours were highlighted with calming turquoise and lemon soft furnishings. Aside from its good looks, the room had broadband internet access, large desk, air conditioning, filter coffee machine, iron, ironing board and hairdryer. An equally grand brown marble bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and separate shower (found in suites only) gave it a luxury residential feel.
Still, the hotel's in a good location in central Auckland, the service was consistently good and the designer environment doesn't succumb to outright pretentiousness. THE DETAILS: 90 Federal Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. Low season rates start from around £100 a night not including breakfast. Tel: +64 9 363 6000; email:
grandreservations@skycity.co.nz. See:
www.skycityauckland.co.nz ANDY HOSKINS
THE FACILITIES: Where to start? A huge array of places to eat, all on the ground floor, from the stylish Champagne Bar with its own open terrace, the more classic-looking Terrace restaurant, the stunning Palm Court for more formal meals (dinner only), cosy Club Lounge for afternoon tea and informal meetings, plus a basement Leisure Club – with pool, gym, sauna and steam – which needs some updating. Wireless internet in public areas. THE BUSINESS: Some 21 meeting rooms offering a total of 1,350m2, the largest being
the Kings Room which takes up to 250 theatre style. The Lancaster can take 120 delegates while the College, Cathedral and Merchant break-out rooms are for 12 to 80 people. THE VERDICT: This is a four-star hotel that punches way above its weight. It has the feel, grandeur and facilities of a five-star hotel so exudes value and a strong feel-good factor. THE DETAILS: College Green, Bristol BSI 5TA. Rates from around £165 B&B, including VAT. Tel: 0117 9255 100; see:
www.marriott.co.uk GILLIAN UPTON
80 I FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM
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