SO/Auckland

Every hotel has some design elements, where someone decided to place a chair just so, and this is definitely the case at the 17 storey SO/Auckland, located in the heart of Auckland. Every aspect has been deliberated upon by Benny Castles, Design Director of the NZ fashion brand WORLD, and Space Studio, the interior design specialists: upended sofas in the lobby, giant floor to ceiling chandeliers, ‘volcanic’ wall tiles in the bedrooms. The design even stretches to the staff attire, it’s all so playful, creative and fashion led. No detail was too small for this team, but at no point has the design been allowed to interfere with the main purpose - the guests' comfort and the enjoyment of staying in a luxury hotel. You may not like all of it, but it works and is definitely a hit in Auckland both with both those who are staying and the locals. The Harbour Society Restaurant with its panoramic views is under the supervision of renowned award winning French chef Marc de Passorio and is popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner; this really is a destination restaurant that is frequented for all kinds of special occasions. Hi-SO the buzzing roof top bar comes to life around 6 and certainly seemed to be the cool place to be, right into the early hours. Extremely comfortable bedrooms enjoy great views of the city and harbour and although the bathrooms are open plan, not to everyone’s taste, they are neatly tucked away behind the bed and like everything, well designed and pleasing. SO/Auckland is up to date, contemporary and undoubtedly a trailblazer.

 

Written by Hugh Graham-Watson

• Restaurant
• Harbour Society offers high-end cuisine focusing on sustainablity under the expert eye of Chef Marty Kindleysides
• Spa
• SO/Spa offers a wide range of treatments including Himalayan Detox therapies, urban detox facials...
• Bar
• HI-SO is Auckland's hippest rooftop bar.
• Hot Tub
• Jacuzzi in the wellness area
• Swimming Pool
• 20m indoor heated lap pool
• Sauna/Steam
• Finnish sauna in the spa
• Sit-out Terrace
• No pets
• Massage

• Family Suites
• Parking
• Wifi
• Air conditioning
• Gym
• Disabled access
• Room service
• Child friendly

• Designer Shopping
• Prada, Tiffany and Karen Walker are just a stroll away amongst other designer outlets
• Other Activities
• For the brave, head to the top of the Sky Tower and bungy jump back down

• Great walks
• Walk up One Tree Hill and enjoy the views from the top

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Centrally located, great views of the Waitemata Harbour, on the doorstep of downtown Auckland’s Britomart hub – shopping, entertainment and lifestyle. NEW boutique lifestyle urban hotel

What is there to do in the area? Shopping, entertainment and lifestyle

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Buffet continental and a selection of a la carte hot dishes.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Restaurant Harbour Society which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a strong loyal, local following due to its outstanding reputation for fine cuisine.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? SO Suite is our most desired room type. This premium room type offers a private balcony, harbour views and access to our Club Signature Lounge with evening drinks and canapés, and an outdoor terrace.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? SO/ Auckland is a new 5-star hotel and New Zealand’s only lifestyle property with an ideal location in the heart of Auckland city.