Review: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, New Zealand

This Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour review is from a recent trip to New Zealand. For prior posts in the trip report please see:

TravelSort Clients enjoy these Sofitel STEP Program benefits when reserving the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour:

Upgrade of one category upon arrival, based on availability

Complimentary continental breakfast buffet for two daily

Complimentary High Speed Internet for all rates and room types

Welcome amenity

No walk policy for guaranteed bookings

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Location and Check-In

The Sofitel Auckland is located in downtown Auckland right on the waterfront, about a 30 minute drive from the Auckland Airport. My husband had arrived the evening before, on his flight from Sydney, and had a quick check-in; and needless to say, when my son and I arrived at 5am, there was no line and we were quickly sent up to my husband's room. I was a little surprised that the front desk agent didn't even ask for any type of ID, but I soon got used to the fact that there are fewer security checks in New Zealand–for example, there isn't even security on many domestic flights within New Zealand (see 6 Reasons I Love New Zealand)

Superior Room, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Superior Rooms are 376 square feet with a King or Queen bed; since we were just staying a few hours to have a nap prior to our domestic New Zealand flight later that day, I reserved a travel professional rate, although for clients paying a regular Superior Room rate, I'm able to guarantee an upgrade to a more spacious Luxury Room with King bed, which is 484 square feet.

One of my favorite things about Sofitel hotels is the Sofitel MyBed, which is as comfortable as Four Seasons, and more comfortable in my view than other luxury hotel brands. Air France has partnered with Sofitel to offer a version of the Sofitel MyBed in Air France La Premiere First Class.

The marble bathroom had just one sink, and the toilet was part of the bathroom and not in a separate chamber, so not as luxurious, say, as higher end Sofitel Legend properties such as the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

There was a deep soaking tub and separate glass enclosed rain shower, with excellent water pressure:

Bath products were the same as the Sofitel Legend Metropole: Les Notes de Lanvin.

The room also had an honor bar and an espresso machine, though tea bags were just Dilmah. In general I'd like to see a better quality tea offered, such as Mighty Leaf or Mariage Freres.

Superior Rooms have city views, and ours faced some construction, although as we were there at night, it was quiet which was all we needed. For waterfront views, you'll need to either reserve a Luxury Room with Marina View, or reserve a Luxury Room with City Views with Sofitel STEP Program benefits for a potential upgrade, based on availability at check-in, to a Marina View.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Fitness Center and Pool

We didn't have time to use the indoor heated pool, but it was a nice size and temperature for lap swimming, and right next door is the fitness center.

Sofitel Auckland Breakfast at Lava Dining Restaurant

Lava Dining is the Sofitel Auckland's main restaurant, and since I'd book a breakfast inclusive rate, we enjoyed a full buffet breakfast there. Here are the breakfast menus:

The breakfast buffet was good, although not as extensive as at better Asian luxury hotels. There were fresh squeezed juices and fresh fruit as well as plain yogurt:

Fruit compotes such as rhubarb, which I enjoyed as a fairly unusual offering:

Breakfast pastries:

Smoked salmon and cold cuts:

And we also were able to order eggs made to order, such as scrambled eggs with chives:

And a delicious “Brioche Pain Perdu,” or French Toast:

The Verdict

The Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour was a very comfortable choice for our brief overnight (in the case of my husband) and a few hours for a nap (for my son and me). A huge selling point is its location right on the water and convenient to downtown, as well as the ultra comfortable Sofitel MyBeds. Breakfast was very good, although pricey if done a la carte, so I recommend reserving a breakfast inclusive rate. The hotel is also a good choice for swimmers and families, given the indoor pool.

If you've stayed at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, what was your experience?

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