Shakespeare Hotel Auckland: NZ's Most Romantic Getaway? (You Decide!)
Shakespeare Hotel Auckland: Romancing the Shambles (Or Maybe the Romance?) - A Thoroughly Unprofessional Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because here we go. Me, your intrepid (and slightly caffeinated) hotel reviewer, on a mission to figure out whether the Shakespeare Hotel Auckland lives up to its self-proclaimed "Most Romantic Getaway" title. Spoiler alert: it’s complicated. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because this hotel… well, it’s a character.
First Impressions: A Touch of the Old World (and Maybe a Bit of the Old Plumbing)
The Shakespeare Hotel, as I found it, is a beautiful building. The architecture speaks of a bygone era, that old-world charm is definitely there – think ornate detailing, dark wood, and a vaguely Shakespearean air. You feel like you've stepped into a slightly faded, but still glamorous, movie set. The outside had security cameras – CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property – a nice touch for peace of mind.
BUT (and there's always a "but," isn't there?), the "old world" charm sometimes feels… old. The elevator creaked a bit (or maybe that was just me, after one too many espressos), and I'm pretty sure I heard a faint gurgling from the pipes at one point. No visual alarm, in case of a fire.
Accessibility: Navigating the Bard (and the Stairs?) ( Accessibility **) **
Now, concerning Accessibility, this is where things get a little… Shakespearean-ly tragic. While there IS an elevator, the hotel's historic nature means narrow hallways and potential challenges for those with mobility issues. Didn’t spot anything specifically mentioning a wheelchair-accessible room setup online, so call 'em up and check. I didn't see any facilities for disabled guests screaming at me. It’s a definite area for improvement.
Room Rundown: Where to Sleep (and Maybe Argue?)
My room? Okay, let’s be honest. Rooms are always crucial for a romantic getaway! And it had some great things. It had Air conditioning, thank god, because Auckland can get sticky! Bathrobes and slippers? Nice touch. A mini bar and complimentary bottled water? Score! Blackout curtains were perfect for a lie-in, if you're the lying-in type. And there was free Wi-Fi, although I’ll talk more about that later. There was also an in-room safe box, which, y'know, peace of mind is priceless. A desk and laptop workspace, perfect for… well, pretending to work, right? Wink wink. The bed was comfy, but honestly, I found myself struggling to find a socket near the bed. The bathroom… was a little cramped. It's vintage charm, I guess. The shower was fine, but the water pressure could have been stronger, which is never good when you've just come back from the fitness center. The bathroom also had toiletries, towels (duh), a hair dryer, and a mirror.
I did like the interconnecting room(s) available, a great option for families and friends, or a massive space for an epic romance. Non-smoking is always a win.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Relatively Germ-Free)
Okay, this is where the Shakespeare Hotel really shines in the modern age (especially these days!). They're really trying here. Lots of visible nods to hygiene: Hand sanitizer readily available, daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed keen. I didn't get to see Anti-viral cleaning products in action (thankfully!), but it’s good to know they’re using them. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Opt-out of room sanitization optional. Professional-grade sanitizing services – tick! Staff trained in safety protocol – I’d say so, based on interactions. And, a big plus, cashless payment service is on offer. So, it felt like they were erring on the side of caution, which I appreciated. Breakfast: A Morning Feast (or a Hangry Hobbit’s Nightmare?)
Okay, so breakfast. Bloody crucial, isn't it? The Asian breakfast was decent, from what I'm told by the Asian people who ate it, but I'm a sucker for a good ol' Western fry-up, and it was… okay. They also have breakfast [buffet], but I didn’t get to try it because of the aforementioned sleepiness. Breakfast in room available for those who are feeling particularly lazy (or romantic!), and breakfast takeaway service. Alternative meal arrangements are noted, in case you're particular.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Culinary Choices (and the Questionable Coffee)
Here’s the good news: The restaurants at the hotel are legendary. The Shakespeare Restaurant and Brewery is a classic, and it always holds a special place for me. Excellent international cuisine in restaurant. There’s a bar with a decent selection of beers (and a rather potent Old Fashioned, from what I remember…). A poolside bar is on offer, if you just fancy a beverage or two in the sun. Happy hour is a bonus! Also, there’s a coffee shop and coffee/tea in restaurant. It’s a good place for a relaxing afternoon tea. Desserts in restaurant. Soup in restaurant, a good option, especially on a chilly Auckland evening.
Things To Do and Ways to Relax: Where to Unwind (and Maybe Forget Your Worries)
Here's the part where the Shakespeare Hotel really sells itself. They've got a spa! A sauna, a steam room, and all the usual massage goodies. They haven’t included the option to have a Shakespearean massage, unfortunately. The fitness center (gym) is small but functional, good for getting your blood pumping.
I spent a ridiculously long time in the sauna. It was a deeply calming experience. Afterwards, I sat in the pool with a view and just… breathed. It was genuinely blissful. No stress. No emails. Just… peace. I felt ridiculously relaxed.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (or Just More Luxurious)
They’ve got everything you’d expect, plus extras. Air conditioning in public area, daily housekeeping, concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, currency exchange – the works. Parking might be an issue, depending on demand.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (or a Romantic Escape? You Decide!)
They've got babysitting service offered. A Family/child friendly hotel is always nice to see. The Kids meal is a nice touch. Getting Around:
Airport transfer is offered. There is car park [free of charge], which is a big plus in Auckland. Taxi service available as well.
Internet: A Crucial (and Sometimes Frustrating) Necessity
Okay, let's talk about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Great! In theory. In reality, the Wi-Fi signal in my room was… patchy. I had moments of glorious connectivity, followed by moments of absolute, screaming frustration. I’d say the Wi-Fi is adequate for basic browsing, but don’t plan on live-streaming your wedding vows. So, Internet access – wireless is on offer.
My Overall Romantic Verdict: Is it "NZ's Most Romantic Getaway?"
My verdict? It’s complicated. The Shakespeare Hotel has the potential. The bones are there. The history, the atmosphere, the spa – all are undeniably romantic.
But, and this is a big but… they need to up their game on those small, but significant, details. Improve the Wi-Fi. Fix the plumbing (seriously, that gurgling was not conducive to romance). And maybe, just maybe, improve the accessibility.
The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an old-world, atmospheric stay with a ton of charm, and can deal with a few quirks, then you should definitely consider the Shakespeare Hotel Auckland. It could be the best romantic getaway, with a little bit of luck.
But… is it the most romantic? Well, that depends. Are you a romantic who appreciates a bit of rough around the edges? Then, maybe, just maybe, the answer is yes. If you're after pristine perfection, you might want to look elsewhere, I'd be tempted to skip the whole idea, and consider a different location.
My Unofficial Offer for You, my Beloved Reader:
Ready to take a chance on romance (and a slightly quirky hotel)?
Book your stay at the Shakespeare Hotel Auckland today and receive a complimentary bottle of New Zealand wine upon arrival!
(Disclaimer: bottle preference may vary. Subject to availability. And yes, I'm still hoping for the Wi-Fi fix. Wish us luck!)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Magnet House, Prem Nagar's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We're diving headfirst into my Auckland adventure, the one and only Shakespeare Hotel, and trust me, this ain't gonna be your sanitized, perfectly-packaged travel blog. This is real life, folks. And it's gonna be messy.
Day 1: Arrival - Smelling the Roses (or, the Damp Wool Carpets)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Landed in Auckland. Jet lag is already kicking my arse. Passport control? Smooth sailing. Luggage carousel? A bloody free-for-all. Found my bag, thankfully. Had visions of starting my trip entirely nekkid.
- 9:30 AM: Taxi to the Shakespeare Hotel. First impressions? The city skyline is…nice? But, the taxi driver? My God, the man talked non-stop. About the price of milk, the All Blacks' chances (always!), his ex-wife… honestly, I’m already exhausted. Auckland, you win.
- 10:30 AM: Check-in. Okay, the hotel…it’s…vintage. Old-world charm, they call it. I call it “the smell of damp wool carpets and the faint scent of a thousand forgotten beers.” Embrace the funk, they say! My room is tiny. A bit claustrophobic, but the view from the window? Spectacular overlooking the city.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Rambled about the streets of Auckland. Feeling the jet lag. Found a cafe and devoured a flat white and a sausage roll. Seriously good. The Auckland people are… polite? Way too polite. Is this real life or some bizarre, overly-friendly simulation?
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Ferry Disaster of 2024. Decided to be ambitious and take a ferry to Devonport. Beautiful views of the harbour, and I thought, "How idyllic!". Until the swell kicked in. I get seasick, and let me tell you, the ferry ride back was brutal. I spent the second half of the journey green around the gills, clinging to the railing for dear life. Didn't puke, victories.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, re-evaluating my life choices. Rested in my room…and slept.
- 5:00 PM: Shower. Finally felt human again after the ferry.
- 6:00 PM: Drinks at the Shakespeare's bar. The pub! That's what I needed. A Guinness. Chatted with a local who told me everything about New Zealand politics. Whoa, I'm already feeling like I belong.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Mediocre. The fish and chips were bland and the place was empty. Maybe I’m just being cranky. Okay, I am cranky. But the Guinness helped.
- 9:00 PM: Back in my tiny room. The jetlag is kicking my butt now. Slept the sleep of the exhausted.
Day 2: Exploring the City - So Many Hills, So Little Energy
- 8:00 AM (ish): Woke up. Surprisingly, jet lag didn’t crush me. Breakfast at the hotel - meh.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Walked around the city again. Exploring the waterfront, going up the sky tower, which was pretty awesome--even with the slightly nauseating glass floor. Auckland is Hilly. My legs are already screaming. Found myself a gelato. All the gelato, honestly. Fuel for the rest of the day.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM : Spent time exploring the Auckland Art Gallery, it was really good! Found myself staring at some portraits for ages. Wondered about the lives of the people in them.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Found a park. Sat by a tree. People-watching. Kiwi kids playing. This is nice.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Wanted to relax. Found out I only had 30 minutes.
- 6:00 PM: Went to a show. Saw a local theatre performing New Zealand history. Weird. Really weird. The actors were dedicated, but the script was…something else. Definitely a cultural experience.
- 8:00 PM: Got a burger. Amazing.
- 9:00 PM: Crashed.
Day 3: Islands!!
- 8:00 AM: I'm starting to like that view.
- 9:00 AM: Headed to Waiheke Island on the ferry. Seriously this time, no seasickness, I was prepared.
- 10:00 AM: Arrived, hired a scooter (nervous laughter).
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Rode the scooter around for hours. Visited vineyards, saw gorgeous beaches, met a dog. Bliss.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a vineyard
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wine tasting, of course! (responsible, always, yes…) Waiheke wine is fantastic. The views are even better. I'm officially in love with this island.
- 5:00 PM: back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Packing.
- 7:00 PM: Last dinner at the hotel. Trying to absorb the last minutes.
- 8:00 PM: Planning my next trip!
Final Thoughts:
The Shakespeare Hotel? Quirky. A bit musty. But charming in its own weird way. Auckland as a whole? Surprisingly lovely. The people are a little too nice (am I being paranoid?), the food is hit-or-miss, and the hills… well, let’s just say I’ll be feeling that for weeks. Would I come back? Absolutely. Just maybe a bit better prepared for the ferry and the jet lag next time! And maybe, just maybe, I’ll skip the theatrical productions. Just kidding… I'll probably watch another show. This is what makes life…interesting. You bet I'll be back.
Now, where's my passport?
Palmerston North's BEST Kept Secret? Aubyn Court Spa Motel!
So, what *is* this thing, anyway? Like, a philosophical question answered with a shrug?
Ugh, the fundamental question, right? Look, I've been around the block enough times to know that sometimes the answer is...well, there isn't one. It's supposed to be a FAQ, you know, like frequently asked questions. But honestly? I'm not sure *I'm* even sure what I'm doing with this thing. It's a question... and the lack of a definitive answer can be a bit of a gut punch. Sometimes it feels like chasing smoke. I just... *like* the question, the endless possibilities it represents. It's the mystery, the *unanswered* stuff, that really gets me going. Honestly, if there's a solid "this is the answer" I'm probably going to run screaming in the other direction. It's the human tendency to get lost in something that has no solid structure that I enjoy. The ambiguity is the spice of life, you know?
Okay, but why this *now*? Why is it even worth talking about?
Honestly? Pure, unadulterated procrastination. I should probably have been doing laundry, or, you know, *adulting*. But the allure of getting lost in the "what ifs" and the "maybe's"? It's just too damn tempting. Look, I can't promise you a grand revelation. But I *can* promise you some raw, unfiltered rambling. We're talking messy, unpolished, and occasionally brilliant (at least I *think* so). What's it worth? Well, that depends on how much you enjoy chaos, and the feeling of knowing you are not alone... in your confusion. I'm a sucker for the question and that's what makes it worth it for me.
So, like, what kind of questions even *are* we asking here?
Oh, the *types* of questions? Hoo boy. It's a mixed bag, really. Some days it's existential dread. Other days it's a slightly-less-existential dread. Honestly, it just depends on the mood, my current coffee intake, and the general alignment of the stars. Will there be deep philosophical dives? Maybe! Will there be tangents involving hamsters and existentialism? Absolutely! I'm prepared to talk about anything and everything.
Are you trying to *prove* anything? Like, is this some kind of argument?
Prove? Oh, heavens no. I barely prove I've showered this week. Look, I have opinions, sure. Everyone does! But I'm not here to shove them down your throat. This is more like me yelling at a mirror, and you're just, you know, *watching*. Think of it as a permission slip for messy thinking. No pressure, no grand pronouncements. Just... exploration. I feel no need to convince you to agree with me. I'm just here to figure things out for myself, aloud.
The times I *have* tried to prove something? Disasters, every single time! The more I tried to convince someone, the more convoluted and ridiculous I became. Lesson learned: lean into the uncertainty! That's where the real fun is.
Is there a "right" way to approach this thing? Or a "wrong" thing?
Sweet fancy Moses, no! The "right" way? The "wrong" way? Those are just silly constructs designed to make us feel inadequate. The only "wrong" way is to be bored. If you find yourself bored, turn off the computer, go outside, eat a cookie, whatever. Just don't be bored. The "right" way is whatever keeps you engaged, makes you think, makes you *feel* something, anything! Don't judge yourself, don't overthink it, just… be present. Embrace the mess!
Will you be *answering* all the questions yourself?
Well, yeah, probably. Unless I get overwhelmed, then I might just start throwing random words at the screen. Don't judge, it happens! I might even start talking to myself. Sometimes, when I'm truly deep in thought, the words just kind of... pour out. Like a leaky faucet of consciousness. So, yeah. I guess I'll be doing most of the talking.
Is this going to be regularly updated?
Ha! "Regularly updated." That's a good one. Look, I'll try. I *want* to. But life, you know? Life has a way of interfering with even the best-laid procrastination plans. So, let's just say... occasionally. Consider it a pleasant surprise when a new answer pops up. Don't hold your breath, but don't be completely surprised either. It's a delicate dance, this thing called "commitment."
What do you *hope* people get out of this?
Oh, wow, that's a biggie. If I could wave a magical wand, I'd want people to feel... less alone. That's the big one. That you're not the only one staring at the ceiling at 3 AM, wondering about the meaning of it all. That it's okay to be confused, to be uncertain, to be *messy*. I'd also like it if people would have a few laughs. And maybe, just *maybe*... some small spark of curiosity. That's all I'm really hoping for.
There was a time I was absolutely *terrified* of not having all the answers. I thought it meant I was stupid or defective. Then I had this *moment* where I realized... everyone is winging it. We're all just making it up as we go along! It was so unbelievably freeing. So if I can give someone that same feeling? Mission accomplished.
I have a question. Can I ask it?
Absolutely! I might even be *delighted*. But no promises of a coherent or intelligent response. Think of me as a philosophical jukebox. You put in a question, and whatever comes out... well, that's what you get! The more bizarreStay Finder Blogs
