We recently stayed at Cordis Hotel by Langham Hospitality Group in Auckland as a base for exploring and experiencing Auckland.
Spoiler alert? We had a truly amazing stay at Cordis and can’t wait to tell you about it!
Auckland is one of the first destinations most people arrive to in New Zealand. It is well-known for its stunning harbour, bustling inner city Queen Street and the beautiful parks, walks and views around the city.
So aside from narrowing down an epic itinerary for Auckland, the next question is about where to stay.
Here is our complete review of Cordis Hotel in Auckland including details on the accommodation, facilities and proximity to all the things to do.
Arrival and first impressions checking in to Cordis Hotel, Auckland
Our welcome to Cordis Hotel in Auckland was fantastic.
We had driven from the South Waikato – nearly three hours away – on a busy late Friday afternoon. The staff at the first concierge and valet warmly welcomed us and smoothly put our bags on a luggage trolley.
As soon as you enter the main lobby of the hotel the first impression is impressive. There is a huge chandelier in the main space and a bustle of activity with other travellers checking in and staff coordinating everything smoothly.
It was a fast check in with four staff behind the front reception desk.
The young man who was looking after us gave a fantastic introduction and welcome to the hotel.
I know it was only the second step after dropping our bags and car outside to the concierge. But the service already was outstanding.
We felt really excited to be checking in for the weekend!
Our room at Cordis Hotel in Auckland. What are the rooms like?
We stayed in a ‘Premier Double Double’ in the Pinnacle Tower.
This was a brilliantly spacious room for a family with two plush double beds and every thoughtful detail of the Premier Room.
The room was immaculately clean with a personal note of welcome on the table. My name was even showing up – ‘Welcome to Cordis, Sarah Steiner’ – on the TV screen!
On the table in our room was a plate of delicious treats with the welcome note and some handmade chocolates.
What a welcome!
What are the facilities in the Premier Double Double Room?
There are tea and coffee making facilities, including a coffee machine with coffee pods. Below the bench is a fridge and stocked minibar with complimentary water bottles and water and wine glasses.
In one side of the room there is a table and chairs.
At the entrance there is a separate clock bay and double wardrobe with coat hangers.
But aside from all that – and the chocolates – the first thing that really caught our eye on entry was the epic view from the window!
There is a huge full size window with a bench below it. Which from our room on the 10th floor we could see all the way to the Auckland Harbour!
The boys spotted boats sailing underneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The bathroom was stunning as well. There is a huge full window with a drop down screen that makes the whole room much lighter and brighter.
And – there is a full size bath – that we can all now vouch for as truly luxurious!
Meals, and our dining experience at the in-house Our Land Restaurant
There are three in-house restaurants and bars at Cordis Hotel in Auckland:
- Eight Restaurant
- Our Land
- Chandelier Lounge
We had breakfast every morning at Eight Restaurant (more about that later).
The Chandelier Lounge does High Tea in the afternoon and operates as a luxury bar in the evening.
We had dinner at Our Land Restaurant. And wow – this is something to write about!
The Our Land Restaurant serves all kinds of bespoke Kiwi-inspired dishes and cocktails. The service here was impeccable!
Our kids enjoyed the burgers from the Kids Menu. While we started with the New Zealand tasting platter. Then I had the lamb roll for mains and Gavin had the beef brisket.
The taste was awesome. But the service – again – was outstanding in the restaurant.
- Check rooms, rates and availability at Cordis Hotel Auckland.
What about breakfast at Cordis?
Wow! The breakfast was a big highlight of our stay at Cordis Hotel in Auckland.
The breakfast is a huge buffet with everything from hot cooked bacon and eggs, cooked-to-order omelettes and hot waffles and pancakes. There is freshly squeezed fruit juices and cut fresh fruit. Plus an entire buffet section of pastries, cereals, yoghurts and toppings.
That is not to mention the dessert table at the buffet! Our kids loved the chocolate fountain. This was a major highlight!
There is even ice cream and fruit sorbet on the breakfast buffet.
Or if you have any dietary or allergy requirements, there is a complete Gluten Free buffet section as well.
We wanted to try everything!
Is breakfast included with accommodation at Cordis Hotel in Auckland?
Many of the packages for accommodation at Cordis also include the delicious daily buffet breakfast.
What other facilities are at Cordis Hotel in Auckland?
The hotel is incredibly well set up for guests on business or leisure as well as for families.
The huge outdoor swimming pool is warm on situated on the rooftop with a poolside bar serving snacks, drinks and cocktails. There is a large hot spa pool as well as an onsite spa and health centre.
Our kids really enjoyed the pool!
- Chaun Spa
- Health Centre
- Sauna
- Swimming Pool
- Fitness Studio
- Valet Parking
Plus every weekend at 3:00pm and 11:00am there is candy floss served for kids in the main lobby area.
What did we enjoy most about our stay at Cordis in Auckland?
I’ve got to say this is a hard question to answer!
We had a truly fantastic stay. The kids loved the chocolate fountain at the breakfast buffet and the daily candy floss treats in the lobby!
The view was amazing from the room and we had a beautiful bathroom with the bathtub that we all made the most of.
Breakfast at Eight and dinner at Our Land was absolutely delicious and with so many dishes to choose from.
Though I think overall the real highlight (chocolate fountains aside) was the incredible service at Cordis. The staff and their attention to detail and friendly welcome every time we returned to the hotel was outstanding.
The initial check-in was so polite and friendly. Then the valet service and concierge staff made us feel welcomed and special. Plus the restaurant staff at breakfast and dinner all made the stay truly memorable.
- Check rooms, rates and availability at Cordis Hotel Auckland.
How is the Cordis Hotel location in Auckland?
The hotel location is amazing and right at the top of Queen Street and Symonds Street in the Auckland CBD.
The hotel is a nice walk down Queen Street to the Auckland viaduct and harbour.
- Cordis Hotel Auckland
83 Symonds Street
Auckland Central
There is a 24hr convenience store on the same side of the road just 50m from the hotel.
Getting to Auckland
Auckland city is often the first point of arrival for international visitors to New Zealand.
The hotel is 20km from Auckland Airport which takes around 30 minutes by car or taxi.
Other New Zealand destinations are within mid-driving distances from Auckland.
- Paihia to Auckland: 3 hr 15 min (226.6 km) via SH 1
- Rotorua to Auckland: 3hrs (237.5 km) via SH 1
- Taupo to Auckland: 3 hr 37 min (288.2 km) via SH 1
There is valet parking available onsite at the hotel.
Overall impression? Would we recommend Cordis Hotel in Auckland – and why?
We had a great stay!
I would easily recommend Cordis Hotel in Auckland as a great base to stay and explore all the fantastic activities and things to do in Auckland.
If you are arriving in New Zealand it is an ideal first point to stay before embraking on your New Zealand itinerary.
I also have to say again that the staff at Cordis deserve an extra special mention. They were particularly welcoming and friendly and each time we had a question or arrived back to the hotel they went out of their way to greet us. It was a great experience of hospitality!
- Check rooms, rates and availability at Cordis Hotel Auckland.
Other things to do in Auckland during your stay
The Cordis Hotel is a great place to stay to explore all the things to do in Auckland.
- SkyCity Auckland Sky Tower
- Mount Eden – Maungawhau
- One Tree Hill – Maungakiekie
- Cornwall Park
- Viaduct Harbour
- Auckland War Memorial Museum
- New Zealand Maritime Museum
- SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
- Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Devonport Ferry
Day trips and other things to do near Auckland
The hotel is centrally located in Auckland city and ideal for making day trips.
- Waiheke Island
- Rangitoto Island
- Mission Bay Beach
- Piha Beach
- Waitakere Ranges
- Muriwai Beach
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Tiritiri Matangi Island
Thank you to Cordis Hotel Auckland. We were hosted for a fantastic stay, but as always, our reviews and thoughts are all our own!
More about travel in New Zealand
- Franz Josef Or Fox Glacier?
- Family Friendly Walks In Franz Josef.
- Putaruru Blue Springs South Waikato.
- Wairere Falls Walk Near Matamata.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell Bay Of Islands.
- Visiting Milford Sound In Winter.
- Hooker Valley Track Mt Cook.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track In Wanaka With Kids.
About travel planning for New Zealand and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, adventure ticket, local tours and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travel anywhere in the world!