SkyCity Hotel

The Chinese decor for the 2026 Year of the Horse Lunar New Year was lovely, and I enjoyed the lucky draw too. There are plenty of interesting restaurants and a convenience store nearby, plus the wharf, souvenir shops, maritime museum and art gallery are all very close. I was on my way to catch the 22 bus when I visited.

We were there from 08-14 March, and there was so much to do that we left wishing we’d had more time. The place feels like its own little world, with plenty to enjoy around business meetings and conferences at the NZICC at the Horizons. It’s huge, linked by sky bridge to Grand hotel and The Horizons, but the service still felt personal. Very grand, yet quite economical. Check-in was efficient and easy, and somehow there was no sense of waiting in a queue. At first the hotel felt like a maze, but it was easy to find our room and breakfast place. There were thoughtful complimentary offerings, including All blacks merchandise, the theatres museum and more. We also made use of the Sky Tower access after our conference finished at 5pm. The location makes it easy to get an uber to places further away. Queen Street is a walk away for movies, and there’s a nearby mall and street shopping. I’d definitely return with my family so we can experience it too. It’s on my bucket list for them. Vinaka vakalevu.

The food was good, and the live band on Friday night was pretty cool. What’s put me off coming as often is the parking. Membership used to let you park free a few times each year, but now you need to spend at least $40 on gaming for half-price parking, or $100 for free parking. I don’t know what changed with the memberships. I’ll probably play online more instead, where parking is free regardless of what you spend.

The bed was superb, the pillows were divine, and breakfast was top notch. We were given a free upgrade to a Super King Balcony room, which made the stay feel extra special. Across all 3 of Sky City's Hotels, the staff were amazing and accommodating. One thing did cost you the fifth star: at breakfast on The Terrace of The Grand, an older gentleman of Asian descent was wiping the seats and then immediately using the same cloth on the tabletops. I’d have thought keeping those cloths separate was basic hygiene.