The Westin Auckland-Lighter Quay

[Keith009]

Toast..thanks, I'll have to check that out. Will report back on Plat upgrade too...if it's anything like my last 10 SPG stays (with the sole exception of W Union Square)...I'll be very, very impressed.

OT a bit: I was told for best upgrades, it's either of the 2 Ws on 34th. One has v large rooms but the other has a bar. Can't remember which is which but they're practically next door to each other anyway. But I try to stay as downtown as possible and 34th is too midtown for me. I'm looking forward to the new W Downtown (near SoHo ), though I'd miss the great Whatever Desk staff at Union Sq. Hopefully some of them transfer across.

 

[sr81]

Quick question (rather than starting a new thread...) How are Duty Free prices in AKL? Specifically for single malts - Glenmorangie, Macallan etc..? Pretty much on-par with SYD/MEL/BNE (i.e. barely worth it)?

I use a pre-purchase service that Sertfy put me on to a while back. If you join their frequent purchaser club (free) they give you 20% off alcohol, fragrances and cosmetics.
Duty Free Stores New Zealand - Get the best deal on your New Zealand duty free shopping with the Frequent Buyer Club

I used them a few weeks ago and got a stonkingly good price for bombay, ballintines, mount gay and stoli vodka. About AUD90 for 4.5L.

Not the classiest brands but for volume per $ they were great value.

You order what you want online then pick up as you depart AKL. The pick up booth is just before you head up the stairs towards the gates and after the QC.

 

[Febs]

sr81 / serfty - Thanks! Very useful. Bottle of Glenfiddich 15yo cask strength for me (didn't know there was a cask strength).

Unfortunately the Westin is an approved hotel, but the rates (for the dates I'm staying) aren't compliant. Annoying travel website we use - hotels can be compliant or non-compliant depending on the date of travel.

Long story short, I'm now staying at Sky City Grand. Seems like a decent place. Still, would've liked some extra SPG points.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Febs]

Unfortunately the Westin is an approved hotel, but the rates (for the dates I'm staying) aren't compliant. Annoying travel website we use - hotels can be compliant or non-compliant depending on the date of travel.

Long story short, I'm now staying at Sky City Grand. Seems like a decent place. Still, would've liked some extra SPG points.

Well as luck would have it, I came back for a second week and this time, the Westin was a compliant hotel.

Very nice. Was upgraded to a "junior suite" which isn't really a suite, but that doesn't bother me at all - it's a very nice room. Big, small balcony (overlooking the harbour), great views, and a huge bathroom.

Love the lobby and overall design of the hotel too - very impressive! Oh and free (street) parking nearby until 8am - always a rarity!

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: Have eaten at "Portofino" and "V Grill" at the Viaduct so far, both of which were good. Any recommendations for the last night? Cheers.

 

[Homer]

PS: Have eaten at "Portofino" and "V Grill" at the Viaduct so far, both of which were good. Any recommendations for the last night? Cheers.

I think one of the best restaurants in Auckland is (or was) White at The Hilton. The caveat is that they closed earlier this year and re-opened a few months back with a new chef and I haven't been to Auckland since.

 

[Keith009]

I quite like Euro at the Viaduct, it's around Princess Wharf IIRC.
There are also v nice places out in Ponsonby if you care to venture out there.

 

[Febs]

Thanks guys. We ended up being in a big hurry and wanted something close/quick, so went to "Umi", next to Portofino at the Viaduct.

It was pretty average. The food wasn't bad, but the takoyaki and sashimi I had were no better than a good sushi train-type joint in Sydney, at 1/3 the price. Service was also very, very slow (even though only about 5 tables were taken) and we had to ask several times for water.

Oh well, win some, lose some.

Cheers,
- Febs.