FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

New Zealand’s Hilton Auckland Hotel

Feb 1, 2013
2013 / February 2013

Arrival/Check-In: Nautically designed to look like an ocean liner jutting into Waitemata Harbour at the tip of Princes Wharf, the Auckland Hilton can be a windy walk to the end of the pier, but taxis pull right up to the door. Once inside, you immediately confront the check-in desk separated by a waterfall wall from the concierge, with windows all around maintaining the impression you’re out at sea. Helpful attendants check you in and send you around the corner to convenient elevators. I happened to mention hopes of visiting the museum the next morning, a Sunday, and no sooner reached my room than the desk clerk called to tell me the institution’s weekend opening hours.

Guest Quarters: Almost all guestrooms have a water view; and the Bow Suites, on what would be the prow of the boat, literally have a pointed front with panoramic windows and balconies on both sides. Gauzy floor-length curtains catch the breeze and provide some privacy without sacrificing the view. Beige walls, chic brown Italian furnishings with orange accents and black-and-white photos on the walls are typical of Hilton’s tasteful décors.

A handsome wall unit enclosed the minibar and an elaborate Solis Palazzo coffeemaker as well as an electric kettle for tea. There were plenty of outlets, already fitted with adapters, and the wall switches were labeled: speakers, bath, shower. The black marble and gray slate bathroom had a spacious counter and both a tub and walk-in shower. Lotions and shampoos by Peter Thomas Roth included a loofah for scrubbing.

Services/Amenities: Facing reception and the open-plan business center computers, the ground-floor “prow” is the cozy lobby Bellini Bar with floor-to-ceiling windows. A shimmery tile partition lined with liquor bottles bisects the space, separating a purple banquette from an arrangement of comfortable moss-green club chairs. With picturesque ferry boats alighting across the way, whether it’s sunny or the wind is howling, it’s a wonderful indoor “outdoor” setting.

The upstairs FISH restaurant has the same wonderful views and an optional enclosed terrace. The comprehensive breakfast provided the chance to sample unusual feijoa juice and banana, berry or spirulina smoothies. In addition to the full buffet of cereals, cheeses, fruits and cold cuts, guests can order an entrée — eggs Benedict or pear and ricotta crêpes in orange butter sauce. The compact fitness center has open views to the water and to the adjacent outdoor infinity pool, which appears to run off right into the sea.

The Experience: While I customarily choose centrally located hotels, the Hilton is convenient to all the ferry and transport terminals; the iconic Cloud multi-events center; and the harbor’s Viaduct Village restaurants, museums and shops. The staff is so pleasant and helpful, the stay is like a voyage on a tasteful, upscale cruise ship.

GT Checklist

  • Doorman/Valet
  • Less than 10 minutes for check-in
  • Separate tub and shower
  • Large vanity
  • High-quality towels
  • Powerful, unattached hair dryer
  • High-quality bed linens
  • Large, flat-screen television
  • Large desk with convenient outlets
  • Complimentary in-room WiFi
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Stocked minibar
  • Ample lighting
  • In-room coffeemaker
  • Iron and ironing board
  • On-site restaurant and bar
  • 24-hour room service
  • Large, complimentary laptop safe
  • State-of-the-art fitness center

Hilton Auckland Hotel

147 Quay St.
Auckland, 1010
New Zealand
tel 64 9 978 2000
hilton.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 22, 2025

Red Savannah Sets Sail with Expanded Luxury Boat Portfolio

Red Savannah recently expanded its portfolio of private yachts and gulets for 2025, allowing guests to explore coastlines around the world in style, comfort and privacy. The newly added vessels were chosen for design, superior service and unforgettable onboard experiences, with each charter delivering customizable itineraries, crews and private chefs. Destinations can include Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Turkish Riviera, the Greek isles and more.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
May 22, 2025

Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Announces Opening of New Ottolenghi Geneva Restaurant

Overlooking the Rhône river within walking distance of the city's main attractions like Lake Geneva, Jet D'eau and St. Peter's Cathedral, Geneva’s Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a 5-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality, offering supreme views of Geneva’s Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. Its 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style inspired by nature, mountains and water.

Daily
May 22, 2025

Punta Mita Resort Debuts Exclusive Private-Label Tequila

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, recently announced its own private-label tequila in collaboration with Reserva de la Familia, the ultra-premium line from Jose Cuervo.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025

Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review

In the city Henri Matisse once called home — and where Musée Matisse holds his largest collection — Hotel Beau Rivage has a special connection with the artist, who first visited the hotel in 1916 and painted famous sea views from his room 89 in 1917. Today, framed Matisse prints — many brightly colored cut-out collages from the artist’s JAZZ collection — decorate its walls. Hotel guests also benefit from a partnership with the museum.

eFlyer Lead
May 21, 2025

A Look at United Airlines’ New Polaris Studio Suites

Last week, United Airlines unveiled the United Elevated interior for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, raising the standard of international premium travel. The new interior includes two new business-class suites, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, the greatest number of total premium seats in United Airlines’ fleet, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4-K OLED seatback screens.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

Daily
May 21, 2025

Embark on Scientist-Led Galápagos Journey with Quasar Expeditions

How amazing would it be to sail around the Galápagos islands in the company of Charles Darwin? We don’t have a time machine to loan you (sorry), but you can do the next best thing by embarking upon a sailing with Professor Kenneth Noll, a distinguished scientist who channels Darwin through a spot-on depiction, right down to hat, beard and period clothing.