Beautifully appointed room and furnishings. The abundant mirrors on the wall take some getting used to but gives the illusion of space. There is a well stocked mini bar and, a first for me, a Nespresso machine compete with coffee pods. The hotel features an eclectic mix of art, sculpture and music and the golden hippopotamus out the front is amazing. Highly recommended.
Great location next to Te Papa and downtown! Rooms are very clean and the apartment living is top of the line. Valet service is great too
Really great hotel. I am staying in one of the apartment units for about 2 weeks and so far it has been fantastic. The gym / pool / hot tub facilities are super clean and of high quality. The room I have is very comfortable with good lighting, a clean and big bathroom, as well as decent quality kitchen utilities such as coffee / stovetops / oven. The hotel is very fancy in the lobby and if you appreciate art you will love the atmosphere.
Stayed here for my last night in Wellington before heading off overseas, wish I'd stayed two nights! Such a lovely hotel, fantastic amenities, great environment and friendly staff. 5 stars will be back! (Even though I live in Wellington hehe)
Fantastic service from the moment I stepped out of the taxi. Very cool vibe. Standard, smallish room, but beautifully appointed. Room service from Hippopotamus restaurant was absolutely delicious and I'm looking forward to breakfast in the restaurant. Linen, towels, mattress etc are all excellent. Very pleased with my choice of hotel. Will stay here again.
Love this unique art hotel, amazing decour and art. French restaurant with beautiful cuisine and views of the harbour. Our favorite place for special occasions. Excellent service. Excellent value for money. Large wine selection of quality wines.
A stylish abode in Wellington. Art pieces adorn the lobby and restaurant and set this wonderful hotel apart from the standard chain hotels. The rooms are spacious and are presented with eclectic style. Great location by the bay, with many restaurants within walking distance. A must stay when in Wellington if you want to try something a little out of the ordinary.
I went in with friends for High Tea and it was "Um, but? Yeah." were the words most commonly used to describe our experience after.
The setting in Hippopotamus is stunning. The view! The chairs! The chandeliers! It's all High Class and quirky and fun!
Our Waitress was sweet, but largely absent. As I wasn't the first to arrive - I was gestured vaguely at my table and left to seat, and pour water for myself as was our latest arrival. ~10minutes after our final member arrived the Waitress brought out the menus and we ordered in due time.
Luke warm tea was brought in beautiful teapots fair quickly, followed by the uninspiring stand and, eventually, the drinks.
Given the Hippopotamus' reputation for fine dining - I was disappointed at the number of shop-bought pastry cases on the stand.
Tea was brought around at long-staggered intervals, and only the last cup was properly hot. The Waitress was happy to serve me a different flavour of tea for my third cup - but I had to ask, as it wasn't suggested.
All in all, I had great company in an amazing setting with average service and disappointing food.
I'll go back to try the dinner menu - but I'll pass on the High Tea Service for now.
The artwork and layout of the hotel is amazing, worth a wander through the foyer just for that alone.
The staff are professional and ready to help - just right.
The rooms (apartment) are a decent size, but the bathroom layout is a little odd (especially the shower) but not an issue. There is a coffee machine and a half decent kitchen if you feel like dining in too.
Personal dislike is the 'key in the slot' by the door for the lights.
Being almost in the heart of the city, the evenings are a very short stroll away, or go for a wander along the waterfront after brunch - great location!
Cool art everywhere. Good personality in the place. Amazing food at the restaurant
Location is perfect for downtown. Great international (French) service. The furnishing and artworks make this a neat placd to stay.
Read the reviews and 3 months ago booked a nights accommodation here post drive down from New Plymouth on our way to the South Island.
I kid you not, the day before we were due to arrive I received an email saying the room I booked (and they had confirmed as available) was now not available and that and alternative "$140" more expensive room was only available!!!!
I had no alternative but to accept as everything else was arranged and all too late too change..
For the money I was forced to pay, under duress, it is a poor quality hotel and certainly very sub standard for the money they charge
Bathroom was dirty and grimy with ingrained dirt around taps and shower fittings and doors, ughhh. The bath plug did not work.
Facilities were also pathetic with only 2 coffee pods.
All in all I would not recommended this hotel.
Speaking with local friends it looks like it is being/been sold and suffering terribly as a result
Great place to stay. Staff are really friendly and more than happy to help. Clean, great facilities, resturant and close to all shopping. Parking can be tight but the valet parking sort it all out for you. I would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in Wellington.