Castle Spencer on Byron - Takapuna -36.79126, 174.77079

The hotel staff was very helpful and the people in the area surrounding the hotel were extremely friendly and helpful. We were in Auckland during the bus strike. The Ritches were running and we happened upon an outstanding bus driver John, who personally helped us get to the central bus area. We can't say enough nice things about the people of Auckland.

We stayed for one night. The room was very large and spacious (more like an apartment). It was great to be able to do our laundry in the room for free. We also used the pools which also have great views of the city skyline. One of the best hotels we stayed at on our trip.

This is a beautiful hotel, "off the beaten track", near the North Shore of the North Island. If you want to be away from the city, this is the place to stay. Great accommodations, great service, an excellent selection of eating places and shops nearby, and a lovely beach for taking a stroll, in a lovely residential community. The service was excellent, with a very friendly and competent staff. The room was well-appointed, and a great value. The restaurant was a bit pricey, but a good quality. We rented a car, so we weren't depending on public transportation, but there is a bus terminal nearby. Not sure how accessible touring buses would be, but you could always call before booking. They had a well-equipped fitness facility, complete with trainers, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. We were very satisfied with our experience at the Spencer.

The staff were very helpful and did everything we could have wanted. (airport transfers, etc,) The area around the hotel had wonderful small shops, cafes, bookshops. Being close to the beach was great.

Hotel location was awsome. Staff was friendly. Clean suites. Awsome views of Auckland. Two light bulbs missing in bedroom. Called 3 times to replace lights. No one should up to replace. Otherwise the hotel was excellent. Would stay again.

The hotel was very nice. We had a lovely ocean and lake view from our room. Staff was very freindly and helpful.

This was my first trip to the North Shore and I had a wonderful time. The staff was great and friendly. I was just so impressed with how nice it was. I would totally go back. It was my best vacation to date.

Good, spacious and well equipped and well maintained rooms, all at very reasonable rates. I had no problem what so ever during my stay and if I ever return to Auckland, I would pick this hotel again.

My husband and I stayed at the Spencer 2 yrs ago and were so impressed we selected the hotel again for our 2nd trip to Auckland. I LOVE the North Shore and the hotel is in the perfect location that is far enough from the congested city life, but just a 15 minute ferry trip away. We arrived at 9AM and they not only gave us an early check in, but upgraded us to a larger room! The room had everything we needed for a 5 night stay with full kitchen and washer and dryer. My only disappointments were the furniture in the living room and bathtub fixture. The sofa was very uncomfortable for lounging after a long day walking around. The cushions were tilted forward so I constantly felt as if I were going to fall off. The bathtub didn't have a shower curtain or enclosure so we would end up with a pool on the floor after each use. These two things can easily be corrected, which I'm sure would have been if I raised the issue during our stay. The hotel gym was nice as well and the evening hotel staff were very accommodating to let me in after hours while I was battling jetlag. I would HIGHLY recommend the Spencer to anybody who doesn't prefer to stay in the city. We will continue to select this hotel when visiting the Auckland area.

Arrived late in the evening, after a 3 hour drive from Waitomo. There was no directory or room service menu in the room, the direct-dial buttons on the phone didn't work, when we asked for a menu to be sent up it didn't come. Staff seemed indifferent to annoyed by our requests.

Outstanding place! Especially appreciated the en suite LAUNDRY facilities after a long trip throughout NZ. Desperately needed that. Nice balcony, all around great experience.