City Cottages - Wellington

We loved the hotel. We had a lovely large room in a garden like setting. The kitchenette was very convenient. It was a 20 minute drive to downtown Wellington and the interislander ferry. Free internet was provided up to a download limit. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

Driving to this hotel is a bit of a challenge with all the one way streets so plan well. Our room did not have AC and only a small window opened. There was a "cooling machine", a fan blowing air over water, that helped cool the room a bit but it was still hot and stuffy. Be sure to reserve a room with AC. Otherwise it was a nice location and hotel.

Rooms are large and thoughtfully laid out. Everything seems to work well. Decor is going to feel good to some, a little too avant guard for others. The carpet in our room had not been well-cleaned. The front desk staff was adequate, but compared to the staff at the Novotel in Queenstown, which we had just left), did not have the same sparkle and energy. The breakfasts are outrageously prided ($25 continental, $29 full breakfast), with no option (so far as I could tell) for ala carte ordering.

Everything about this space was positive, unless you consider walking 2 blocks to the parking lot a negative. A surprise perk was the availability, in our suite, of a washer and dryer. Loved it!

Located on the Wellington waterfront the hotel is far enough out from the city center (15 minute walk) as to be reasonably quiet yet close enough t o easily walk to the Te Papa Museum, cable car, and waterfront activities. Just around the corner from the hotel is a large food store and just beyond that is a large selection of restaurants. The staff were helpful in suggesting where to go and in calling a taxi for us when we checked out to head for the ferry dock. WiFi is available free for 30 minutes in the lobby, or if you buy two drinks at the bar you'll get two hours access via hotel wide WiFi.