The Waterlily Gardens

The staff was lovely and the room was very clean. My room was very close to the road so I found it pretty noisy. All great other than that

Clean rooms and it’s also spacious.

I recently stayed at Rydges Auckland and had mixed feelings compared to my pre-COVID experience. On my previous visit, it felt truly luxurious—exactly what I’d expect from the Rydges brand. This time, it felt more average, though still enjoyable overall. The location is a major highlight. It’s right in central Auckland, within easy walking distance of Spark Arena, SkyCity Casino, and downtown Auckland, which makes it very convenient for both entertainment and exploring the city. Check-in was smooth, and the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful throughout the stay. Valet parking is available at $55 NZD per night, which is handy if you’re driving. I also liked that breakfast can be added if you want it, and there’s a bar on-site for convenience. One feature I really loved was the small coffee/food stall setup in the foyer—it’s a great touch for grabbing something quickly. My room had a lovely view out toward the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which added to the overall experience. The room itself was comfortable, with a king-size bed that was incredibly cozy—definitely a standout. The bathroom was a standard size. I didn’t see a hairdryer in the bathroom, so you may need to request one (or check the cupboards). There was also a good-sized fridge and the usual complimentary tea, coffee, and milk provided. One downside was that only two lifts were operating, which sometimes made getting between floors feel quite slow and frustrating. The price did feel a bit high at the time of bo