The Esplanade Hotel

It's true The Esplanade Hotel has seen better days; it's a heritage building, the floors creak and windows rattle, but we never mind. We love coming back here. The location is amazing, right on the waterfront, in the heart of Devonport village with easy access to the CBD by ferry. The rooms have a faded grandeur, spacious with super high ceilings and eclectic mix of furniture. They're noticeably cleaner than they have been in recent visits (there's been a change of ownership). The restaurant is up and running again and the lounge area with its pub and cosy fire is inviting. Staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, really good value for money.

The downside of the middle-of-things location and old world charm of the building, is the noise factor. If you're a light sleeper it could be helpful to pack earplugs.

Got the lovely room with Balcony facing the sea and the library. It was really a gem, spacious with beautiful views. However, there are many rooms that differ from each other. Some might have a kitchen, some are facing the backyards. Spacious bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, electric blankets and heating. Lovely and helpful staff. Thank you so much for everything.

Be aware that this building is roughly 100 years old. Front rooms are exposed to the noise from the street. Maybe better to bring earplugs.

Absolute hidden gem. Lovely spot for a surprise birthday overnight with a spot of romance on the ferry and a very pleasant dinner on the wharf. The Esplanade is a delight and genuine Olde world charm escape. Room was spacious and very much character filled while bathroom had seen some modernisation which didn't clash but complemented the room.view was awesome with a huge window looking out to a painting like seascape from the park view. Bottled water in the fridge a nice touch and the bed was superhuge and comfortable. Room surprisingly warm considering the super height of the ceiling, good spread of television channels and very very peaceful. Amazing value for money!

OK to be fair, some of the delightfully original brass switches need a little refixing, but other than that, no complaints. Oh elevator is a little cosy too.

We stayed one night on the top floor in the two bedroom suite Penthouse. All the rooms and facilities were exceptional and clean. The Esplanade Hotel is a beautiful and a majestic historic building. The surroundings and decor are wonderful. The views from the Penthouse are breathtaking. Daniel at reception is kind and very informative. We loved it, The Esplanade Hotel is such a blissful place in the heart of Devonport and I can’t wait to stay with my husband and niece again. Thank you.

Everything was perfect thanks.

Friendly, accommodating staff. Terrific location with access to all the cafes, places of interest in the local community. Great dining at the hotel restaurant with loads of atmosphere. Wonderful view over the water and so close to the ferry to Auckland city. Easy to watch the world go by or check out the local area. Great museum, walks up Mt Victoria with spectacular views, funky local cafes and chocolate shop on Lia fab bookstore. The library is a testament to beautiful design and creating creative spaces.

location was perfect nice and close to the ferry terminal. Comfy bed. The shabby chic look worked with this old building.

The shower head over the bath needed to be held otherwise or it would go everywhere (good water pressure) and the shower curtain needs to go right around the bath tub. Parking can be tricky if you don’t want to pay, however not too far away there is pay option and it’s still cheaper than parking in the CBD.

Everything went well. The hot water was connected up so even though we didn't need it as such it was there. Initially only brown water gurgled out but it came right! We had been upgraded to the Victoria room which was delightful. It was very central for us. We loved being surrounded by the history of Devonport.

Getting used to the hum of industry over at the docks took a little to get to sleep, but once we got used to the noise it was fine. This background hum comes with the territory, because the dock workers work all through the night and it's not a fault of the hotel.

Location was gorgeous. We could see the waterfront of Auckland from outside our room. Boat ride for $4.00 from Devonport to Auckland Waterfront oneway. Room was tucked away from the bussle of the traffic in the busy area. Whalf and ocean was just outside our door step. Tavern below had dinner and drinks available to order. If you love the look of old but with some modern comforts you'll love this hotel. Even had an elevator to upstairs.

There wasnt anything i didnt like about this hotel.

The Esplanade boasts an old-world charm and about the best location in Auckland. Sure, it’s seen better days, but it’s very comfortable and has just a touch of grandeur - enough to feel like your stay is special, but not so much that you’re loath to show up to breakfast in jeans. The staff were brilliant. We stayed in the penthouse, which was very spacious and homely.

Perfect location and we loved our room with attached sunroom overlooking the harbour. Granted it's a very old building and in need of a makeover, but post Covid lockdowns I can't imagine how hard it is to keep businesses like this running. Was it immaculate, no. Was it everything we needed, yes. Location and view just fantastic and our hosts were very happy to help us with any of our needs. Would I stay here again, absolutely.

Everything was great. But if you like everything perfect and immaculately clean and in working order, this might not quite be the place for you. That said, this old dame of a hotel has bags of charm.