Local Escapes

The Best Hotels In Hamilton And Where To Find Them

By Alice Rich
5th Dec 2022

A large white bed in a tastefully blue and white room in Novotel Tainui Hamilton, one of the best hotels in Hamilton.

Destination Hamilton? You’re in for a treat. Despite the Auckland-wide glee of hating on Hamiltron, erh, Hamilton, this long stretch of gravel really is worth a visit. And if you’re after a fancy stay, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a bunch of hotels to get amongst. From central city gems to spacious stays with in-room spa baths, Hamilton’s got you. 

Here are the best hotels in Hamilton. 

A boujee atrium at Ramada by Wyndham, one of the best hotels in Hamilton. Ramada By Wyndham

Victoria Street

Housed in a retro-inspired brick fitout Ramada by Wyndham is another inner-city gem. Being just a twenty-minute drive from Hamilton’s multipurpose event centre Mystery Creek it’s a great stay if you’re in town for a gig. The hotel has a gym-leg day waits for no one—and rooms are air-conditioned for those hot summer days and come with a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and room service, or you can splash out on an apartment-style room and score a fully equipped kitchen. Naice. 

A sleek bathroom set up with massive, glass shower at Novotel Tainui Hamilton, one of the best hotels in Hamilton. Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Alma Street

If you’re after a polished hotel experience in Hamilton, look no further than Novotel Tainui. With sleek, spacious rooms, views of the Waikato river, friendly staff, a fitness centre and a rave-worthy buffet breakfast this hotel is as good IRL as it is on paper making it one of the best hotels in Hamilton. Stroll along the river’s edge and explore the nearby parks, trot across to Hamilton Museum or take a short drive to Hamilton Zoo. 

A massive pool at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton, one of the best hotels in Hamilton. Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton 

Ulster Street

Channel your inner mermaid at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton which boasts in-room bathtubs, an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Choose from a self-contained apartment or studio room and fuel up for the day’s adventures at the buffet breakfast before exploring the streets of Hamilton Central. A ten-minute walk will take you to the Waikato Stadium, and a ten-minute drive to Hamilton Zoo or Waikato Museum so there’s plenty to keep you busy. 

A curiously semi-triangular shaped building, the entrance to Atrium on Ulster, one of Hamilton’s best hotels. Atrium On Ulster

Ulster Street

Specialising in studio and unit-style accommodation, Atrium on Ulster boasts spacious, quiet rooms with Sky TV if you’re in the mood for a bit of screening service rebellion. Every room has its own bathroom, kitchenette and car park, with the city centre just a three-minute drive away. Get in quick and you might just score yourself the room with the massive barrel hot tub. Legend. 

A large cosy bed with pretty floral flowers at Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, one of the best hotels in Hamilton. Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre

Garnett Avenue

Sleep soundly in four-star accommodation at Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre. If you’re keen to keep on top of your cardio while you’re away, this is the hotel for you—the gym boasts four row machines and a bunch of other cardio equipment so you can sweat it up. Mahi done, reward yourself with treats in the form of an enviable breakfast buffet at the on-site Garnett’s Restaurant. Legit. 

A cosy-looking bed and quirky blue and pink stained glass window features at The Narrows Landing Hotel, one of Hamilton’s best hotels. The Narrows Landing Hotel 

Airport Road

For more of a boutique B&B vibe, The Narrows Landing Hotel is where it’s at. A great spot for a wedding, a family stay or a romantic getaway, this Hamilton hotel has a little bit of je ne sais quois with quirky stained glass features, a large in-room spa bath, and tasty continental breakfasts. Three minutes’ drive from Hamilton International Airport and 15 minutes from the heart of Hamilton city, it’s the perfect perch for a vacay away. 

After something a little different? Have a squiz at the best Airbnbs in and around Hamilton

Image credit: Novotel Tainui Hamilton, Ramada By Wyndham, Novotel Tainui Hamilton, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton, Atrium On Ulster, Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, The Narrows Landing Hotel. 

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