JW Marriott Auckland

Just when I thought the JW Marriott couldn’t get any better, they went and had a $35 million glow up and, boy, does ultra luxe look good on JW. Can confirm, it also looks mighty fine as a calendar reminder which will be exactly what you’ll be receiving after you’ve booked yourself in for a dreamy staycay in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Now, as my Grandma used to say, if you’re going to be naughty, you ought to be very naughty and the same applies when you’re treating yourself. So that means it’s straight to a suite on level 10 with a Sky Tower view, ta, and not skipping out on the rum-spiked spiced iced tea arrival drink either. And if you’re anything like me, it also means robing up as soon as you’ve stepped through the door. 

Inspired by Aotearoa’s natural landscapes, the suite appears in soft hues and rich textures and has been designed to wrap around the building in a way that reveals surprises as you go. You enter into a lounge with city views, walk down the hallway to the bathroom and end in a spacious bedroom, with a very comfortable bed which I may or may not have jumped on. 

Early evening might just herald a knock at the door and the turndown service to end all (other) turndown services. I won’t spoil the surprise but consider it a treasure trove of details for ultimate relaxation. 

Back in the foyer your dinner date awaits at Trivet—the hotel’s restaurant—a lush midnight blue situation helmed by Chef Wallace Mua who draws inspiration from To’ona’i traditions and the multicultural culinary fabric of Aotearoa. Tuck into whatever calls to you (but P.S. the puff bread is everything) then take on the night.

And by that I mean return to my room, run a bath, crack open the wine and play chess with my SO (I’m a thrilling individual who lives a crazy, high octane life). But if you like to feel the doof doof of club music in your ribcage, or bust some moves to live music, you’ll find all of the above and more a short walk from the hotel. 

The next morning, I have eyes only for Trivet’s breakfast buffet—a haven for those of us who won’t be satisfied until they’ve feasted on All The Things. Yes, I will have an entire cooked breakfast and a fruit bowl. I’ll gladly do the entire country of France proud with my ability to put away pastry after pastry and I’ll hold absolutely nothing back at the waffle station. I’ll even dabble in congee. 

Before checking out (because who would ever want this to end?), I’ll re-robe and head to their wellness centre and pretend I’m a fitness influencer or perhaps a Yoga Ambassador. The pool, while indoor, has sprawling city views and the sauna does wonders for the post-buffet lethargy. If you’re more the type that likes to hit the ground running (literally), there’s a kitted-out gym on the same floor, and a Technogym accessory kit in your room with loads of workout inspiration. 

When it eventually comes time to check out, I feel the level of refreshed one feels when they thought they’d been functioning pretty well but were actually lowkey incredibly burned out. How a one night stay can have such an effect is a testament to the combined effort of the team’s attention to detail. And with a day spa in the works for 2026, it’s only going to get even better.

Book your staycay

Words: Alice Rich | Image credit: JW Marriott.

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