Hotel Fitzroy was a very pleasant surprise. Our room was in the new part. It was comfortable, and had a good design aesthetic, but not uncomfortably minimalist. The location was very good for us. It is close to Ponsonby, with its restaurants, shopping and not too far from the business district. Breakfast was very good, being cooked and then delivered to our room, or at an outside table. There are several porches or patios for eating, drinking or relaxing outside. I took advantage of a porch side afternoon beverage and wished I had done that everyday. The staff were helpful and always available.
Along with Parnell, Ponsonby is our favourite place to stay in Auckland. We stayed at the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel again this year and have no regrets. We always enjoy returning here. Parking is no problem in the hotel grounds or on the street. The small, beautifully furnished hotel offers the kind of hospitality we like most: the staff are attentive and very friendly. The service has been just perfect. This time there were three of us travelling together and we booked the penthouse room and one of the three pavilions behind the house. The balcony and garden are perfect for enjoying an aperitif or a take-away menu. If you're lucky, the odd bird will pay you a visit - this time a kingfisher was a special guest. The rooms are clean and pleasantly large. The pavilions are outfitted with new bath rooms. The cooked breakfast is a dream, just like in the good old days when there were many more B&Bs in New Zealand than there are today. Ponsonby Street has a great selection of restaurants and there is something to suit almost every palate. We were never disappointed. And last but not least Ponsonby is perfectly located for a stroll to the CBD and many sights as the Auckland Museum or the Auckland Art Gallery. We shall return.