Quality Hotel Parnell is located in the attractive residential area of Parnell, about a 10-minute drive from downtown, and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. The 105 modern and air-conditioned rooms lack character, but all have mini-fridges, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TV/DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. Features here are limited to Gladstones Restaurant (open for all meals), eight conference rooms, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. For similar rates, Auckland City Hotel-Hobson St offers a location in the Central Business District and provides free passes to an off-site gym and pool.
The 105-room Best Western President is a good central base for travelers looking to explore Auckland’s most popular attractions (it's a four-minute walk from Sky Tower, Auckland's tallest building). Rooms -- a mix of studios, suites, and apartments -- are remarkably spacious for a downtown hotel. However, the room decor is inspiring and the dorm-like furniture looks tired in places. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes or kitchens -- the former only include microwaves, sinks, mini-fridges, and simple utensils. Washer/dryers and stovetops are found in higher-category rooms. Note that some rooms lack windows and air-conditioning. Best Western's restaurant only serves breakfast; Quality Hotel Parnell's is open for all meals and has a bar.
VR Auckland City is a simple apartment-style property in the heart of the city's Central Business District. Apartments come in studio, one-, and two-bedroom configurations, and all have fully equipped kitchens plus washer/dryers. Perks include free in-room continental breakfast service and free Wi-Fi, but that is the extent of the features here; there's no restaurant or fitness center, like at Best Western. Most guests are families looking for self-catering facilities, though it could also be a good option for long-term business travelers who want access to their own kitchens.