Considered the New Zealand capital’s leading hotel, the 232-room InterContinental Wellington’s prime location is adjacent to the harbor waterfront and near the city’s shopping, restaurants and top attractions. This upscale property is the perfect complement to this walkable city with its bustling pedestrian waterfront.
Exterior of InterContinental Wellington
Arrival Experience
Upon disembarking from our airport transport, the bellman immediately offered to carry my bags and directed me into the lobby. From then on, that set the tone for the hotel’s employees to continue graciously and politely.
Spacious and welcoming lobby at InterContinental Wellington
The art deco-inspired lobby is open and spacious highlighted with fersn and orchids. Overflowing fruit bowls invite you to partake of a complimentary healthy snack. The reception desk is beyond the lounge to the right, and again the staff was remarkably pleasant and accommodating.
I’d just spent umpteen hours in airports or on planes and was dead tired. Of course, my arrival was prior to check-in time (around noon), but the receptionist assured me she’d get me in as soon as possible. I plopped into the comfy lounge sofa, prepared to wait it out. However, I was happily surprised when she brought my room key to me within 15 minutes.
Accommodations
After the long flight from Los Angeles to Auckland to Wellington, a hotel room never looked better! 
Yet even after a dead-to-the-world good night’s sleep, the oversized room with a king bed continued to top my list of comfortable and homey.
That mood might be credited to the New Zealand paintings and prints lining the hallways and the repeat of the deco style, warm beige and brown decor and dark panel. A modern desk was tucked in the corner next to the window, with numerous outlets and plenty of space for a work environment, and of course, WiFi ($10.00 NZD fee in room, complimentary in public spaces). Next to the bed in a mini-sitting area was a chair to enjoy that same view. The bathroom was also well appointed with all the bath amenities expected of a luxury hotel.
My travel routine is always to unload my luggage and make my way to the window. After drawing the curtains, I was disappointed in the office building directly in front, but to the right, was a spectacular view of the busy waterfront.
If you’re willing to fork out additional per night cost, request Club InterContinental‘s top floor guest rooms with even more impressive views of the harbor or city, multiple additional amenities, all-day refreshments, and exclusive access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, which has panoramic harbor and city views.
Complimentary coffee delivered to your room at InterContinental Wellington
I discovered a unique perk upon calling the desk and placing my wake up call. The receptionist asked if I’d like a complimentary cup of tea or coffee delivered to my room after receiving the call. I confirmed again that it was complimentary, and I was told that this is available to all guests. I ordered a “flat white” coffee, the Kiwis no-nonsense combination a Cafe Latte and a Cappuccino. Sure enough, I received my wake-up call, and the caller confirmed that I’d still like my coffee delivered. Within 3 minutes, a Flat White and a homemade breakfast cookies was delivered. I looked forward to this every morning of my 4 night stay.
Dining Experience
Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine at hotel’s Chameleon Restaurant with seasonal menus using fresh local produce, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. An extensive wine list is also offered including top notch Kiwi wines. I enjoyed breakfast at Chameleon, and it was lovely buffet. I did spend time networking and unwinding at the Lobby Lounge, with full bar and wine list, and also serving lunch and dinner. Of course, room service is available also.
Amenities
Emerge Health Club offers a fully equipped gym, spa, sauna and heated indoor swimming pool.
When a group of us opted to make a night of the Wellington pubs, we used the InterContinental Wellington’s 24-hour car service, reasonably priced and comparable to a taxi, but much more convenient.
Summary
Kiwi hospitality shone through at the InterContinental Wellington, from the exceptional customer service to the luxurious surroundings at the New Zealand hotel. The hotel’s prime location, a stone’s throw from the pedestrian harbor waterfront and its shopping, restaurants and view, will bring me back to stay.
To book your room, go to InterContinental Wellington.
Check prices online at Hotels.com
For more information on the “capital of cool” visit Wellington, New Zealand.
