Checking In - Grand Mercure Auckland

Attending New Zealand Fashion week I wanted to stay somewhere that was more than just another hotel, I looked high and wide for something different and landed on the newly refurbished Grand Mercure Auckland. Located in the heart of the Auckland's waterfront, surrounded by designer boutiques and award winning restaurants of Britomart, Grand Mercure Auckland embraces all of these elements.

With 207 guest rooms, lifestyle spaces, both ground and top level dining/cafe bar options, Grand Mercure shares an intimate ethnic mosaic of Auckland with every traveller.

Grand Mercure Auckland is the ideal base for travellers looking to explore Auckland city in comfort and style. Greeted on entry by a grand tribal style partition, Oversized gold lighting, a bar and a seating area with a custom made glass feature of birds displayed on the wall by the talented Luke Jacomb.

Killing time before check-in

P1190979

P1200173

The hospitable staff on entry made me feel so comfortable, I was early so I checked in my bags and being from Christchurch I was instantly drawn to their complimentary bikes that I spotted walking through their laneway (Custom lane).My friend Vanessa Ortynsky and I took a leisurely bike ride to Ponsonby while I waited for my room to be ready. The roads in Auckland don't accommodate cyclists very well but we made it work and it was a stunning ride all the same.  While in Ponsonby I toured a few homeware stores and visited a few boutiques and cafes with our friend and so talented, Robyn from Anywhere I Roam Photography. As we returned to the city we rode to Britomart and had a drink with the amazing Carmen Huter at Amano in Britomart where there were actually bike parks! On my return, I bumped into the General Manager, Zac Lumsden who welcomed me to the hotel and wished me all the best for my stay and then a very nice staff member assisted us with the returning of our bikes.While I was away the staff had checked in my bags and moved them to my room which was 3/4 of the way up the building. Lead by a Ferrari red lift and classy halls I opened the door to a suite that had everything for me, it's like this room was tailored to my style. Black and white offset with greens and yellows, masculine cabinetry and all the complimentary condiments for a comfortable stay (even a Nespresso machine). It was the view that topped it off, a view of the ocean and city, overlooking Britomart and the docking - exactly what I wanted for chilling out in my hotel.After a comfortable sleep with quality linens and bedding, I found my way to the gym for a quick morning workout followed by a coffee at the Vue bar and restaurant. This was an amazing way to end my fast-paced NZFW experience, I soaked up the vistas seen from a full glass surround, watching a cruise ship dock and unload whilst enjoying a fresh juice, yoghurt and granola.I recommend anyone travelling to Auckland stay at Grand Mercure Auckland. A hotel within close proximity of many great local attractions, including Vector Arena, the Iconic Sky tower ANZ Viaduct events centre and Britomart shopping precinct. The Story tellers on entry and fit out will ensure you have the most comfortable of stays. See the video of our adventures here

See my stay