With the summer holidays now a distant memory, and the European summer season still months away (for those lucky enough to be partaking), we’re looking local for a quick escape to scratch our insatiable holiday itch. And in the spirit of encouraging those feeling the same to indulge in a sumptuous staycation, we’ve rounded up our favourite hotel suites across the city. Whether for a special occasion or just for the feeling of a break from the daily routine, these are the best rooms to book now (and you don’t even have to get on a plane).

Opera Suite at Sofitel

Best for: a luxurious Mother’s Day getaway

With its luxurious touches and prime location, the Sofitel Hotel in Viaduct Harbour should be high on any staycation list. Particularly with its opulent spa, which just happens to stock cult French skincare brand Biologique Recherche and promises indulgent facials, massages and body treatments guaranteed to rejuvinate. If you’re seeking pure indulgence, book the Sofitel’s Opera Suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular city views that allow guests to feel as involved in the action as they are away from it all. Here, contemporary design is entwined with delightful touches of luxury and considered objets d’art that deliver a modern, Parisian vibe. With a lounge and dining space separate to the bedroom as well as an oversized bathroom equipped with Hermès amenities, this suite makes for an escape like no other.

The Landing Suites at The Hotel Britomart

Best for: a romantic anniversary celebration

Nestled in the heart of Britomart, this chic hotel offers five exquisite suites designed to provide a calm respite from the bustle of the city. Our pick? The Rangihoua Suite — 65 square-metres of sumptuous, contemporary luxury on the top floor of the The Hotel Britomart, boasting north-facing views to the Waitematā Harbour as well as its own sprawling terrace and outdoor fireplace. With warm, modern interiors, a generous living space featuring a curated library, an ensuite bathroom complete with a deliciously deep bathtub in which to soak the day away, and the option of ordering room service from none other than Kingi, this suite will have you forgetting you’re in the middle of Auckland — if only for a night or two.

Executive Suite at The Pullman Auckland Airport

Best for: a peaceful pre or post-holiday retreat

A quietly luxurious hotel with a healthy dose of culture is what you’ll find at the newly-opened Pullman. Perfectly placed, this five star hotel is located a short walk from Auckland Airport’s international terminal, offering travellers the perfect spot to find rest, relaxation and much more. Meaningful design sits at the heart of this hotel, paying homage to the land on which it sits — with an exterior facade shaped to face Auckland’s three entry points, and interiors thoughtfully themed around New Zealand’s native landscape, with cultural nods throughout. Outside of the exceptional hospitality offering (Te Kaahu, helmed by chef Nancye Pirini, offers refined fare sure to satisfy), the executive suites are where the hotel’s thoughtful design shines the brightest. Here, you’ll find a cloud-like King size bed, spacious bathroom (complete with standalone bath), a well-appointed kitchen, a luxurious lounge room, and even a dedicated work space.

Presidential Suite at Park Hyatt

Best for: an indulgent girls’ getaway

With an enviable waterfront position affording its guests’ unmatched views across the harbour, the Park Hyatt takes the idea of staycationing to new heights. Its Presidential Suite offers 245 square-metres of penthouse privacy, complete with separate living and dining areas, a fully-equipped kitchen, internal boardroom, private outdoor garden, personal gym and secure VIP access (if you’re feeling extra). If all that seems a bit much, the Chairman’s Suite and the Executive Suite both offer similar experiences with slightly smaller footprints. Oh and while you’re there, be sure to indulge in a meal or two at the Park Hyatt’s restaurant Onemata. We recommend the whitebait.

Superior Suite at The Convent

Best for: a chic change of scenery

Retreat to this cosy corner of Grey Lynn at beautifully-finished, boutique accommodation, The Convent. Once a community for nuns (hence the name), this petite hotel packs a punch on the design front, and its Superior Suite is the perfect place to spend a quiet night or two. Ornate ceilings meet arched windows in a space that feels at once luxurious and charmingly eccentric. With a plush king bed, a private balcony, a separate lounge area and all the expected trimmings one might expect from a hotel stay, but with a distinctly curated twist, The Convent feels like a home away from home. Any stay here should be accompanied by a dinner at The Convent’s lauded (and extremely popular) restaurant, Ada.

Premier Harbour Suite at QT

Best for: a convivial weekender

Few places make the outside world drift away as swiftly as a QT Hotel. The renowned chain, best known for its intriguing, modern fit-outs and undeniably ‘cool’ take on hotel luxury, opened an outpost in Viaduct Harbour in 2020, and has proved the ideal staycation spot. In QT’s impressive Premier Harbour Suite, guests can expect expansive harbour views, a spacious, carefully-considered floorplan, warm, textural touches, a super luxurious Super King bed, a generous bathroom with a rainfall shower and standalone bath, and, best of all, your very own in-room bar. Oh, and QT is also home to acclaimed chef Sean Connolly’s new venture Esther, as well as only a short walk to all the bars and restaurants Viaduct Harbour has to offer.