The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2187 reviews)
35 The Strand , Russell , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Terrace
Lift / Elevator
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Well-equipped rooms
Friendly staff
Nice amenities
Cons:
Inconsistent service
Average food quality
Some rooms tired

Categories

Cleanliness
8.9
Rooms were noted as clean, but some were described as 'a little tired'.
Service
9.16
While some staff were mentioned positively, there were instances of poor service at reception.
Location
9.6
Multiple reviews emphasize the fantastic location with stunning views.
Room Quality
8.86
Rooms were well equipped and comfortable, with some mentioning a desire for better room features.
Amenities
8.89
Amenities such as a gym and parking were appreciated, but specifics on others were not provided.
Value for Money
8.35
Some reviews indicated pricing may not match the food quality.
Food and Beverage
8.2
Food quality received mixed reviews, with some meals considered average.
Overall Experience
9.26
A range of positive experiences were shared, highlighting a fondness for the hotel despite some minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 15:11

Property Description

Waterfront 19th-Century Charm:
Experience the enchanting Duke Hotel, a historic gem perched on the waterfront of the Bay of Islands. Revel in its elegant guest lounge, restaurant, and garden bar, alongside a convenient gymnasium.

Modern Comfort with Bay Views:
Indulge in rooms adorned with modern decor and a touch of tradition. Each room boasts a refrigerator, satellite TV, and for some lucky guests, a private balcony with breathtaking bay views.

Culinary Delights and Local Wines:
Savor New Zealand's finest at The Duke of Marlborough's restaurant, specializing in locally sourced seafood. Wash down the flavors with a selection of regional wines at the scenic House Bar by the water.

Book now to immerse yourself in history and luxury at The Duke of Marlborough - your gateway to Russell's treasures.

Important information:

Guests planning to arrive outside regular front desk hours are requested to inform the hotel in advance. Contact details can be found in the booking confirmation.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: KKE

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for NZD 35 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 11 years old stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Children from 12 years old to 16 years old stay for NZD 50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 2187 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.9
Service: 9.16
Location: 9.6
Room Quality: 8.86
Amenities: 8.89
Value for Money: 8.35
Food and Beverage: 8.2
Overall Experience: 9.26
V
Venter • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Everything just loved the place...

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • extended_group • nz
9
2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • family_with_children • nz
10
Loved the experience of staying in an iconic hotel. Everything was fabulous.
Pros:

Location, comfort and grest service. Staff were fabulous.

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • nz
9
Loved our stay and will stay again
Pros:

Loved going for dinner down in the restaurant staff were amazing
Our room was very clean loved it

Cons:

Everything was amazing

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
C
Charlotte • couple • nz
7
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • couple • nz
8
Enjoyed the room, the staff were very helpful. Breakfast was not a standard that depicted the hotel; poor.
Pros:

Our room was airy and big; lovely view over the bay

Cons:

Only lift at the back; not helpful for people who find stairs hard

2026-05-20 • via Nuitee
M
may • couple • be
8
we hebben enorm genoten van ons verblijf in de Duke of Marlborough
Pros:

alles ging goed, prachtige locatie, lekker gegeten ter plaatse,vriendelijk personeel,

Cons:

onze kamer had een terrasje, maar vlak erachter stond de schacht van de ventilatie van de keuken, deze maakte toch wel wat lawaai, dus terrasje niet direct gebruikt en ook niet met raam open kunnen slapen wat wij wel gewoon zijn.

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jacqui • solo_traveller • au
9
Wonderful place to stay
Pros:

Everything was exceptional from the bed to the staff to the restaurant

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
R
Renisha • couple • nz
10
2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
V
Vanessa • couple • nz
9
Pros:

Everything - especially the location and restaurant!

Cons:

The shower in my small room was very small.

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
S
Sophia • extended_group • nz
10
Pros:

Dinner was superb and the staff very attentive even though it was an extremely busy night.

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
J
Joanne • solo_traveller • au
10
Exceptional in every way, a fab way to celebrate our 50th anniversary!
Pros:

Loved the friendly staff, room was womderful, the deck for drinks and dinner were unforgettable.

Cons:

Nothing, it was great.

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
A
Ava • couple • nz
10
2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • solo_traveller • au
10
Amazing would definitely stay again
Pros:

Location and character - stunning place

2026-05-15 • via Nuitee
C
Craig • couple • nz
9
Great location, friendly staff, beautiful interiors, and an overall great vibe — really enjoyable
Pros:

Location great ... friendly staff ... nice interiors ... good vibes

Cons:

Pillows were average

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
S
Scott • couple • nz
8
Very enjoyable stay
2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • couple • nz
9
Fantastic place for a great celebration
Pros:

Location & excellent service

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
K
Kevin • extended_group • nz
9
2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • nz
8
2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
C
Craig • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

It was an historic venue with a lovely atmosphere. Outstanding meals and great staff.

Cons:

That I could only stay one night.

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee