The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2055 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)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Terrace
Lift / Elevator
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
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 2055 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
B
Bernhard • couple • de
9
Pros:

Super Lage
Alter Charme

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
C
Chad • couple • nz
10
Highly recommend
Pros:

Fantastic room and amazing location

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
D
Debbie • couple • au
10
Pros:

Location, style of property.

Cons:

Lack of wardrobe space and drawers.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • au
8
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
T
Terence • couple • au
9
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jo • family_with_children • nz
8
Pros:

Location great, loved the old & new art around Hotel.

2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • couple • gb
9
Comfortable, historic, peaceful - a joy!
Pros:

The hotel is so pretty and atmospheric. Our room was at the back but that didn't matter. It was attractive, comfortable and quiet with a lovely private balcony overlooking the quiet street. The hotel is in the middle of this pretty little town but right on the sea front with a wide front verandah for drinks and dinner.

Cons:

I suppose it would have been nice to have had some water and ice in the fridge - but it didn't matter!

2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
P
Phillipa • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Great location on the sea front, lovely views and a beautiful setting.

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
R
Rahel • couple • ch
9
Gutes Erlebnis mit äusserst freundlichem Personal
Pros:

Geschmackvoll eingerichtetes Zimmer mit Kühlschrank.
Mitten im Dorf
Kein Frühstück dazu gebucht, da kein Buffett und die Menü- Auswahl nicht meinem Bedürfnis entsprach.

Cons:

Die Menü- Auswahl der Speisekarte
Die laute Lüftung auf dem Balkon Innenhof

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
J
jane • couple • gb
8
2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
B
Bronwyn • couple • nz
10
Amazing, quaint destination.
Pros:

This is an amazing property, the food is amazing and staff are super friendly. The Duke of Marlborough has amazing heritage from the 1800's and its location is perfect.

Cons:

There is nothing not to like about this property.

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • couple • au
7
Pros:

Great Location on the water front , Older Hotel which was full up on the day we arrived , Had breakfast in the hotel but was a disappointment . Room was nice and Comfortable . We not been to Russell for 30 years was nice to see how much it had changed for the good ..

Cons:

Breakfast was not good for $35 each was way too expensive . We did not eat in the Hotel as too many other option in the village .

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
N
Niki • couple • nz
10
Iconic hotel serving rascals and reprobates…
Pros:

Beautiful, iconic hotel with a story (or two) to tell.

Cons:

Breakfast was slow to arrive and eggs overcooked.

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • couple • nz
9
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
D
De Brincat • couple • au
10
Relaxing and enjoying
Pros:

History and location

Cons:

Nothing it was a great place to stay

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
R
Ruth • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Lovely ambience and views

2026-03-04 • via Nuitee
B
Blair • couple • nz
9
Historical, charming, comfortable…..a lovely experience
Pros:

Historic significance and beauty of the old girl. Loads of artwork throughout the hotel and room. Bar staff were awesome as was our wait staff for dinner. Food, drinks and ambience all amazing. Motorcycle parking on premises which is a bonus. Loved our stay at the Duke.

Cons:

Nothing to “not like”.

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
K
Kathryn • couple • au
8
Awesome views, close proximity to everything.
Pros:

Awesome place
Rooms great
Good food
Great views
Close to everything

Cons:

Not much happening after 9 on a Friday night

2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • couple • gb
9
Romantic
Pros:

Location and restaurant

2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • couple • au
9
enjoyed my stay and would definitely come back and recommend to others
Pros:

great location, dinner was very good at the restaurant, staff were helpful. Room was on the small side but comfortable and excellent renovation

Cons:

the entry and bar area slightly shabby

2026-03-02 • via Nuitee