The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2110 reviews)
35 The Strand , Russell , nz

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 2110 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
R
Ridge couple nz
9
One night stay to celebrate a birthday.
Pros:

Lovely old building in a wonderful position on the waterfront. Helpful staff and delicious food.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-11 via Nuitee
T
Tanya couple au
9
Brilliant location!
Pros:

Bucket list destination for sure! Food and Beverages were superb!

Cons:

A little bit noisy (old building) so you hear people moving around in bed.

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
V
Vijaya solo_traveller gb
10
Lovely hotel with amazing staff :-)
Pros:

Beautiful building. Staff were lovely and always with a smile. The housekeeping ladies were very helpful and lovely to talk to.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
G
glenn couple nz
10
Pros:

The service was excellent the the staff were excellent very professional absolute joy to be there
Glenn Doel

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
J
Johannes couple at
9
Charmant, schöne Lage am Wasser, aufmerksames Personal, sehr nett.
Pros:

schönes, antikes Hotel mit Charme. Obwohl wir nur ein kleines Zimmer zur Seite hin bekommen haben, hatte es einen gewissen Flair. Tolle Lage, man fühlt sich wohl.

2026-04-07 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple au
10
2026-04-07 via Nuitee
K
K.F couple eg
9
2026-04-07 via Nuitee
S
Sarah couple au
10
Unforgettable experience. A must stay for the bay of islands.
Pros:

Everything. The position is a stand out!

2026-04-07 via Nuitee
B
Bianca couple nl
10
2026-04-07 via Nuitee
solo_traveller nz
9
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
S
Simon couple gb
10
2026-04-06 via Nuitee
H
Helen couple nz
9
2026-04-05 via Nuitee
F
Frank couple nz
8
Pros:

All good only room by noisy vent

Cons:

Very noisy extractor vent by room window

2026-04-04 via Nuitee
D
Dylan couple nz
10
2026-04-02 via Nuitee
C
Christopher couple gb
10
Pros:

Perfect location and wonderful, friendly staff.

2026-04-02 via Nuitee
A
Adrian couple au
8
Pros:

Well appointed, comfortable room with easy access to the Hotel facilities. Parking is in a different but close by (across the road) location. Dining was excellent.

2026-04-02 via Nuitee
S
Stephen couple gb
7
Lovely place, but seems to have forgotten how to provide a great experience
Pros:

The staff were nice people but i felt weren’t proactive. No one said hello , even if the reception had no guests and they only engaged if asked. Felt impersonal.

Cons:

It is a beautiful historic building, and you have kept the old magic- love that.

But when we were there, 50% felt like it was set up for a wedding or business meeting that never happened. So it felt empty and uninviting, while the other side had no spare seats (not the restaurant but the reception areas)

2026-04-01 via Nuitee
T
Tonya couple nz
9
2026-03-31 via Nuitee
L
Leonie couple au
10
Beautiful spot and very relaxing
Pros:

All

2026-03-31 via Nuitee
A
Alloway couple au
8
Great location. Fantastic restaurant. Enjoyed our short stay.
Pros:

Beautiful building. Great location overlooking beach. Wonderful meal in the restaurant. Room comfortable. Friendly, helpful staff.

2026-03-30 via Nuitee