The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2158 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 2158 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
Bruce couple au
10
2026-04-23 via Nuitee
G
GrahamFoxwell solo_traveller nz
10
Pros:

Helpful staff
Good food
Wonderful location

2026-04-22 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple de
1
2026-04-22 via Nuitee
E
Everit couple nz
6
Very average but pleasant and helpful staff
Pros:

Location v good

Cons:

Lukewarm breakfast due to insufficient serving staff for guest numbers

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
M
Mark solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Old colonial architecture with lots of wood panelling, beautiful restaurants and food was outstanding.

Cons:

Room was facing the internal courtyard which didn't give much privacy. Would have liked to stay in one of the Seaview rooms but couldn't justify the cost.

2026-04-17 via Nuitee
J
JENNA couple nz
9
2026-04-17 via Nuitee
A
Alison solo_traveller ca
7
A historical hotel with old-fashioned charms
Pros:

The location of this hotel is absolutely unparalleled and the history of the building is well-represented and very cool. I stayed in the Deluxe King and it was comfortable, with a verandah and plenty of tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Cons:

I found the staff attentiveness patchy. Sometimes they were proactively friendly and helpful, others times they were less present. I was rarely greeted by reception even though you walk by them to go upstairs, which just seemed odd. The bed was pretty soft by contemporary standards.

2026-04-16 via Nuitee
B
Brigit couple au
10
2026-04-16 via Nuitee
K
Kathleen solo_traveller gb
7
Pros:

The location of the hotel was very good and the staff very friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Room 106 is next to the cleaning room which had noisy equipment in it and there didn't appear to be much soundproofing between rooms either.
The television channels were extremely poor

2026-04-16 via Nuitee
H
Hugh extended_group au
8
Very enjoyable and would love to return
2026-04-16 via Nuitee
G
Graham couple nz
9
2026-04-16 via Nuitee
M
McLoughney couple au
9
Beautiful stay would love to return
Pros:

Stunning location

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-15 via Nuitee
D
Derek couple gb
8
Great Experience
Pros:

The location 10 out of 10, , the Bar abd Restaurant area.. Definitely go again. There was a wedding happening while we were there and the bar and Restaurant were very busy.. but our evening meal was delicious...How the staff cope is amazing they deserve a medal

Cons:

The bedroom had been done up to the best of what they have considering it's a very old building so the shower is a bit of a squeeze and wash area window needed a bit of TLC. Did not like the shag pile throw..

2026-04-15 via Nuitee
S
simon couple au
10
2026-04-15 via Nuitee
S
Sam couple nz
8
Pros:

Good location, very clean, well presented and comfy room.

2026-04-15 via Nuitee
L
Leyland extended_group nz
10
The Duke never disappoints. We will return.
Pros:

Helpful staff who assisted us to find a suitable space for a small hui. Loved the gym - great addition.

Cons:

Loved it all, including the rain!

2026-04-14 via Nuitee
N
Neil couple nz
9
2026-04-13 via Nuitee
T
Tania couple nz
7
2026-04-12 via Nuitee
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