The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2218 reviews)
35 The Strand , Russell , nz

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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 2218 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
G
George couple gb
9
2026-06-06 via Nuitee
A
Antony couple nz
9
2026-06-05 via Nuitee
K
Kennelly couple nz
10
2026-06-02 via Nuitee
D
David couple nz
9
2026-06-02 via Nuitee
S
Sue extended_group nz
8
The hotel was gorgeous, apart from size of room and lack of trim milk, it was a thumbs up.
Pros:

Food was excellent. My room was far too small, which I did not realise when booking.

Cons:

Couldn't have a coffee or tea as you did not have Trim milk, had to go to the local cafe for a hot drink.

2026-06-02 via Nuitee
J
John couple nz
9
2026-06-01 via Nuitee
C
Christine couple nz
9
Peaceful and breathtaking view
Pros:

Near the beach

Cons:

No tv programs no Netflix no YouTube

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
P
Paula couple nz
10
Great room
Pros:

We loved this room it was very spacious and comfortable.

Cons:

Nothing to do with the accomodation however we dined in at restaurant and found the food and service very underwhelming. We had to seek out staff to order the next course and doubled up so we wouldn’t have to do it again ie: entree and main. We skipped breakfast and went somewhere else.

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
J
Jenny extended_group nz
10
Pros:

Everything great food and exceptional service

2026-05-30 via Nuitee
G
GREGORY couple nz
9
Would definitely stay again.
Pros:

Beautiful historic building in an picturesque part of New Zealand.

Cons:

We had noisy neighbours, the building is well kept but built in a time and age when noise insulation was not a thing. Not a deal breaker as it's just one night, we still enjoyed The Duke very much.

2026-05-30 via Nuitee
W
Wildhaber solo_traveller nz
10
Next level 5 star
Pros:

Everything! We wanted to take the bed home it was fabulous the room gorgeous the food and service next level!

Cons:

That we couldn't stay longer!

2026-05-29 via Nuitee
N
Ngaire couple nz
9
Very nice, thank you.
Pros:

We loved the proximity to the water although we had no view. The room was very clean and comfortable, and it was quiet, even though we were facing the road. The double glazing was a blessing.

Cons:

It felt a little disjointed with parking and gym across the street, although very close.

2026-05-29 via Nuitee
G
GrahamSharp74 solo_traveller nz
10
Pros:

Staff were amazing and the facilities are so beautiful. Great stay

Cons:

Nothing. It was awesome

2026-05-28 via Nuitee
B
Brian solo_traveller nz
9
2026-05-28 via Nuitee
H
Heidi extended_group nz
10
Pros:

Beautiful room, very comfortable bed, everything perfectly clean, lovely consumables - excellent tea in the room. Superb location. Excellent old world charm in this hotel, would stay again anytime.

Cons:

Really nothing, it was lovely

2026-05-27 via Nuitee
K
Karen couple nz
10
2026-05-27 via Nuitee
C
Caelen solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Location and the room view

Some of the staff

Cons:

One or two of the staff were unsure about what to do but having said that their enthusiasm made up for it

2026-05-25 via Nuitee
C
Colleen solo_traveller nz
10
2026-05-25 via Nuitee
B
Barbara extended_group nz
9
2026-05-23 via Nuitee
V
Venter solo_traveller nz
10
Pros:

Everything just loved the place...

2026-05-23 via Nuitee