Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Hotels
7.7 (1499 reviews)
9 Riverside Drive , Whangarei , nz

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Convenient location
Cons:
Issues with room temperature
Amenities not fully functional

Categories

Cleanliness
6.94
Some rooms were tidy, but there were mentions of facilities being dated and cleanliness issues with carpets.
Service
8.91
Consistently praised across multiple reviews for friendly and efficient staff.
Location
8.45
Various reviews mention convenient and central location, making it easy to access local attractions.
Room Quality
7.4
Rooms were reported as modern and comfortable, but some were too hot and had issues like cramped bathrooms.
Amenities
6.93
Mention of cold pools and spa not functioning well, though some amenities were appreciated.
Value for Money
7.39
Comments on pricing suggest it might be a bit high for some rooms, impacting perceived value.
Food and Beverage
7.94
Positive experiences with meals, though some mention that dinner quality could improve.
Overall Experience
7.61
Overall enjoyment was indicated in multiple reviews, despite some noted drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 20:32

Property Description

Luxurious Amenities
Indulge in the indoor pool, fitness centre, and hot tub for a relaxing stay at Distinction Hotel Whangarei.

Convenient Location
Situated opposite Hatea River, our hotel is a short walk from Town Basin Marina and Claphams Clock Museum, offering easy access to nearby attractions.

Entertainment Options
Unwind in our shared games room with billiards or explore the variety of shops and cafes nearby. PAK'nSAVE and Serenity Café are just a stone's throw away.

Book your stay now at Distinction Hotel Whangarei for a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

Important information:

Please note that all credit card transactions incur the following processing fees: 2%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.
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.

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

Property Policies

  • Groups

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

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

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

  • 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 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 1499 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.94
Service: 8.91
Location: 8.45
Room Quality: 7.4
Amenities: 6.93
Value for Money: 7.39
Food and Beverage: 7.94
Overall Experience: 7.61
M
Milsie family_with_children nz
6
Not bad for the price
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Place needs a upgrade!

2026-03-14 via Nuitee
M
MarvB family_with_children gb
8
2026-03-10 via Nuitee
A
Amy couple nz
4
Not recommend!!!
Pros:

The location is amazing! just beside to the town basin. If you want to have brunch or take a walk around,it's really a good place to stay.

Cons:

But the receptionist is rediculous! Ruined my day when I checkout. We arrived 7th of Jan in the afternoon check-in for 3 days stay. Cause my booking excluded breakfast but we needed to get up early next day so we paid for the breakfast next day which is for 8th of Jan when we arrived. The thing is when we did checkout on 10th of Jan, the receptionist told me we needed pay the breakfast we had on 8th of Jan. Although we showed our payment transaction to her to prove we already paid when we arrived but she didn't believe us. She told us what we paid is for 7th. Even we tried to explained to her how we can arrived in the afternoon but had breakfast here. She just asked us to shut up!? After she checked the camera and back to tell us we still needed to pay the fee cause she saw us had breakfast on 8th. It's just make no sense. After all, she said"Ok. Fine. We let you go"??? WTF??? It's not our mistakes. And she didn't even said sorry to us. It's my worst service experience I had!!!

2026-03-10 via Nuitee
J
Jaqi family_with_children nz
8
Welcoming staff, comfy and clean beds, spa and pool, great for kids
Pros:

Pool and spa pool was great for kids. Buffet breakfast option in the booking was great. Beds comfy.

Cons:

Bit more cleanliness in bathrooms, tiles etc. Decor a bit tired in the hallways.

2026-03-10 via Nuitee
R
Roger couple nz
6
Pros:

Within walking distance to the centre of town and many restaurants.

Cons:

Some of the furniture and facilities were not well maintained. They were minor things but did detract from the place.

2026-03-09 via Nuitee
B
Bridget couple nz
8
Excellent service and location. Very comfortable room with an excellent shower. Will stay again.
Pros:

The staff and location were excellent and the room was large and comfortable. Great parking and excellent wifi.

Cons:

The room and building were quite tired. Our bathroom sink though spotlessly clean was very stained - some inconsiderate guest had probably dyed their hair over it! Overall just needs a bit of a freshen up. This certainly wouldn’t put us off staying in anyway! We will be back😁

2026-03-09 via Nuitee
E
Evelyn family_with_children nz
9
A much needed relaxing break from the reality of Auckland.
Pros:

The location was great as it takes 1 minute to walk to the marina, 5 minute walk to pak n save, and 7 minute walk to restaurants if you feel like trying local food.
My room was spacious, with 2 big comfortable beds, a smart tv that you can watch youtube or other internet apps, good wifi, black out curtains, a solid noise cancelling door, and a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower.

Cons:

The toilet needs an upgrade as the toilet seat cover wouldn't stay upright.

2026-03-08 via Nuitee
T
Te Arawhiti extended_group nz
8
Pros:

The location

Cons:

No microwave

2026-03-08 via Nuitee
K
Kristeen couple nz
10
Pros:

Great location and nice comfy rooms

Cons:

Nothing. All is great

2026-03-07 via Nuitee
J
Jason couple nz
8
2026-03-05 via Nuitee
S
Stewart couple nz
8
2026-03-05 via Nuitee
B
Blair couple nz
8
One night stop-over. Easy stroll to town for drinks and dinner
Pros:

Close to the harbour and restaurants - nice view of the harbour from our room. Loads of parking. Large, clean and comfortable room.

2026-03-01 via Nuitee
B
Babette family_with_children au
6
2026-03-01 via Nuitee
J
Jouleen family_with_children nz
8
2026-02-28 via Nuitee
S
Sharon family_with_children nz
9
Pros:

The size of the room .lovely breakfast, facilities great

2026-02-26 via Nuitee
H
Holly family_with_children nz
8
2026-02-24 via Nuitee
H
Hutchinson couple nz
3
2026-02-23 via Nuitee
G
Gilles couple fr
9
2026-02-22 via Nuitee
D
Derek extended_group au
7
Central position. Convenient but unhealthy food choices and behaviour
Pros:

The view.

Cons:

People smoking near entrances to the hotel and in carpark including staff and contract staff. Appears it is accepted practice in the culture of the establishment.

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
R
Raghad couple nz
8
2026-02-13 via Nuitee