The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2296 reviews)
35 The Strand , Russell , NZ
+64 9 403 7829

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 2296 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
C
craig • couple • nz
8
Good alround
Pros:

Old style and close to water

Cons:

The door locks

2026-10-31 • via Nuitee
C
Christine • couple • nz
8
I had a nice sleep and rest well
Pros:

Location

Cons:

The shower , water drips on the toilet floor and no drain so you have to use towels to dry up the toilet floor after shower

2026-10-30 • via Nuitee
N
Napper • couple • au
10
Pros:

Great location. Top small rooms.

Cons:

Nil

2026-10-30 • via Nuitee
L
Lorelle • couple • nz
10
Pros:

Superb location, friendly and helpful staff and clean room. We had a lovely dinner at the restaurant out on the deck, with a fabulous view of the sunset. A very special place to stay.

2026-10-29 • via Nuitee
J
Joanne • family_with_children • nz
9
Excellent and very grateful for the upgrade. Thank you.
Pros:

fabulous location, great food, friendly staff and very clean rooms. Overall a great place to stay.

Cons:

Nothing - it was great and its the third time we have stayed there.

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
A
Alessi • couple • au
10
Fabulous view, great food and staff, relaxing
Pros:

Convenient, clean, lovely staff

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
D
Dagan • couple • nz
5
overall very n ie warm clean room a bit old fashioned
Pros:

i liked how close it was to everything and the room was super clean

Cons:

the shower was very old fashioned the shower head was harsh and water got everywhere not worth 315 a night

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
R
Rodney • couple • gb
10
Wonderful relaxing stay
Pros:

Location, ambiance, food and friendly staff.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
U
UBDglobal • extended_group • id
10
Wonderful Rascals and Reprobate Vibes!
Pros:

The staff were lovely, helpful and professional. Parking, access and room comfort all very good.

Cons:

Nothing, we loved it here!

2026-10-27 • via Nuitee
D
David Slack • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Outstanding- been a guest here over many decades and it’s never been better than it was this time

2026-10-26 • via Nuitee
J
Janene • couple • nz
10
Pros:

Everything, service was exceptional.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-23 • via Nuitee
M
Mary Ann • couple • nz
10
Pros:

Was upgraded to King room. 😊 the rooms are exceptional in decor and the little details like Harney and Sons teabag, soft dressing gowns and luxurious toiletries in the bathroom.
The food in the restaurant was delicious. Had a wonderful stay.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-10-23 • via Nuitee
M
Maureen • couple • nz
8
Pleasant with great location and views
Pros:

Breakfast adequate but not good and limited menu
Location very good

Cons:

Shower pressure in bathroom - weak

2026-10-21 • via Nuitee
C
collin • couple • fr
9
2026-10-20 • via Nuitee
M
Melinda • couple • au
10
2026-10-20 • via Nuitee
W
Warwick • couple • nz
8
Pros:

Very handy

2026-10-18 • via Nuitee
C
Carol • couple • nz
9
A pleasant experience
Pros:

Cosy & quiet

Cons:

More bath towels

2026-10-18 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • couple • nz
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Having someone unlock our door and walk in! Some mix up and second set of keys were given out. Not a great system in place for that to happen! A little disappointed as it was inappropriate to have strangers walk into your room...for them and us.

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
K
Kydd • couple • nz
10
2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
L
Lucy • couple • nz
8
Nice and relaxing to be right by the sea. At times it felt the staff didn’t know what was going on at dinner time.
Pros:

Right on ocean front

Cons:

Staff a bit all over the place

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee