The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2252 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

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 2252 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
J
John • couple • nz
9
Very nice indeed
Pros:

The restaurant

Cons:

Small bathroom

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
J
Janice • couple • au
9
Wonderful experience, historic location and excellent dinner on the saturday night.
Pros:

The location was excellent, in the heart of town and close to the ferry, where we took a cruise to the hole in the rock.

Cons:

Maybe could have stayed another night; however, the cost per night was a deterent.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
S
Shelley • extended_group • nz
9
Lovely place to stay , very enjoyable
Pros:

One of my favourite places to stay - we like to go once a year

Cons:

The ambience

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
V
Vicki • family_with_children • au
9
Beautiful location, hotel and experience.
Pros:

Historical feel with all the facilities. Outside tables and chairs.

Cons:

Parking instructions and not having to return to car to place parking permit.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
B
bamber • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Great place to visit

Cons:

Friendly and easy place to have a meal

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
E
Eric • couple • us
10
Beautiful classic hotel in a historic town
Pros:

Russell is a great little town and the hotel is right in the middle. We were very pleased with our accommodations. Would definitely stay there again.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
B
Brent • extended_group • au
10
Historical and stylish in a period style
Pros:

A period style and historic building on the waterfront that was decorated with historical prints of places, people, and events. A warm atmosphere with welcoming spaces.

Cons:

Nothing, I really enjoyed my stay.

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
H
Henry • family_with_children • nz
7
Great
Pros:

Love this place - Russell is our spot for a staycation and the duke is the first choice
Food and restaurant - 5 star - brilliant!
Location - vista and outlook whilst you eat - nothing beats it!

Cons:

It needs some money spent to keep it in the top hotels in NZ

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • couple • nz
9
Beautiful iconic hotel
2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
D
don • couple • nz
10
2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
B
Beven • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
M
Marie • solo_traveller • nz
9
200 years of History
Pros:

Location. The history of the place and it's surroundings.

Cons:

-

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
C
Claudia • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Loved our room so much. Water views, newly renovated and furnished,shower king bed, beautifully finished bathroom with big bath, Nespresso in room.

Cons:

That we had to carry our own bags from offsite park all the way to room. That milk for tea and coffee was handed to us at reception to carry up ourselves and not replenished next day with room service

2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
H
Hikaurua • solo_traveller • au
10
2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
A
Aish Smit • solo_traveller • nz
7
Overall okay
Pros:

Staff were great.

Cons:

Says beach view but not ,Cookies provided was not eatable and chair cushioning was bad, should have provided milk. They did mention entertainment by board games and all but could not notice anything.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
S
Sophie • couple • nz
10
Great location, easy, friendly, comfortable
Pros:

Great location, lots of character

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • couple • us
10
Stayed on a dare that did not disappoint
Pros:

Haunted room and hallway

Cons:

No room service

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
J
June • couple • nz
5
Enjoyed the location and the staff are friendly and helpful
Pros:

Beautiful location

Cons:

We did choose a cheaper room and it was small

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
J
Joyce • solo_traveller • au
7
Pros:

Location & staff.

Cons:

Small room

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
R
Renee • couple • nz
8
Very nice, we will be back,
Pros:

Lovely atmosphere, great food in the restaurant

Cons:

The shower is tiny and water goes all over the floor. Plunger coffee in the room would have been a nice touch. And wine glasses.

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee