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
K
Keith • couple • nz
5
Ruined by the fire alarm.
Pros:

Roomy. balcony.

Cons:

The fire alarm was probably unavoidable. The FIRE exits are not obvious. Exit signs should mean FIRE exit. There should be more boards in the passageways and hotel instruction manual. I looked before the fire alarm and couldn't find.

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
E
Elliot • couple • nz
10
2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • couple • nz
10
Very nice hotel, staff was excellent. Service excellent
Pros:

Breakfast was excellent

Cons:

All was excellent

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • nz
10
My favourite hotel in New Zealand. It doesn’t get any better than a weekend in Russell at the Duke
2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
T
Tracey • couple • nz
8
2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
W
Wilma • extended_group • nz
10
2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
W
Warren • couple • au
10
Wonderful experience in everything a hotel can be.
Pros:

Everything. Facilities, location, staff, food, decor, outlook… all really special.

2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • family_with_children • za
10
2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • nz
9
The stay fulfilled our expectations after the last visit decades ago
Pros:

We only had time to stay for one night this time, but appreciated the upgrade

Cons:

Luckily we had enough time to wait for the breakfast

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • couple • nz
9
very nice hotel
2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jo • family_with_children • gb
10
Great time
Pros:

Staff decor

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
A
Alec and Renee • solo_traveller • au
10
Pros:

We loved everything. We went to a wedding. It was absolutely exquisite. The best venue ever.

Cons:

There was nothing we didn't like. 5 stars for everything.

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
D
Donna • extended_group • nz
9
2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
M
Mari • family_with_children • nz
10
2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • couple • nz
9
Standout location on the waterfront. Beautiful building. Good staff great food.
Pros:

The location is standout on the waterfront near the ferry and plenty of walks in the vicinity. Beautiful building with a great history. Comfortable rooms. Staff were lovely.

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
C
Crystal • couple • nz
10
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
G
Geoff • couple • nz
9
We had spent 10 days staying in Hotels in Northland and had just had 4 days at the Copthorne Waitang
Pros:

Room. Excellent.
Location of room . Overlooking the water . Great.
No breakfast

Cons:

Nothing we didn’t like. Weather when we left could have been better but nothing you can do about that

2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
R
Roz • couple • nz
9
Ideal situation
Pros:

We did not have breakfast there. Otherwise great

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
H
HNHarubz • family_with_children • nz
9
We had a lovely time and were very comfortable. Our dinner was superb.
Pros:

The hotel is beautifully clean and the staff friendly and helpful. The person who served us in the restaurant was just lovely. Our dinner was superb!

Cons:

There was one service person in the restaurant who spent most of his time chatting loudly to guests at another table. We found this a little invasive.

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • nz
10
Excellent food and service. Cannot fault anything. Well worth a stay. Staff were professional, friendly and attentive
Pros:

This is a fabulous hotel in a great location

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee