The Duke Of Marlborough

Hotels
8.9 (2288 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 2288 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
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
C
Crystal • couple • nz
10
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
S
Shelley • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Great location. Beautiful old but restored hotel with modern facilities beside lovely old features. Staff were friendly and helpful. Lovely sunset view from our upstairs deck.

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
D
Don • couple • nz
8
Great spot for cosy winter get away
Pros:

Our room was upgraded which was a lovely surprise. Great position and outlook. Cosy winter get away

Cons:

Had been advised to book a time for dinner so we did with front desk but when we presented there was no record in the restaurant. Was quickly sorted by the staff though.

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • nz
10
2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
G
Graeme • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

Great staff and location

2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
D
Dougall • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Really nice room and hotel. Owners have done really well renovating it. Bed was comfortable. That's the main thing. Staff were excellent too.

Cons:

Nothing major.

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
T
Tina • solo_traveller • nz
6
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
R
Raewyn • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
A
Andy • couple • nz
9
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
A
Anonymous 999 • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
L
Lindsay • couple • nz
9
Superb location right on the waterfront
Pros:

Wonderful historic hotel. We stayed 2 nights, not in the main building but in the apartment next door, known as The Bungalow. Picturesque view directly onto the beach and across the bay, with the ferry from Paihia arriving regularly at the wharf. A few steps to great cafes and restaurants. We also dined in the hotel restaurant, which was the highlight of our stay - superb menu, brilliant decor and outstanding staff. The apartment was large, comfortable and well stocked with coffee pods, a Nescafé machine and a great selection of teas.

Cons:

The best feature was the large spa bath (although we were disconcerted to see there was a tell-tale ring left by the previous occupant). Also, the room wasn’t serviced, which seemed unusual in a high-end pricey hotel. Since there was no heated towel rail we were left with wet towels on the second night. I would also suggest turning on the heating in advance of guests arriving, as it was the coldest day of the year and the room took a long time to warm up. All the same it was a great holiday and we will definitely return.

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
D
donald • solo_traveller • nz
10
I love it
Pros:

Good breakfast 😋 👌

2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
M
Marlene • extended_group • nz
10
fantastic
Pros:

dinner and the rooms were fantastic

Cons:

it was all good

2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
C
Carolyn • couple • au
8
Enjoyed our stay at the hotel came in winter and would love to come back in summer as it would be magical
Pros:

Lovely old hotel in middle of town right on water

2026-08-02 • via Nuitee
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