Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

Hotels
7.7 (1634 reviews)
9 Riverside Drive , Whangarei , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Luggage storage
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 1634 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
T
Tony • couple • nz
7
Adequate for a short stay.
Pros:

Location is good.

Cons:

House keeping need to focus on during, spider web removal and amenity stocking

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
T
Taneisha • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
N
Natasha • family_with_children • nz
10
Clean friendly location star
Pros:

Breakfast clean room

2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
P
pascual • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mike • solo_traveller • nz
7
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
A
Auntaz • solo_traveller • nz
9
2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
R
Renee • extended_group • nz
8
Lovely stay and very warm
Pros:

Great service, very clean

2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
K
Kayla • family_with_children • au
8
2026-06-18 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Very nice refurbished rooms. Great location, short walk to town.

2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • nz
7
Ok value for money
Pros:

Didn’t eat breakfast for dinner at the restaurant.
Overall, reasonable value for money as a hotel

Cons:

Gym could do with a little bit better equipment and needs an earlier opening time

2026-06-16 • via Nuitee
R
Riki • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Distinction is one of my favorites

2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
A
Alfred • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
P
Panther • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
R
Riki • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

One of my favorite hotels

2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
C
Colin • solo_traveller • nz
8
Good
Pros:

Close to town

Cons:

We were in too. 200 and directions to find the room were confusing…even for the staff.

2026-06-11 • via Nuitee
D
Diane • solo_traveller • nz
6
Pros:

Helpful reception staff

Cons:

Breakfast was terrible and felt like it had been sitting for some time bacon was hard as rocks. Definately needs to be updated and new carpets or at least clean them. Maintenance on buildings was needed everywhere.

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
M
Manisha • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
D
Dolly • solo_traveller • nz
10
It's the marina view for me!
Pros:

I liked everything.
I had a great stay, it was clean, warm, cosy and comfortable.
The 24 hour room service was great. Especially when the restaurant closes at 9pm. Try the chicken curry. Yum!!
Also very lovely professional and friendly staff. I felt really welcome.

Cons:

There was nothing I didn't like. I had a great stay. This is the type of room I will continue to book in future.

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
D
Dolly • solo_traveller • nz
5
Not as great as previous stays
Pros:

Very comfortable bed, very warm with the extra blanket.
Loved having all 4 pillows to myself.
The room was warm and clean.
Lots of towels, hand towels, face clothes and amenities (soap, shampoo conditioner etc).
Loved the 24 hour room service: the Chicken curry was delicious.
Staff were lovely and check in was easy and friendly.

Cons:

The shower was tiny.
It's so small, to the point of being almost claustrophobic. The door isn't wide enough and if you're a big (plus sized) person you have to turn side-on to enter the shower (pic attached of a hand towel hanging over the shower door to demonstrate how small the doorway is).
Once in there's barely room to move, or turn around without hitting the wall or glass.
The hot water took ages to heat up. The water pressure was slow and it could use more shelving so you don't have to leave soaps and shampoos on the shower floor.
If you get a room next to the entrance/stairs, ask to change rooms. You can hear EVERYTHING. People coming and going all night, yelling, falling over, locking themselves out and banging on doors to be let back in and other antics.
I understand that the hotel has no control over people's actions but I would not be booking that room option again.

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee