The Great Ponsonby Arthotel

We absolutely loved staying in the Ponsonby area of Auckland and this hotel sums up the charm of the area. It’s public spaces are full of interesting art and furniture and it has a homely and welcoming feel. The staff are friendly and the breakfasts are freshly cooked in the kitchen area adjoining the dining room, and are delicious.

As befitting a property of such an age the bedrooms are ‘cosy’ and there was a little noise from neighbouring rooms/ plumbing (we were downstairs, near the front door). There was a musty smell to the bedroom that may be alleviated by replacing pillows and washing the additional blankets etc.

Ended up staying here twice when we got stuck in Auckland and had a wonderful time. The staff (Jackie especially!) were really welcoming and always made our day. Breakfast was delicious, and the rooms/cabins were very comfy. Great facilities too, with a kitchen, free drinks on arrival, free toiletries, and Sky on the TV. A really cool atmosphere, almost like a 70s beach house—you could easily forget you’re in a popular part of the city, with loads of shops, restaurants and cafés literally just around the corner. This will absolutely be where we go the next time we stay the night in Auckland. Thank you for such a lovely stay!

This is a homey experience, more like a B&B than a hotel. It's a converted villa and the staff greeted us at the front door like friends. Decor is quirky and South Pacific themed; the beds very cushiony and lush. Complimentary drinks (beer, wine or soft drink) are a nice touch. We appreciated the onsite parking and the location; it was very quiet despite being only minutes away from the buzz of Ponsonby Road.

It depends on which room you get; the bathroom in the one next to ours was right next to our heads - so intrusive.

The warm welcome we received was unbelievable! We arrived in New Zealand after a 13 hour flight, then 2.5 hours in a queue getting through bio security, I was not in a good mood. We arrived at the hotel to early, thought we would have to wait around until the room was prepared. Although breakfast was finished, they sat us down, made us several pots of tea, gave us breakfast. Even rushing through their own breakfast in order to get our room clean. This is an 11 hotel, 11 out of 10. You made me remember why I came back to New Zealand and why I love it here. Thank you

I know it's a niggle but I have to say, I searched for a hotel with airport shuttle. They don't have this but can arrange a paid taxi service. Saying that, if I stay in Auckland, I'm staying here!

The location. Close to eateries and shops. Very comfortable, warm and cosy. Very lovely sheets and pillows. Comfy bed. Spotlessly clean. Loved my own little patio, even though the weather prevented me using it! Maybe next time. Very quiet. No traffic noise.

Not so much as a didn't like, but would be preferable. Good selection of teas, chocolate and plunger coffee in the room, along with crockery and a kettle....but no milk! Pots of UHT milk or small fridge in the room for milk would be perfect. Seemed unnecessary to go into the lounge area to get milk, even though it was close. Especially in my PJ's!

We had a great stay at the Great Ponsonby Arthotel. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The house is quirky with lots of bright colours throughout. Breakfast was very yummy and exceeded our expectations! You have the option of a continental breakfast or a cooked breakfast. They also offer a complimentary drink from the fridge during your stay which is a nice touch. It is located in a beautiful neighbourhood and is so close to all the action in Ponsonby!

The bathroom and shower were a bit small and it would have been great to have a fridge in the room.

Booked for 2 nights but stayed 5 as flights changed. We stayed in the Green Room a large corner studio in the courtyard. Lots of outside space we were able to use. The rooms are all individually decorated with great attention to detail and lots of extras. The staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. The price included a lovely breakfast.

Nothing.. but be aware the rooms are furnished in keeping with the era of the property so not ultra modern

The staff were great. The breakfasts were lovely. The glass of wine on arrival was very welcome. Our studio was really well equipped with kitchen ware and furniture. Everything was really great, except the bed.

The only fault we would mention is the bed in the Green Courtyard studio was not comfortable. It was too soft and we both rolled into the middle, not kept our seperate space

The staff is amazing!!! Really nice welcome, very friendly during our stay. The location is really nice and nicely decorated/painted. The entire location is very clean. We also had breakfast is the morning and it was really good.

The location should reconsider a bit the shower in the bathroom. Having a small one with the curtain is not necessary the preferred option from a hygiene perspective. However, I need to mention that the entire bathroom was really clean.

We loved the trusting approach of the management and the honesty system for drinks, the non-intrusiveness of the friendly staff, the privacy, cleanliness, exceptionally tasteful decor, wall art and hangings, lovely room colours, and the general sense of welcome and warmth. The building seems well sound-proofed as we could hardly hear any other guests' noises. There were many thoughtful touches, well-stocked cold and hot drinks, a huge selection of teas in the room, and a plunger for coffee.

The only small issue we had was that the bed was not a true queen bed as we expected, but two singles side by side. One bed was slightly higher than the other, with the effect that one person rolled onto the other on the lower mattress. No problem if you like sleeping very close with a partner, but some people probably would want the option of a bit of space.