SO/ Auckland

SO/ Auckland is a five-star designer hotel on the corner of Customs Street East and Gore Street, in the downtown Britomart district. Its calling card is an avant-garde approach to design, with bold guest rooms and suites that set it apart from the more classic luxury hotels in the city. General manager Stephen Gould has described it as setting a new standard for world travellers and locals alike.

The hotel's facilities cover everything a short city break needs. There is a heated indoor pool, a fitness centre and day spa treatments, so guests can unwind after a day of sightseeing or a long-haul flight. Guests staying in executive rooms have access to a tranquil executive lounge.

The rooftop bar is one of the hotel's best features. It looks out over the harbour, and Auckland's official tourism site describes it as the city's finest. A drink there at sunset is a good way to start an evening in Britomart. The hotel also has its own dining, so guests can eat on site without going out.

The location is excellent for exploring the city on foot or by public transport. Waitematā Station is about a three-minute walk away, giving rail connections across the city. Auckland International Airport is about 22 kilometres away. Gore Street is also home to Giapo, the gelato maker and gluten-free bakery, and the restaurants of Britomart and Commercial Bay are within easy reach.

SO/ Auckland suits style-conscious couples, solo travellers and business guests who want a central base with a strong sense of design. The indoor pool also makes it a practical choice in cooler months, when outdoor pools elsewhere in the city are less inviting.

The hotel's listing on Auckland's official tourism site, written by Tourism New Zealand, places it in the heart of the city and highlights its rooms and suites, executive lounge, indoor pool and rooftop bar as the main reasons to stay. For reservations, contact the hotel by phone on +64 9 379 1860 or book through the hotel's website, where current offers and a brochure are available. Guest reviews are published on the hotel's own website, which gives a useful sense of recent stays before you commit.