Hotel
The Hotel Britomart
A 99-room hotel of handmade brick and timber in the Britomart precinct, New Zealand's only 5 Green Star hotel, home to the seafood restaurant kingi.
The Great Ponsonby Arthotel
Eleven-room boutique bed and breakfast in a renovated Ponsonby villa, decorated with New Zealand and Pacific art, with homemade breakfast and a garden beside a park.
At a glance
- Type
- Boutique bed and breakfast
- Area
- Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Hotel class
- 4-star
- Official site
- greatpons.co.nz
Good to know
- Breakfast included
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Garden
- Original art
Why we recommend it
The Great Ponsonby Arthotel is a boutique bed and breakfast in a renovated villa at 30 Ponsonby Terrace, in a heritage neighbourhood a couple of minutes' walk from Ponsonby's cafés, restaurants, galleries, shops and nightlife. It has been welcoming guests for more than 20 years and holds a Qualmark Bronze 4 Star rating.
As the name suggests, art is central to the experience. The villa is decorated with original New Zealand and Pacific Island artworks, giving each space a distinct character and making it feel more like a well-loved home than a hotel. There are 11 rooms in all, split between villa rooms, courtyard studios and suites, so couples, solo travellers and small families can find a suitable layout.
A homemade breakfast is included in the room rate, a real advantage in an area where eating out every morning adds up. Other inclusions are unlimited Wi-Fi, parking and a daily newspaper. The property sits in a garden beside a park, and children are welcome.
The location balances quiet surroundings with easy access to the city. The city centre is about ten minutes by bus, seven minutes by taxi or around 30 minutes on foot, and Auckland Airport is about 45 minutes away by road. Ponsonby's restaurants are within easy reach, including Prego and Dizengoff on Ponsonby Road and Cocoro on Brown Street, so there is no shortage of places to eat.
Booking policies are worth noting. A one-night deposit is taken at the time of booking, and cancellations made with less than a week's notice are charged for the booked nights, while those made eight or more days ahead incur a small handling fee. A surcharge applies on the main Christmas and New Year public holidays. Reception is staffed from 8.30am to 9.30pm, and the property is open all year.
The Great Ponsonby Arthotel suits travellers who want a personal welcome, an included breakfast and a neighbourhood base rather than a city-centre tower. Couples on a short break and art lovers will enjoy it most. Book directly through the website, or contact the hosts by phone on +64 9 376 5989 or by email at [email protected].
The Great Ponsonby Arthotel FAQs
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a homemade breakfast is included in the room rate.
How many rooms are there?
11, including villa rooms, courtyard studios and suites.
What is the Qualmark rating?
Qualmark Bronze 4 Star.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available.
How far is it from the city centre?
About 10 minutes by bus, 7 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes on foot.
How far is the airport?
About 45 minutes by road.
What is the cancellation policy?
A one-night deposit is taken. Cancellations with less than a week's notice are charged for the booked nights; earlier cancellations incur a small handling fee.
How do you contact the hotel?
Phone +64 9 376 5989 or email [email protected].