Singer Robbie Williams has stayed here. So has comedian Robin Williams and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Californian Ron Elliott and husband Mark Tamagni will miss staying here as well when they visit from America but they also own an apartment in New York plus another residence in Monterey. What with taxesand paperwork, they're reluctantly selling their peaceful New Zealand abode on the 33rd floor of the Metropolis apartment building smack in the centre of Auckland City.
The views are 270-degrees, with the stately museum in one direction; Devonport in another; and the harbour bridge in another.
Aside from the views, Ron fell for the round entranceway room because "you feel like you're greeting people" and because it also gives quick access to all the other rooms and the two balconies.
They love the large, curved lounge with big windows, saying it overlooks Albert Park, rooftops and the Ports of Auckland, which never sleeps.
"We saw the America's Cup, actually," says Ron. "That was pretty cool. "
Mark says you never get tired of the view: "Every time you come back it's always mesmerising. Every season, whether there's a rain storm or the sun is shining, we love it."
When they bought off the plans around 15 years ago, they decided to lose a wall, which would have made a third bedroom, to have a far bigger lounge.
There is room for a formal dining table at one end -- chef Julie Biuso once cooked here.
Ron was the first to fall under Auckland's spell, coming here in 1985, when he was a Pan Am flight attendant. Later, when Mark looked it up he saw New Zealand was ahead of its time in domestic partnership rights and in giving women the vote.
"I was so impressed that New Zealand was so progressive and so much ahead of America in some things that really matter."
Mark says that as theirs is a penthouse floor the ceilings are higher and there are many quality details. The master bedroom has one of the balconies, a walk-in wardrobe and spacious bathroom, and there are two other bathrooms.
Features they love are the bathrooms' heated mirrors and the separate zones for heating so it can be cool in one room and warm in another. There is plenty of storage and a separate laundry with enough space to iron in, and the building has a pool and a gym. Out the front door are restaurants and shops. The couple say they will still come to Auckland regularly but will miss their New York-style apartment in the heart of the city.
