Staying at the Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences

At the Metropolis, all Auckland CBD has to offer is on your doorstep.

Stephanie Holmes checks in to the Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences.

Getting there: You can see the Metropolis from my window, so it was a quick five-minute walk through the city and the newly-renovated Freyberg Place. If you're travelling from out of town, the building is within 10 minutes' walk of Britomart train station, and close to the Wellesley St motorway off-ramp. The hotel has valet parking if you are in a car.

Check-in experience: Friendly and fast.

Room: A one-bedroom deluxe suite with harbour view. And wow, what a view. We were on the 26th floor, so could see for miles. As well as separate lounge, bedroom, and bathroom, the suite had a kitchenette, washing machine and dryer, and full fridge/freezer. All the things you need for an extended stay in the city.

Price: From $199.

What's so good about this place? The location is excellent for a city break or staycation.

You're smack-bang in the heart of the city, with restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping, parks and transport on your doorstep. Harbour-view rooms have envy-inducing outlooks.

Global chain Avani purchased and refurbished the building's 100 hotel apartments, reopening them last month. (There are also privately-owned apartments in the building.)

What's in the neighbourhood? How long have you got? Everything Auckland CBD has to offer. You won't go hungry, thirsty or be left wanting culturally, that's for sure.

Toiletries: Eco.logic Fair Trade brand.

Food and drink: No restaurants or bars in the building but you don't have to venture far to find something good to imbibe. Avani has made the search easier with its Keys to the City guide. Once you've checked in, just scan your key using Facebook Messenger and you'll be instantly connected via live chat to someone with insider knowledge of Auckland. Ask them for a recommendation and they'll come straight back with some tips.

I asked for dinner and breakfast recommendations, and got a good list of options, almost instantaneously. It's a nice touch and available for the entirety of your stay, even when you're out and about exploring the city.

The bed: Comfortable king with crisp white linen.

Bathroom: The highlight was the deep bathtub, perfect for a relaxing soak. The lowlight was the toilet, which needs a good bleaching/scrubbing to restore it to its former glory.

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, unlimited and fast, which helps with the Keys to the City experience.

Noise: A bit of CBD revelry late on Saturday night, but nothing from within the hotel itself.

Exercise facilities: There's a swimming pool and gym on the eighth floor, but towels and robes are not provided. Make sure you bring the hotel towels from your room.

Contact: minorhotels.com/en/avani/metropolis-auckland

Perfect for: A city break or staycation, with some great added extras for those needing insider advice.

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