Staying at the Heritage, in Auckland

The Heritage Hotel, Auckland. Photo / Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose

Miriyana Alexander checks into the Heritage, in Auckland.

Location: Right in the heart of the sparkling city, close to the waterfront, in the iconic Farmers building.

Getting there: This was a stay-cation, so it was an easy drive from the central suburbs to the hotel. There was a certain smugness at arriving at our destination 15 minutes after leaving home. Traffic? What traffic?

Check in experience: Fast and friendly. We were barely in the front door before we were relaxing with bubbles in our room.

What's so good about this place? Its central city spot makes everything within walking distance — if you can drag yourself away from the hotel. And the rooftop pool and its stunning city views. Top tip — towels were at reception, so don't make my mistake and forget that.

Room: An executive one-bedroom suite, thank you very much. A kitchenette, large living room, huge bedroom and bathroom. I would have happily stayed a week, but real life was calling.

And the bed? Sensational. King. Room for each of us to starfish without disturbing the other.

View: From our room it was out over the city — but grab your book and while away the hours at the pool. (It's also a great spot to watch New Year's Eve fireworks).

Food and drink: A beer poolside, before moving to the Lobby Bar for cocktails. In-house Hectors restaurant was on the menu for dinner, but we made a last-minute swap for room service. It was a rare treat to eat a meal (Wagyu burger for me, pork belly for him) uninterrupted by the demands of the 5-year-old, who always seems to need something just as his parents sit down for dinner.

Free Wi-Fi?: Yep, you get a 2GB daily allowance, and will be charged after that.

Perfect for: Busy couples needing a break from their little people. And All Blacks fans — it has been the team's Auckland hotel of choice for many years. The Lobby Bar is extra busy in rugby season. Wonder why?