TRIBE Hotel. Photo / Supplied
Vibrant, simple and luxurious, the newly opened TRIBE is an easy way to enjoy the best of what Auckland City has to offer, writes Joseph Wickins.
Location:
Nestled between Gore and Commerce Sts, TRIBE Auckland Fort Street is a sparkling and vibrant oasis in the heart of Auckland’s CBD. This gem of a stay provides affordable luxury with a modernised take on Southern Californian hotels.
Perfect For:
Solo travellers, backpackers and couples, looking to discover and explore Auckland. If you’re on the move, wanting to sightsee, and simply need the essentials for a relaxed stay, TRIBE could be the ideal location.
First Impressions:
TRIBE cuts a sleek silhouette among the nightlife and high rises of the financial district. Inside, charming receptionists greet you with a smile, swift check-in and efficient customer service. The interior feels very chic, with plenty of contemporary art that elevates the lobby. Soft shades of greens and greys harmonise together in the space, while a subtle, warm amber lighting softens the mood, creating a sense of intimacy. The lobby/lounge area also acted as a buzzing social hub for solo professionals and backpackers, as well as couples, creating an inviting yet refined environment.
The Room:
My Extra City View room was around 18sq m, making it compact but with a quirky, bold aesthetic with crisp blue and white decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping city view, which you can enjoy from the plush, queen-sized bed. Leisurely yet functional, it’s decked out with an HDTV, Wi-Fi and Nespresso machine, offering plenty of comfort while you plan your trip or work remotely.
Bathroom:
Keeping its compact design, the bathroom felt radiant, streamlined, and minimalistic. Uniformed with smooth white tiling, the space continues the blue and white colour palette. The hotel provides you with Kevin Murphy toiletries, including soap, shampoo and conditioner, and I didn’t feel the need to ask for anything additional. Any lack of amenities is also easily solved with a short stroll to any of the nearby supermarkets.
Food & Drink:
Adjacent to reception is Sienna, the hotel’s restaurant and cafe, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu inspired by Mexican fusion cuisine. Accompanied by a buzzing atmosphere, bathed in warm lighting and bold artwork, it’s the perfect spot for a quick coffee or a three-course meal. Staff were extra helpful and knowledgeable about the menu’s items and style, especially when it came to the tough decision of which entree to select. Highlights include their tangy chips and salsa, rich homemade guacamole, tender and smoky tacos, plus their flavour-filled shrimp tostada.
Facilities:
Admittedly, there is no pool or gym, but what TRIBE lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in proximity. With Auckland’s CBD at your literal doorstep, there is little need for bells and whistles when it comes to facilities, as its seamless integration with the happenings of the inner-city speaks for itself.
In the Neighbourhood:
Within minutes, you have access to a vast array of public transport with Britomart train station, the Downtown Ferry Terminal and various bus stops all in close vicinity. It’s also a sightseer’s delight, with the Sky Tower and Waterfront, the finest dining experiences in town, and snazzy shopping all within walking distance.
Price:
Rooms start from $161 per night.