Grand Millennium Auckland

This hotel feels nothing like a five-star establishment. To begin with, upon my arrival, there was no one on duty at the entrance/concierge desk; without a room key, I couldn't even get inside and had to stand there waiting until someone else happened to exit the building, allowing me to enter. Furthermore, the valet parking service—which was explicitly listed when I made my booking—was not actually available. Most importantly, it took an hour for two glasses of apple juice I ordered to be delivered. It was a truly poor stay, and I will certainly not be returning.

Granted we stayed in the bottom tier room type, but for the money you spend there is much better value elsewhere - motels being a good example. While the bed was comfortable, the shower nice and the breakfast decent for a buffet, it’s all just a bit meh. The lighting in the room was atrocious with very little lighting in the main room - sucks if you need to look in your suitcase or anything when it’s dark. The remaining in room facilities are all just a bit underwhelming. There is no coffee plunger, just 3 caffeinated and 3 decaf sachets of instant coffee which isn’t very “grand”, or enough for two people. The air conditioning is another issue. The decision on whether it is set to heating or cooling is out of your hands and with no opening windows it meant a frustratingly hot night sleep. Breakfast buffet is fine, the typical lack of staff meaning lots of dirty tables and things taking ages to be replenished. I’m sure the hotel will claim short staffing but let’s be honest - it’s low staffing by design. Included parking was not actioned on our account despite the check in agent assuring it was, leading to a frustrating issue where we couldn’t get out. Speaking of check in, why is it so goddamned slow?! The whole process is best described as glacial - I’ve never encountered a check in so slow! And who knows, maybe the higher tier rooms have more in the way of amenities, but for what we had, it just want it.

5-star hotel, but probably 2-star service at best. The interior feels old and dated, and some areas didn’t look well maintained. It does not look like what is advertised on the website. I’ve stayed at 4-star hotels that were much nicer than this. The service was also disappointing. When I ordered food at the café, I asked if it could be sent to my room, but the staff member thought I meant I wanted to charge it to my room. When I clarified that I wanted to pay for it, he seemed annoyed or impatient. Eggs bene muffin was also soggy. The service was disappointing across the board, from the phone call and front desk through to the café. It was definitely not the level of service I would expect from a 5-star hotel. Overall, the experience just feels cheap and definitely not what I would expect from a 5-star hotel. They also charge $70 for early check-in, which only added to the disappointment. Unfortunately I won't be coming back.

20260808 - back again 20260801 - 35 min ride from airport. Located near cbd area and 5 min walking distance to intercity bus stop. Hotel was newly renovated in 2026, hence everything is sparkling new and clean. Hotel offers free very fast wifi. As a prestige member, my room was upgraded to club room and given club lounge access. Given early check in at 12 pm as well. Room is spacious. Aircon is cool. Shower pressure is strong and water is hot. Bed is comfy and i managed to get good rest. The club lounge serves mainly pastries with no cooked food, but the evening drinks and food is great. Highly recommended!