Hotel DeBrett

"This funky boutique hotel on the edge of the Britomart shopping district goes way back in Auckland history. Built in 1841 as The Commercial Hotel, the DeBrett building survived two fires and two rebuilds plus a stint as a hostel before becoming the quirky place guests experience today. The Housebar has always been the center of hotel life, and today, the intimate wood-and-mint venue exudes its original art deco style and serves classic cocktails and local beers and wines alongside refined pub snacks. In addition to restoring the bar and adding a glass-roofed atrium that houses the hotel restaurant, DeBretts Kitchen, the current owners affixed contemporary artwork and photography throughout and sheathed the entire building in candy-striped carpeting, custom designed from 100 percent New Zealand wool. Besides the carpet and small-batch minibar selections, no two rooms are the same. Each features unique furnishings from the 1930s on, and every bed has an original screenprinted throw. Two of Hotel DeBretts centerpieces, the chandelier and water sculpture in the restaurant, were crafted by Auckland artists from materials salvaged during the latest renovation. The result is a local experience from top to bottom that gives guests a real taste of New Zealand ."

"This funky boutique hotel on the edge of the Britomart shopping district goes way back in Auckland history. Built in 1841 as The Commercial Hotel, the DeBrett building survived two fires and two rebuilds plus a stint as a hostel before becoming the quirky place guests experience today. The Housebar has always been the center of hotel life, and today, the intimate wood-and-mint venue exudes its original art deco style and serves classic cocktails and local beers and wines alongside refined pub snacks. In addition to restoring the bar and adding a glass-roofed atrium that houses the hotel restaurant, DeBretts Kitchen, the current owners affixed contemporary artwork and photography throughout and sheathed the entire building in candy-striped carpeting, custom designed from 100 percent New Zealand wool. Besides the carpet and small-batch minibar selections, no two rooms are the same. Each features unique furnishings from the 1930s on, and every bed has an original screenprinted throw. Two of Hotel DeBretts centerpieces, the chandelier and water sculpture in the restaurant, were crafted by Auckland artists from materials salvaged during the latest renovation. The result is a local experience from top to bottom that gives guests a real taste of New Zealand ."

"A mash of Art Deco architecture, sixties furnishings, and perky service, the 25-room Hotel DeBrett reflects the designer savvy and eclectic lifestyles of this edgy little district of downtown Auckland. Slick black-and-white bathrooms are a throwback to Mod Squad-era polka-dot dresses, and Austin Powers would feel right at home sliding down the two-story loft suites’ spiral staircases or spinning vintage vinyl in the cozy drawing room with its record player and DVD library. The hotel’s heart is an airy, art-filled two-story atrium that encloses the restaurant and courtyard of the adjacent bar, a place to kick back as Auckland’s notoriously fickle skies roll overhead like a time-lapse movie. The food is super-fresh Kiwi culinary fare, like braised lamb croquette, vine tomato, olive jus, and eggplant puree. The DeBrett doesn’t have a spa or gym but will gladly arrange in-room massages or personal trainer appointments, though most guests get their exercise exploring the city, including the boutiques along High Street and the bustling Viaduct Harbour with its waterfront pubs and America’s Cup yachts."