First impressions of the Movenpick Hotel Wellington might have you feeling as if the hotel is a little out of the way. However, rest assured this is the perfect location to either work, rest or play. Overlooking the city from its elevated position, the Movenpick Hotel Wellington offers sweeping views of the CBD and pretty Rimutaka hills. Its position makes it feel as if you are in a trendy residential part of the city rather than the CBD, something that is also a benefit for light sleepers.
It is an easy 10 minute walk to the central business district and the harbour where you will find many of Wellington’s major attractions. If you want to avoid a climb up the hill to The Terrace after you’ve been exploring, there is a lift which takes you back up to reception via the back of the hotel. You will find this ‘secret lift’ tucked away near the entrance of the hotel restaurant. It’s easiest to take the lift down first so you know where to find it on the way back up the hill as the rear hotel entrance isn’t well signed.
When our family entered the plush lobby area, it felt as if we had arrived at a stylish boutique hotel rather than a modest four star. My favourite accommodation option was virtually unrecognisable after its extensive renovation. Decor was modern and discreet with a mix of black, cream and burnished gold furnishings and a contemporary fireplace had been added to create a cosy lobby lounge. Complimentary tea was available for those who wanted to enjoy a refreshment.
Our Deluxe King room at the Movenpick Hotel Wellington had an attractive view, with a king size bed (twin rooms are also available), stylish décor and a matching sofa and reading chair. Bathing pleasure came in the form of a rain shower and a directional shower wand with accompanying Manuka honey bath products and loads of fluffy towels. The only thing we weren’t keen on was the frosted bathroom/toilet door which didn’t hide as much as it could have.
Other in-room amenities included an impressively large smart TV, minibar, coffee pod machine, a Bose stereo system and bathrobes with slippers to get you into that getaway mood. Extra touches abounded at the hotel, such as the complimentary tea in the lobby and the chocolate plate we found waiting for us in the room. It tasted as good as it looked and disappeared in about two seconds.
Dining and drinks are available at the hotel restaurant which is located on the same level as reception. Just outside the restaurant there is a room with a long, communal bench and a handful of stand alone seats and tables where you can enjoy a drink. This is a standout dining venue featuring sophisticated dishes such as pan seared Whangamata scallops with Otaki cauliflower couscous and not-to-be-missed Riverland eye fillet served with extra creamy mashed potatoes, mushroom puree and a choice of sauces.
The ambiance at the restaurant is casual and friendly with attentive staff and a number of romantic window tables offering stunning views of the sparkling cityscape below. When it comes to dinner, the restaurant at the Movenpick Wellington Hotel is definitely worth staying in for.
Disclosure: The writer stayed as a guest of the hotel.
While we were in Wellington we also stayed at the QT Wellington, went on a Seal Safari, and spent the night at the nearby wine region of Martinborough.
