Gilmer Apartment Hotel
by the TopOfHotel team
Gilmer Apartment Hotel is a good-value apartment hotel in the central CBD — full kitchen and an in-room washer-dryer make it ideal for longer stays and families
Gilmer Apartment Hotel is a good-value apartment hotel in the central CBD — full kitchen and an in-room washer-dryer make it ideal for longer stays and families
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
What sets Gilmer Apartment Hotel apart from the pack is that the rooms are proper apartments. Every one has a full kitchenette — fridge, stove, microwave and cooking gear — and, more usefully, an in-room washer-dryer, which is hard to find at this price. Reviewers say the kitchen is genuinely usable and that cooking a meal makes the place feel like home. The rooms are clean and modern, with details that look more premium than the rate suggests. Staff get steady praise for being friendly and helpful, and most reviews single out how quiet it is — a clear contrast with central CBD hotels where street noise can creep in. Gilmer Terrace suits anyone who wants to actually unwind rather than sit in the middle of the tourist bustle.
Food and amenities
There's no on-site restaurant, but the full kitchen means you can cook for yourself. The New World supermarket is a 5-minute walk away, and the cafes and restaurants along Lambton Quay and the waterfront are within walking distance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building. There's no pool, which is the main thing it gives up against Rydges at a similar price.
Location and getting there
Gilmer Terrace puts you within an easy walk of Wellington's main spots — the waterfront in 5 minutes, Lambton Quay in 5, the Cable Car in about 7, and Te Papa Museum in around 15. Courtenay Place and Cuba Street are roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot, and Wellington Airport is about a 20-minute Uber. It works well for families or groups of friends staying a few nights.
Things to know before booking
There's no on-site restaurant, so you'll either eat out or cook — the full kitchen makes the second option painless. There's no pool and the wellness facilities are limited. And there's no parking of its own; you'll rely on the public parking nearby on Gilmer Terrace and Boulcott Street, which is reasonably priced.
Our take
Gilmer Apartment Hotel is best for families and groups staying 3 to 7 nights who want a full kitchen and a washer-dryer on a 3-star budget, for remote workers who value a quiet base, and for anyone who'd rather feel at home than in a hotel. If you need a pool or an on-site restaurant, look at Rydges at a similar price instead.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Every room has a full kitchenette — fridge, stove, microwave and cooking gear — plus an in-room washer-dryer, which is hard to find at this price.
- It's about a 5-minute walk to the waterfront, with the Cable Car and Lambton Quay close by.
- It's noticeably quieter than the usual CBD hotel; reviewers say it looks pricier than it actually is.
- Rooms are clean, spacious and easy to settle into — a good fit for stays of 5 to 7 nights or more.
- Staff get consistent praise for being friendly and helpful.
- There's no on-site restaurant, so you either eat out or cook for yourself — though the full kitchen makes that easy.
- There's no pool, and the wellness facilities are limited compared with Rydges at a similar price.
- There's no parking of its own; you'll use the public parking nearby on Gilmer Terrace and Boulcott Street.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Wellington
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Insider Tips
- The New World supermarket is a 5-minute walk away on Wakefield Street — handy for stocking up the kitchen, and it saves a lot on food over a multi-night stay.
- Upper-floor rooms at Gilmer get some Wellington city views; ask for an upper floor when you book or check in, as it's usually free when rooms are open.
- With no parking on site, the public lots on Gilmer Terrace and Boulcott Street are reasonably priced, and the CBD location makes Uber an easy way to get around.