The Grand by SkyCity Auckland
by the TopOfHotel team
The Grand is the all-in-one entertainment play — Sky Tower, a level-8 lap pool and a 24-hour casino all reachable without stepping outside.
The Grand is the all-in-one entertainment play — Sky Tower, a level-8 lap pool and a 24-hour casino all reachable without stepping outside.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
All 316 rooms are done in a clean, modern style, and the beds and bedding earn repeat praise on Booking.com — guests describe the sleep as very comfortable. Bathrooms come up as well-equipped and clean. Rooms from about level 20 up look over Waitematā Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, which is where the high-floor pictures are worth chasing.
A few reviews note that some room categories are starting to feel dated for the price, though overall they stay clean and comfortable. Executive rooms and Suites add more space and Executive Lounge access for guests who want it.
Food and amenities
The SKYCITY complex stacks several strong restaurants under one roof, headlined by The Sugar Club on level 53 of the Sky Tower with 360-degree views, plus a run of all-day international options downstairs. Reviewers rate the food choice here above the rest of this list.
The level-8 lap pool is clean with a good outlook, and there's a full spa and fitness centre. The concierge books tours and restaurant tables, parking is on site at a fair rate, and an airport transfer is available as a paid add-on.
Location and getting there
Federal Street sits in the middle of the CBD — a one-minute walk to the Sky Tower, Auckland's signature sight. Queen Street and the Aotea Centre are five minutes off, the Viaduct Harbour bar-and-restaurant strip about ten minutes on foot, and the Auckland Art Gallery roughly eight to ten.
The ferry terminal for Waiheke Island is around 15 minutes away on foot, and CBD buses run close by along Queen Street. Business travelers heading to meetings around the CBD will find the position about as central as it gets.
Things to know before booking
This is a large hotel with a corporate feel, and some guests flatly call it soulless — if you're after boutique charm, that's the trade-off. Rates start from about NZ$360 a night but climb past NZ$700 in peak season, which several reviewers found steep next to other options. And because a handful of room categories read as dated for the money, it's worth pulling up current photos before you commit.
Our take
The Grand by SkyCity fits travelers who want all-in-one entertainment in one building — especially anyone planning to do the Sky Tower who'd rather not wander far. Business guests after a central CBD base with everything attached will be happy too.
Couples chasing romance or boutique character will probably prefer Fable Auckland or M Social. And if you want the same complex for a little less, the SKYCITY Hotel next door shares the casino, restaurants and Sky Tower access at a lower rate.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- An indoor walkway connects the hotel to the SKYCITY Entertainment Complex and Sky Tower, so the casino, restaurants and spa are reachable 24 hours a day without going outside.
- The level-8 lap pool is clean with a good outlook, and the spa and fitness centre round out the on-site facilities.
- Rooms from roughly level 20 up look over Waitematā Harbour and the Harbour Bridge, and reviewers single out the high-floor views.
- Beds and bedding draw repeated praise on Booking.com, with guests calling the sleep very comfortable, and bathrooms come up as well-equipped and clean.
- The restaurant choice beats the rest of this list — The Sugar Club sits on level 53 of the Sky Tower with 360-degree views, alongside several all-day international options downstairs.
- The overall mood reads as a large corporate hotel, and some guest reviews flatly say it has no soul — couples after boutique charm will feel that.
- Rates start from about NZ$360 a night but climb past NZ$700 in peak season, which several reviewers felt was steep next to other options in the city.
- A few reviews note that certain room categories are starting to look dated for the price, so it pays to check current photos before booking.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Auckland
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Insider Tips
- Ask Reception about the guest discount on the Sky Tower Observation Deck before you buy tickets yourself — it usually saves around 15 to 20 percent.
- The level-8 lap pool opens early at 6am, and on weekday mornings it is near-empty, so you can swim before the business crowd is up.
- If you want the same complex for less, the SKYCITY Hotel next door shares the casino, restaurants and Sky Tower access at a lower rate.