Hotel Britomart is both stylish and sustainable – a 5-star Auckland hotel and New Zealand’s only 5 Green Star certified hotel. Karryon slipped between the sheets to uncover the eco credentials of this boutique property.
Located in an enviable position in downtown Auckland within the Britomart boutique shopping and dining precinct, The Hotel Britomart is not only stylish but also boasts stellar sustainability accreditation.
It is New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel with sustainability built into its construction and design as well as operational standards, audited annually via the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)’s Green Star Performance Tool.
These include producing 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gases through its energy operations.
With purposeful design and thoughtful detail throughout the building, The Hotel Britomart also revitalises the historic neighbourhood of brick warehouses near the waterfront.
The hotel
First impressions of The Hotel Britomart are undoubtedly impressive with its minimalist design and muted tones that complement its stylish surrounds.
The Hotel Britomart is decidedly Auckland; public spaces and guestrooms are decorated with pieces by local ceramicists, artists and carpenters. Industrial elements are juxtaposed with luxurious furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and soft lighting a warm yet well-appointed space you want to come home to.
The 24-hour front desk eschews a long and imposing check-in counter for an open space with two standup desks and a concierge desk that merges with the laneway outside. The tree growing in the check-in desk ties in with the eco theme as do the recycled wood room cards.
Comprised of 99 guestrooms and five suites, the rooms make the most of their 22sqm size with hidden features to reduce clutter and maintain their streamlined style.
The amenities
While not big on features – there’s no pool here – The Hotel Britomart doubles down on the amenities that matter to its urban (and urbane) guests.
Valet parking and a compact in-house gym are available onsite with the hotel’s restaurant, Kingi, located in the adjoining Masonic House and openly daily from 7am.
Kingi occupies an elegant space that leans into its industrial heritage with rustic design elements. It offers a seasonal menu with an emphasis on locally sourced sustainable fishing – right down to the provenance of the line-caught seafood.
Guests can also take advantage of Wi-Fi, laundry services and hotel bicycles – available for free use around the CBD.
The Libraries private spaces are also available for guest use as well as for events or functions.
The room
I stayed in Room 509, one of the hotel’s City View Rooms with views over Britomart’s warehouses and downtown cityscape.
The guestroom has a large, comfortable Superking bed with organic bedding and pillows and a duvet made from recycled plastic bottles; a sofa near the window where you can work or relax; and a stunning black bathroom with a massive walk-in shower – a huge plus.
Again, there’s an emphasis on design, comfort and function. The space is uncluttered with a soothing colour palette customised for the location and blackout windows to cocoon you from the city outside.
Guests can customise their room with smart tech that controls the individual climate-control air-conditioning, lighting and shades that switch into energy-saving sleep mode when you exit the room.
In-room details include ceramic vases and soap dishes by local ceramicists, recycled slippers and bathroom amenities and NZ-owned sans[ceuticals] organic spa, skin and haircare (bulk) products.
Guests can also indulge in 24-hour room service with select menu items from Kingi and the minibar – the bottled cocktails are a nice touch.
Knowing that guests might covet the designer accoutrements for their own home, there’s a ‘Stolen from The Hotel Britomart’ list of items such as the NZ books, robes, tote bag and even the ceramics that you can add to your suitcase and will be charged to your room.
The service
Overall, the hotel service is thoughtful, considered and unobtrusive. Nothing is too much trouble and the restaurant staff, in particular, are highly knowledgeable and accommodating.
Guests can opt into The Hotel Britomart’s Green Clean program to minimise water consumption and forgo cleaning products during housekeeping services and assist by hanging and reusing towels. There is also a recycling bin within the room to sort waste.
There’s also the option to book a Stay Green package and offset your carbon footprint. For every booking, a native tree is planted at sister property The Landing in the Bay of Islands.
With sustainability built into all aspects, not retrofitted as an afterthought, and so effortlessly luxe and comfortable you won’t want ever to leave, The Britomart Hotel is the ultimate feel-good stay for work or play in Auckland.
The details
Address: 29 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland, NZ
Room: 509
Check-in: 3pm / Check-out: 11am
Website: thehotelbritomart.com
