The best hotels in Wellington
Wellington has 24,000+ accommodation options. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Wellington
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford
Wellington
$100/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
Wellington
$89/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Sofitel Wellington
Wellington
$172/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
InterContinental Wellington by IHG
Wellington
$154/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
The Intrepid Hotel
Wellington
$93/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Bolton Hotel
Wellington
$145/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Bella Vista Wellington Motel Accommodation
Wellington
$85/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Ohtel Wellington
Wellington
$110/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Mövenpick Hotel Wellington
Wellington
$146/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
TRYP Hotel by Wyndham Wellington
Wellington
$103/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford
Riddiford Street sits in Te Aro, a two-minute walk from Cuba Street's cafes and bars. The apartment setup means you've got a kitchen, which cuts your food spend fast in pricey Wellington. Nearly 1000 reviews at 4.8 is hard to argue with. Best value if you're staying three nights or more.
Address:Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford, 22 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Newtown
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Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee
Same 4.8 rating as the Riddiford location but $11 cheaper per night. Ghuznee Street puts you right in Te Aro, Cuba Street is literally around the corner. You get a full kitchen, so skip the overpriced hotel breakfasts. Over 1100 reviews backs this up. It's the stronger pick of the two Sojourns.
Address:Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee, 75 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Te Aro
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Sofitel Wellington
Waterfront location means harbour views and a short walk to Te Papa. You're paying for the Sofitel name, but the French luxury brand does deliver here. It's Wellington's most polished five-star option. Skip it if you want local character. Choose it if you want reliable, premium comfort and don't mind the $172 price tag.
Address:Sofitel Wellington, 11 Bolton Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Wellington Central
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InterContinental Wellington by IHG
Over 2200 reviews at 4.5 is the most statistically trustworthy score on this list. Grey Street puts you close to the Beehive and parliament, so it skews corporate. At $154 it undercuts the Sofitel for comparable luxury. Business travellers will love it. Leisure guests might find the atmosphere a bit stiff.
Address:InterContinental Wellington by IHG, 2 Grey Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Wellington Central
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The Intrepid Hotel
A 4.9 rating with 154 reviews means almost everyone who stayed loved it. That's rare. Boutique feel, more personality than the big chains, and cheaper than most of them at $93. The review count is still maturing so the data has less weight, but the score is hard to ignore. Worth booking.
Address:The Intrepid Hotel, 60 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Te Aro
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Bolton Hotel
Independent five-star on Bolton Street, a short walk from the Botanic Garden cable car stop. You get proper service without the corporate blandness of the big chains. At $145 it's the most affordable five-star on this list. Nearly 1000 reviews at 4.5 confirms it delivers consistently. Strong pick for leisure travellers.
Address:Bolton Hotel, 12 Bolton Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Wellington Central
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Bella Vista Wellington Motel Accommodation
Cheapest option here at $85, and motel-style means your own entrance plus parking. That matters in Wellington, where parking costs add up fast. It's not central, so you'll need a car or bus for Cuba Street. But 346 reviews at 4.6 shows guests aren't disappointed. Pick it if budget beats location for you.
Address:Bella Vista Wellington Motel Accommodation, 302/304 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Hataitai
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Ohtel Wellington
Oriental Parade puts you on the waterfront strip east of the CBD. Sea views, quieter vibe, but you're a 15-minute walk or quick bus ride from Cuba Street. That's a real trade-off worth thinking about. At $110 with a 4.6 rating, it's one of the more interesting picks on this list.
Address:Ohtel Wellington, 66 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Oriental Bay
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Mövenpick Hotel Wellington
Newer waterfront property with a fresh fit-out and Swiss hospitality standards. Lowest five-star rating here at 4.4, but 1289 reviews gives that score real weight. Close to the Interislander ferry terminal, useful if you're connecting to Picton. At $146, it's priced fairly against the InterContinental and comes with a newer building.
Address:Mövenpick Hotel Wellington, 345 The Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington 6001, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Te Aro
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TRYP Hotel by Wyndham Wellington
Wyndham's lifestyle brand, designed for travellers who want a sharp room over full-service extras. Central CBD location and at $103 it undercuts most four-stars here. Only 197 reviews so far, but 4.5 is a solid start. Don't expect a concierge and spa setup. Do expect a well-designed, comfortable base at a fair price.
Address:TRYP Hotel by Wyndham Wellington, 15 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Neighborhood:Te Aro
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Wellington.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Riddiford | 4.8 | 994 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Sojourn Apartment Hotel - Ghuznee | 4.8 | 1 146 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Sofitel Wellington | 4.6 | 1 068 | 5★ | $170/night | Book → | |
| 4 | InterContinental Wellington by IHG | 4.5 | 2 264 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 5 | The Intrepid Hotel | 4.9 | 154 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Bolton Hotel | 4.5 | 965 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Bella Vista Wellington Motel Accommodation | 4.6 | 346 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Ohtel Wellington | 4.6 | 177 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Mövenpick Hotel Wellington | 4.4 | 1 289 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 10 | TRYP Hotel by Wyndham Wellington | 4.5 | 197 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 11 | QT Wellington | 4.3 | 1 625 | 4★ | $130/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Wellesley Boutique Hotel | 4.3 | 344 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Museum Apartment Hotel Wellington | 4.4 | 102 | 4★ | $100/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Ramada by Wyndham Wellington Taranaki Street | 4.3 | 342 | 4★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Novotel Wellington | 4.2 | 1 301 | 4★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Mercure Wellington Central City Hotel and Apartments - One-Bedroom Apartment without Kitchen | 4.8 | 16 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Quest Wellington | 4.2 | 2 664 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 18 | U Residence Wellington, BW Signature Collection | 4.2 | 180 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Aura Hotel - Double Room with Private Bathroom | 4.5 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $30/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Naumi Hotel Wellington | 4.2 | 223 | 4★ | $150/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Wellington
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First 24 Hours in Wellington
Drop your bags and walk straight to Te Papa on Cable Street. Allow 2-3 hours minimum. The Maori collection on level 4 alone is worth the trip. Then walk north along the waterfront to Frank Kitts Park and grab coffee at one of the kiosks.
Afternoon: walk up Cuba Street from Ghuznee Street to the top. Stop at Fidel's Cafe on Cuba Street for a late lunch. The queues look intimidating but move fast. Finish at Mount Victoria Lookout via Majoribanks Street for the best city and harbour panorama. It is a 15-minute walk up.
Wellington's Coffee and Food Scene
Wellington invented flat white culture before Melbourne did. Havana Coffee Works on Tory Street is a local institution. Prefab on Jessie Street is excellent for brunch. Ortega Fish Shack on Majoribanks Street is the best seafood restaurant in the city. Book ahead, especially for weekend dinner.
For cheap good eats, head to Newtown on a Saturday morning. The Sunday market on Willis Street has local produce and food trucks. Avoid the tourist cafe strip on the main waterfront near Queens Wharf. The food is fine but priced for people who just got off the Interislander ferry.
Wellington's Cultural Circuit
Start at Te Papa, then walk to the City Gallery Wellington on Civic Square, which is free and usually has something interesting on. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery is in the old Masonic Hotel on Customhouse Quay. The Museum of Wellington City and Sea is right on the waterfront.
For live culture, Bats Theatre on Kent Terrace is the best small theatre in the country. The Opera House and St James Theatre on Courtenay Place handle bigger productions. The Embassy Theatre on Kent Terrace is the home of Wellington's film culture and worth seeing even if nothing is on.
Getting Around Wellington Without a Car
You genuinely do not need one. The central city is entirely walkable. The cable car from Lambton Quay to Kelburn takes 4 minutes and costs $5 one way. Metlink buses run every 10-15 minutes across the city from 6am to midnight. The Snapper card (like an Oyster card) saves about 30% on fares.
To get to the Hutt Valley or Petone, the Metlink train runs every 15-20 minutes from Wellington Railway Station. For airport runs, the Airport Flyer bus is the cheapest option. Uber and Zoomy both operate and are reasonably priced for a capital city.
Wellington for a Long Weekend
Day 1: Te Papa, waterfront, Cuba Street. Day 2: Zealandia ecosanctuary in Karori (allow 3-4 hours), Mount Victoria Lookout, Courtenay Place dinner. Day 3: Day trip to the Wairarapa via the Remutaka Rail Trail or Martinborough wine region, which is 45 minutes by car.
If you want to stay in Wellington, spend day 3 in Newtown and Hataitai. These are real Wellington neighbourhoods with good local cafes and none of the tourist markup. The Southern Cross pub on Abel Smith Street is a Wellington institution worth a drink.
Wellington on a Budget
Te Papa is free. The Botanical Garden is free. The cable car is $5 one way. Most galleries charge nothing. The Sunday Harbourside Market on Frank Kitts Park costs nothing to browse. A good meal at Lucky can cost $12. Wellington is genuinely affordable if you avoid the Cuba Street tourist trap cafes.
Stay at YHA on Cambridge Terrace for $45-85 per night. Cook your own food at the hostel kitchen. Buy groceries at Pak'nSave on Thorndon Quay, not the New World on Willis Street which is pricier. Your main expense will be the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry if you came from the South Island.
Wellington's best hotel regions
Wellington is compact. You can walk most of it in a day. The neighbourhood you pick shapes everything. Te Aro is where the bars, cafes, and Cuba Street energy live. Thorndon is quiet and institutional. Mount Victoria is residential and genuinely lovely.
Te Aro 3 vetted hotels Bars, coffee, and Cuba Street energy
Bars, coffee, and Cuba Street energy
Te Aro is the part of Wellington that people remember. Cuba Street runs through the middle of it, lined with coffee shops, vintage stores, and bars. Courtenay Place at the southern end is where the nightlife concentrates. The whole area is dense, walkable, and genuinely lively.
Hotels here put you within 10 minutes walk of Te Papa, the waterfront, and most of the city's best restaurants. The trade-off is noise on weekend nights, especially near the lower end of Cuba Street.
Browse all Te Aro hotels → CBD and Thorndon 3 vetted hotels Business district and quiet government quarter
Business district and quiet government quarter
Lambton Quay is the main commercial strip and home to most of Wellington's business hotels. Everything closes earlier here than in Te Aro, but you are close to the train station and the main transport links. Thorndon sits above, a quiet residential area near parliament buildings.
If your reason for visiting is meetings or government business, Thorndon is ideal. If you want to be near restaurants and culture, Te Aro is better. The walk between the two takes about 12 minutes.
Browse all CBD and Thorndon hotels → Mount Victoria and Oriental Bay 2 vetted hotels Residential hillside with great city views
Residential hillside with great city views
Mount Victoria is Wellington's most liveable inner suburb. Majoribanks Street and Elizabeth Street are quiet, lined with Victorian cottages and good local cafes. The lookout at the top gives the best panoramic view of the harbour and the South Island on clear days.
Oriental Bay runs along the waterfront below Mount Victoria, with a strip of beach, cafes, and the Art Deco Freyberg Pool. Hotels here are quieter than Te Aro but still a 10-15 minute walk to everything.
Browse all Mount Victoria and Oriental Bay hotels → Petone and Lower Hutt 2 vetted hotels Suburban alternative 20 minutes from the city
Suburban alternative 20 minutes from the city
Petone sits across the harbour from Wellington, 20 minutes by train from the city. Jackson Street is a strip of independent cafes, boutiques, and good restaurants at prices lower than the CBD. The beach is calm and good for walking.
Lower Hutt is further out but has reliable mid-range motels at $80-120 per night. It makes sense if you are visiting for more than a few days, have a car, and want to explore the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa. The train back to Wellington runs until midnight.
Browse all Petone and Lower Hutt hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
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Cultural Capital
Te Papa is one of the world's best national museums and it is free. The City Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and Embassy Theatre all sit within 15 minutes walk of each other. Wellington's arts scene punches far above its 215,000-person population.
Coffee and Food
Wellington has more cafes per capita than New York. Cuba Street is the heart of it. Ortega Fish Shack, Logan Brown on Cuba Street, and the Newtown food market are highlights. The flat white was refined here, not Auckland.
Waterfront Walks
Oriental Bay at sunset, the Chaffers Marina, and the Cable Car to the Botanical Garden are all genuinely romantic. The city is compact enough that you can walk the entire waterfront in 40 minutes. Best in February when the days are long.
Surprisingly Affordable
Te Papa, the Botanical Garden, and most galleries are free. YHA on Cambridge Terrace starts at $45. Pak'nSave on Thorndon Quay for grocery runs. A full day of culture in Wellington can cost you nothing beyond coffee.
Family-Friendly Capital
Te Papa has an interactive children's floor. Zealandia ecosanctuary is extraordinary for kids who want to see kiwi birds in the wild. The cable car is a hit with children. Wellington's compact size means nothing is ever too far away.
Harbour and Coast
Oriental Bay has a small urban beach good for swimming from November to March. Lyall Bay is 15 minutes south for surfers. The South Coast walkway from Island Bay to Owhiro Bay is dramatic ocean scenery. The harbour is calm for kayaking.
We reviewed hotels across Te Aro, the CBD, Thorndon, Mount Victoria, and Oriental Bay to find the real standouts. We focused on location relative to Cuba Street and Te Papa, value for price, and consistency.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Wellington
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Summer
December to February is the peak season. Long evenings, outdoor dining on Cuba Street, and the waterfront is genuinely pleasant. Book at least 6 weeks ahead. The World Sevens rugby in January drives prices up significantly that weekend.
Autumn
March and April are excellent. The city is less crowded, prices drop slightly, and the Homegrown music festival usually runs in late March. Wellington on a Plate in August is technically late winter but the best time for the food scene.
Winter
June and July are Wellington's quietest months. The wind picks up and rain is common, but the museums and cafes are more enjoyable without summer crowds. Wellington on a Plate runs in August and brings the city back to life with restaurant events.
Spring
September and October have improving weather and lower prices than summer. The Botanical Garden is at its best in October with spring blooms. The Wellington International Jazz Festival runs in April to May. A good window if you are flexible on dates.
Booking Tips for Wellington
Smart booking strategies for Wellington.
Book for festival weeks separately
The World Sevens rugby (January), Homegrown (March), and Wellington on a Plate (August) drive hotel prices up 40-80% and rooms sell out weeks in advance. Either book 6-8 weeks ahead or pick a different weekend.
Ask for a higher floor
Most Wellington CBD hotels are on noisy streets. Upper floors get less street noise and often better harbour views. Worth requesting at check-in even if not guaranteed. CityLife on Lambton Quay and QT Wellington both have good upper floor views.
Get a Snapper card for transport
The Snapper card works on all Wellington buses and Metlink trains. It saves 25-30% per fare compared to paying cash. Load it at the railway station or any Snapper retailer. The Airport Flyer accepts Snapper and costs about $9 with the card vs $12 cash.
Avoid the waterfront tourist cafes
The cafes on the Queens Wharf strip near the ferry terminal are average and overpriced. Walk 5 minutes to Cuba Street or Wakefield Street for dramatically better coffee and food at the same or lower prices. The tourist tax is real on the waterfront.
Check in early if you can
Wellington hotels fill up for check-in on Thursday nights before long weekends. If arriving on a Thursday or Friday, call ahead and ask about early check-in. Most will hold luggage even if the room is not ready, which saves you carrying bags around Te Papa.
Use the cable car as transport, not just a tourist attraction
The Lambton Quay cable car to Kelburn is genuinely useful if you are exploring the Botanical Garden or heading to Victoria University. At $5 one way it is cheap. The views from the top are worth the trip even if you just come back down. Last car is around 10pm.
Hotels in Wellington, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
Which Wellington neighbourhood is best for first-timers?
Te Aro wins. You are 5 minutes walk from Cuba Street, 10 minutes from Te Papa, and Courtenay Place is right there for dinner and drinks. Everything you actually want to do is within easy reach. Skip Thorndon unless you have meetings near parliament.
How much do Wellington hotels cost per night?
Budget hostels like YHA on Cambridge Terrace run $45-85. Mid-range central hotels average $130-215. Luxury options like QT Wellington or the InterContinental hit $270-490. Prices spike hard during Sevens rugby, Homegrown festival, and Wellington on a Plate in August.
Is Wellington worth visiting for a long weekend?
Absolutely. Three days covers Te Papa, Cuba Street, the waterfront, a day trip to Zealandia, and enough coffee shops to embarrass most cities. Wellington punches well above its size for food and culture. Most people wish they had stayed longer.
What is the best area for nightlife in Wellington?
Courtenay Place is the main strip, with bars running from 5pm to 3am on weekends. Blair Street and Allen Street off Courtenay have smaller, better bars. Cuba Street has the indie scene. Avoid the bottom of Courtenay near the waterfront on Friday nights unless you like queues.
Where should I stay if I have a car in Wellington?
Mount Victoria or Kilbirnie. Central Wellington parking is painful and expensive. Apollo Lodge on Majoribanks Street has free off-street parking, which is rare and genuinely valuable. Most CBD hotels charge $25-45 per night for parking on top of the room rate.
How do I get from Wellington Airport to the city centre?
The Airport Flyer bus runs every 10-20 minutes and costs $12 to the CBD. Takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi or Uber runs $25-35 and is quicker. There is no train. The airport is only 6km from the city, so even a taxi is not expensive by international standards.
Is Wellington walkable?
Very. The CBD, Te Aro, Thorndon, and Oriental Bay are all flat and connected. Mount Victoria is a short walk uphill but manageable. The cable car to Kelburn and the Botanical Garden is fun and costs $5 one way. You genuinely do not need a car to see the city.
When is the cheapest time to visit Wellington?
May to mid-July. The city is quieter, hotels drop 20-30%, and the weather is cooler but rarely severe. Avoid Wellington on a Plate (August) unless you planned for it. That food festival drives hotel prices up across the board for three weeks.
What areas should I avoid in Wellington?
Skip staying near Wellington Railway Station on Bunny Street if you want a quieter sleep. The area gets transient foot traffic overnight. Lower Cuba Street below Vivian Street can feel rough late at night. For a genuinely relaxing base, pick northern Te Aro or Mount Victoria instead.
How does Wellington compare to Auckland for a visit?
Wellington is smaller, more walkable, and has a better food scene per capita. Auckland is bigger with more varied neighbourhoods but sprawls badly without a car. If you only have one city, most people who have done both prefer Wellington for a short trip. Auckland is better as a gateway with a day or two attached.
Where should I stay to be close to Te Papa Museum?
CityLife Wellington on Lambton Quay is a 12-minute walk. The Thorndon Hotel is 15 minutes. Hotels on the eastern side of Te Aro are closest, but few name-brand hotels sit right on the waterfront. Oriental Bay accommodation puts you almost next door to the museum and the Freyberg Pool.
How far in advance should I book Wellington hotels?
For normal weekends, 2-3 weeks is fine. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the World Sevens rugby tournament in January, Homegrown music festival in March, and Wellington on a Plate in August. During those events, rooms genuinely sell out across the city.
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