Hotelaholic

Russell

The Duke Of Marlborough

35 The Strand, Russell, 0255

8.9 Excellent2296 guest reviews

Live availability

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Check-in
Nov 24, 2026
Check-out
Nov 26, 2026
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HAPPI EXPERIENCE

The stay, in detail

  • Waterfront 19th-Century Charm

    Experience the enchanting Duke Hotel, a historic gem perched on the waterfront of the Bay of Islands. Revel in its elegant guest lounge, restaurant, and garden bar, alongside a convenient gymnasium.

  • Modern Comfort with Bay Views

    Indulge in rooms adorned with modern decor and a touch of tradition. Each room boasts a refrigerator, satellite TV, and for some lucky guests, a private balcony with breathtaking bay views.

  • Culinary Delights and Local Wines

    Savor New Zealand's finest at The Duke of Marlborough's restaurant, specializing in locally sourced seafood. Wash down the flavors with a selection of regional wines at the scenic House Bar by the water.

Book now to immerse yourself in history and luxury at The Duke of Marlborough - your gateway to Russell's treasures.

HAPPI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Great location

  • Well-equipped rooms

  • Friendly staff

At the hotel

Popular amenities

48 listed
  • 24-hour front desk
  • 24-hour security
  • Access to health care professionals
  • Accessible parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Beach
  • Beachfront
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Cashless payment available
View all amenities

Dining & drinks

  • Kid meals
  • Restaurant
  • Sanitized tableware & silverware
  • Special diet menus - on request
  • Wine/champagne

Fitness & outdoors

  • Fitness center
  • Fitness facilities
  • Tennis court
  • Tennis equipment
  • Terrace

Rooms & comfort

  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Heating
  • Lower bathroom sink
  • Non-smoking rooms

Safety & cleanliness

  • First aid kit available
  • Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
  • Smoke alarms
  • Staff adhere to local safety protocols

Getting around & access

  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Free Parking
  • Lift / Elevator
  • Parking
  • Private parking
  • Wheelchair accessible

Guest services

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Invoice provided
  • Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
  • Meeting/banquet facilities
  • Tour desk

Services & essentials

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Free WiFi
  • Key access
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Packed lunches
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • WiFi available

Review in focus

2,296 reviews
7/ 10
Location
Julie · couple · 2026-10-16

The guest experience

8.9out of 10
2296 verified reviews

Loved most

  • Great location
  • Well-equipped rooms
  • Friendly staff
  • Nice amenities

Worth knowing — Inconsistent service · Average food quality · Some rooms tired

How guests scored the stay

  • Location9.6

    Multiple reviews emphasize the fantastic location with stunning views.

  • Overall Experience9.3

    A range of positive experiences were shared, highlighting a fondness for the hotel despite some minor issues.

  • Service9.2

    While some staff were mentioned positively, there were instances of poor service at reception.

  • Cleanliness8.9

    Rooms were noted as clean, but some were described as 'a little tired'.

  • Amenities8.9

    Amenities such as a gym and parking were appreciated, but specifics on others were not provided.

  • Room Quality8.9

    Rooms were well equipped and comfortable, with some mentioning a desire for better room features.

  • Value for Money8.3

    Some reviews indicated pricing may not match the food quality.

  • Food and Beverage8.2

    Food quality received mixed reviews, with some meals considered average.

Live guest feedback

Guest reviews

Consistent

85% of 13 recent stays rated 8+

8.92296 reviews

  • Guest review

    7/10

    Julie · couple · 2026-10-16

    “Location”

  • Nice and relaxing to be right by the sea. At times it felt the staff didn’t know what was going on at dinner time.

    8/10

    Lucy · couple · 2026-10-14

    “Right on ocean front”

  • Guest review

    8/10

    Nicoline · couple · 2026-10-14

    “History, location and staff”

  • Loved Russell. Such a beautiful spot. Everyone should visit it and stay at the Duke.

    10/10

    Becker · extended group · 2026-10-13

    “Fantastic. Beautiful building right across from the water. Lovely town and area.”

  • Guest review

    10/10

    Lori · couple · 2026-10-12

    “Charm”

  • Mesmorized at the Marlborough....

    10/10

    Denise · couple · 2026-10-09

    “What can I say - a building I believe is 199 years old - and modernised to the highest standard with a history that speaks to you from every wall . This was a great stay in a great place in a great location . The modern features are beautiful you can tell alot of thought has gone into making DoM a treat - and the restaurant , you must eat there , it's awesome ......”

  • Ruined by the fire alarm.

    5/10

    Keith · couple · 2026-09-18

    “Roomy. balcony.”

  • Very nice hotel, staff was excellent. Service excellent

    10/10

    Colin · couple · 2026-09-12

    “Breakfast was excellent”

  • My favourite hotel in New Zealand. It doesn’t get any better than a weekend in Russell at the Duke

    10/10

    David · solo traveller · 2026-09-10

  • Wonderful experience in everything a hotel can be.

    10/10

    Warren · couple · 2026-09-01

    “Everything. Facilities, location, staff, food, decor, outlook… all really special.”

  • The stay fulfilled our expectations after the last visit decades ago

    9/10

    John · couple · 2026-08-25

    “We only had time to stay for one night this time, but appreciated the upgrade”

  • very nice hotel

    9/10

    Susan · couple · 2026-08-25

  • Great time

    10/10

    Jo · family with children · 2026-08-24

    “Staff decor”

View all guest reviews

Hotel info and reviews come from third-party sources.