VR Auckland City

VR Auckland City is housed in a simple, 10-story building with a few spots for cars out front. Inside is a simple lobby with a snack and drink vending machine and some tourism brochures but little else. Since there are no pool or dining facilities, the only spots to lounge are in the apartments. Most guests are families looking for self-catering facilities, though it could also be a good option for long-term business travelers who want access to their own kitchens.

The hotel is located right in Auckland's Central Business District (CBD), on a busy street right next to the police station and within view of the Auckland Sky Tower. It's a short walk from many of the city's major attractions and Queen Street takes around 10 minutes to reach on foot. The New Zealand Maritime Museum, Princes Wharf (which has ferries to nearby attractions such as Rangitoto Island) and Britomart, a transit center with lots of trendy restaurants, are all about 20 minutes away on foot. The expansive Auckland War Memorial Museum is a 12-minute drive or half-hour bus ride away, while getting to the airport takes around half an hour by car or just under an hour by public transport. 

There are four types of contemporary apartment-style rooms here, ranging from Studio Suites to Two Bedroom Family Saver units. All come with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and one queen-size bed per bedroom. Decor is neutral, with lots of browns and tans in the carpet and upholstery, plus some pops of color in artwork and patterned throw pillows. Most units have views of the city center from large windows. Wi-Fi is free and all rooms have flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are simple, with basic toiletries and large walk-in showers. Note that there have been plenty of complaints of maintenance issues in rooms, from muggy smells to malfunctioning washing machines. 

Features are limited at the hotel, as there are no gym, pool, or dining facilities on-site. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, but the connection is unreliable. An in-room continental breakfast is included in rates, but it receives mixed reviews. Parking is available for a fee.