Novotel Auckland Airport Just In Time For The Cup

Most of us use airport hotels and motels for one reason only (we're in transit), but the beautiful, brand new Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel might well tempt us to change our ways. Anyone spending a few nights in the 'City of Sails' - on holiday or on business - could do a lot worse than use this cleverly planned new property as their base.

Why? Let's start with the least likely motive: location. Airports are airports; most of us want to leave them a.s.a.p; right? But for what reason? Auckland's isn't too far from the city centre, has a number of attractions nearby and has excellent shuttle services. The Airbus Express (NZ$23 round trip) connects you not only with the downtown area, but also with the stylish suburb of Mt Eden - and thus, when the time comes, Eden Park and the ultimate action of the Rugby World Cup. In fact, approaching Eden Park from the airport for a big game may prove easier than approaching it from other parts of the city. The Airport Express will drop you within walking distance.

For families, an airport stay offers easier access to the region's biggest theme park, Rainbow's End, and grown-up 'kids' can indulge themselves at nearby Formula E, with its high-tech fleet of indoor race karts. The award-winning Villa Maria winery is just minutes away, as is beautiful Butterfly Creek, and there's mini-golf within walking distance. For self-drive travellers, there's easy access to the motorway system. Combine this underrated location with guest rooms unique in the South Pacific, offering Novotel's most up-to-date accommodation concepts, and reasons for an airport stay begin to stack up.

So let's look at those rooms. They're a new generation in Novotel design, and one you won't find anywhere else in this region. Much thought has gone into their planning, so that the smartest possible use has been made of space and light. The décor is unmistakeably New Zealand, without being blatantly so. Beds have gorgeously comfortable, ergonomic headboards, there's a very functional work desk with communications panel, a chaise lounge, laptop safe, LCD television, plus an ultra-modern bathroom with futuristic internal privacy screens. And, fabulously, for all wilted and crumpled travellers, each room has its own iron and ironing board. All the standard amenities are there too: mini-bar, tea/coffee facilities, air conditioning. Windows are big, double-glazed and absolutely sound-proof.

The hotel's general facilities include a good gym and a very attractive restaurant and bar, complete with a 'living wall' of plants and an active media link to the airport's international terminal. There's also an iMac Web Corner with complimentary internet - and, for business travellers, a wide array of meeting and conference facilities. In all areas, staff members combine New Zealand's famous friendliness with international professionalism: a nice mix.

But this property has one more card to play: something that can't be planned, bought or built: a super-serene atmosphere. This makes it a serious contender for not just an airport stay, but a two- or three-day Auckland stopover. We recommend you give it some long, hard thought.

And, of course, when the time comes to move on, you're right by the airport's international terminal, and within walking distance of the domestic one - with a courtesy shuttle to take you there. Very hard to beat for convenience.