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The tallest hotel in New Zealand is a Holiday Inn Express

May 30, 2022
3 min read
The tallest hotel in New Zealand is a Holiday Inn Express
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Holiday Inn Express might not be the flashiest hotel brand out there, but it does lay claim to one superlative: it's the tallest hotel in New Zealand.

Part of the IHG portfolio, Holiday Inn Express broke into New Zealand in the summer of 2020 with their Queenstown location. Now, their second outpost — the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre — opened last week in a prime location at the heart of Auckland’s Central Business District.

The smart but simple property features 294 guest rooms and is an affordable choice for budget-minded travelers keen to travel to New Zealand following its recent reopening. For foreign travelers, this could be the first time they are able to experience Kiwi culture since the nation shut up shop for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first dual-hotel development in New Zealand, Pro-invest Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts joined forces to build this highly anticipated hotel located in one of the world’s most expensive travel destinations.

But beyond its lofty status, what does it have to offer business and leisure travelers?

(Photo by Eric Rosen/The Points Guy)

With floor-to-ceiling windows, colorful design flourishes, streamlined workstations and some of the most impressive views in Auckland, it marries work and play pretty effectively. Other hotel amenities include meeting rooms, a fitness center, a restaurant and an on-site self-laundry facility.

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Related: How to get to (and stay in) a reopened New Zealand on points and miles

Located in the business district, the hotel is just minutes away from an array of restaurants and coffee shops. In addition, The Auckland City Centre is truly deserving of its name, positioned within striking distance of famed attractions such as the Sky Tower, the University of Auckland and the Viaduct Harbour.

Despite being targeted at budget travelers, the rooms feature thoughtful, well-conceived touches such as black-out blinds, a 50’ SMART TV with Chromecast, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a bidet. A continental breakfast is also included in the rate and spans both hot and cold breakfast options.

Related: IHG’s credit card portfolio gets a major revamp

Two Queen Standard Room. (Photo Courtesy of IHG Hotels)

A weekend night in June starts from 22,000 IHG points or $167. With the current IHG Rewards Premier's sign-up bonus, you can get over six nights to explore Auckland!

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
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    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees