It was my first time in the City of Sails, and winter, with its teeth-chattering winds, had almost set in. I drove with Mr Simon from the airport to the hotel and asked, “How far is the Auckland Art Gallery from Radisson RED?”
“Everything you’d like to see in Auckland is a walk away from your hotel,” he replied at once.
I sighed with relief.
My stay at Radisson RED Auckland fulfilled my only wish: to stay at a hotel not too far from everywhere I wanted to visit. To my surprise, the art gallery was just opposite the hotel. “Glide down the elevator, the hotel gates will open, cross the road, take another 10 steps, walk up and down the stairs, and you will find the gallery standing before you,” the fellow at RED’s reception guided me. His directions were spot on.
It took me not more than four minutes to reach the gallery that exhibited impressive works by local and legendary artists alike.
A Stay At Radisson RED, Auckland
Set in Auckland’s Arts District, Radisson RED Auckland brings the brand’s playful, design-led approach to hospitality to New Zealand for the first time. The hotel features 322 rooms and suites, with interiors inspired by the city’s creative energy and performing arts scene. Guest rooms take cues from an actor’s dressing room, combining expressive colours, layered textures, curated artwork and atmospheric lighting. Higher-floor rooms offer city views, while the Suite Panorama features sweeping vistas of Auckland, Albert Park, and the harbour.
Dining and socialising are central to the hotel experience. The property offers an all-day dining venue and bar where food, music and mixology encourage guests to unwind. AKA Rooftop, RED’s newest rooftop restaurant and bar, adds another dimension to the experience. Paired with great cocktails and plates, AKA is New Zealand’s largest outdoor rooftop space and offers panoramic views of the Sky Tower and Auckland skyline and can accommodate up to 220 guests.
Beyond its dining spaces, Radisson RED Auckland features a fitness centre open throughout the day and equipped for guests looking to maintain their workout routines while travelling. The hotel is also among Auckland’s few pet-friendly properties, allowing guests to bring in their furry companions. Apart from the rooms and the dining experiences, what stood out for me during my four-day stay at RED was its proximity to everything I wanted to explore in Auckland. Read on to find out what a walk-away is for you, provided you check into RED.
The Best Of Auckland Is Only a Walk Away
Of course, the art gallery, which I have spoken about at length, and the hotel are only a few metres away from my favourite Auckland spot, Albert Park. I highly recommend spending a winter morning or afternoon there; weekends would be the cherry on the cake. Watching families lay down picnic mats, university students take their mid-session walks, and locals cycle around brought me much closer to understanding the city and its people.
Because it was only 100 metres away from RED, I visited the park at almost all hours: I had ramen for breakfast on a bench, sat under a tree at sundown to read a book, and even rode a bicycle around the park. Each time, it was beautiful.
I also often walked down to the Auckland CBD to get my hands on what was undeniably the most decadent hot chocolate I had ever tried. It came from an unnamed shop with a board that read, “Auckland’s best hot chocolate only for NZD 10.” I don’t even want to get into how many glasses I sipped during my trip, but if you are in the city and can find the shop, take my word for it and try the hot chocolate. It is worth every penny (and calorie you put on).
Do walk down Queen’s Arcade to shop around and find the Sky Tower standing in all its might. By all means, go up to the 60th floor of the tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, but nothing comes close to its evening view from RED’s new rooftop restaurant, Aka Rooftop. I paired the view with a mulled wine from their menu, and it made for a perfect time.
The foodie in me was as happy as the traveller in me. Lorne Street, where RED was located, was home to a wide range of Asian eateries—from hole-in-the-wall spots serving delicious khao suey to eateries dedicated to ramen and Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Sichuan cuisines —all right next to each other.
If you are in Auckland and looking for an address that will not only make your stay comfortable but also holistic, then nothing is better than booking a room at Radisson RED Auckland. To everyone who asked me, I told them that RED’s strength is in its location. And it truly is.
The Information
Address: 33 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: radissonhotels.com
FAQs
1. Where is Radisson RED Auckland located?
Radisson RED Auckland is located at 33 Lorne Street in Auckland’s Arts District. Auckland Art Gallery, Albert Park, Civic Theatre and Sky Tower are all within easy walking distance.
2. What are the rooms like at Radisson RED Auckland?
The hotel has 322 rooms and suites featuring colourful, theatrical interiors inspired by Auckland’s creative culture. Higher-floor rooms offer city views, while the Suite Panorama overlooks Auckland City, Albert Park and the harbour.
3. What dining options does Radisson RED Auckland offer?
The hotel has an all-day dining venue and bar, while AKA Rooftop offers cocktails, food and panoramic views of the Auckland skyline. The rooftop can accommodate around 220 guests and is designed for both dining and social events.
4. What facilities are available at Radisson RED Auckland?
Guests have access to a fitness centre, rooftop event spaces and social areas. The hotel is also pet-friendly, making it a convenient option for travellers bringing their pets to Auckland.
5. What attractions are near Radisson RED Auckland?
The hotel’s central location makes several of Auckland’s key attractions accessible on foot, including Auckland Art Gallery, Albert Park, Civic Theatre and Sky Tower. The surrounding Lorne Street and CBD area also has a variety of cafés, restaurants and Asian eateries.
