"We chose DeBretts due to past excellent experiences, to say this visit was deeply disappointing is an understatement. An Auckland icon, we love the quirky style of the decor, and for this weekend, its perfect location, near to a restaurant we were dining in with friends. Sadly our first negative experience was as we walked in the door. We asked if we could have our car valet parked, something we were happy to pay for, and were told “we don’t do that”. My partner was handed a map for a 5 minute all weather walk to a car park that was more like an obstacle course than a parking building. I waited in the lobby where I was told that the hotel had been sold in 2022, which was the reason for the lack of a valet parking service. Although DeBretts advertises itself a as 5 Star Hotel with a concierge, no offer was made to carry our two bags to our room or to show me up. A concierge definitely does not exist. When we did get to our room, the sound of drilling in the Crane Brothers building next door was appalling, we told the receptionist, who advised us that if we stayed out till 4.00pm it should have stopped. They were still working when we returned from dinner at 9.00pm, although not so loudly. We had a great evening away from the hotel and returned to that stunning house bar, looking to end the night with cocktails and possibly some soft jazz and conversation. Forget the jazz or the conversation, a pleasant but very quiet barman mixed an adequate cocktail, we drank it and left. What a sad misuse of one of Auckland’s most stunning bars, such a wasted opportunity. I’ve taken the time to write this not out of spite, but out of concern that the new owners are completely missing DeBretts heartland clientele with this new approach. Instead of trying to compete on price and pack in as many mature Americans, who are unlikely to ever return, as possible, look at what’s in your backyard and target mature, stylish Aucklanders who will return for memorable occasions in what is still a beautiful hotel. The mad, sad days of Covid stupidity may have bought you to this, but at least try to salvage the weekends for couples like us with money to spend. Bring back weekend jazz, Saturday AND Sunday, find bar staff with personality to charm the punters, (we saw one in action during dinner at Gilt) and bring DeBretts to life again."

"Good location, stylish hotel with some beautiful original features. Attentive and helpful staff.Good restaurant, modern cuisine focused on spicy options ( could do with some more basic dishes?)."

"Cute boutique hotel, but a few disturbing things…. Safe didn’t work on arrival, no free refills on coffee/tea at breakfast and the fire alarms went off during the night—-rang for about 5” and it kept repeating “wait for further instructions”, then just went off with no follow up from staff nor explanation. Good walking location, but I would not return to stay there"

"Debretts is a boutique hotel in cute laneway within Auckland CBD. Rooms are soundproofed, beds are comfortable, and the restaurant & bar onsite are fantastic. Book a room with a bath and remember to ask for extra bath salts as you'll need them! Additionally, rooms have a good mini bar however do not take the complimentary tea 'tins' as they are not complimentary."

"This hotel has such a good vibe. It’s small but has everything you need. The location is central with lots of shops and cafes within feast walking distance and the way it has been decorated and fitted out shows a considerable amount of style and consideration for comfort. Staff extremely friendly and bar and restaurant really good."