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The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

4.5 star property

Photo gallery for The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Front of property
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Premium Room Seaview | View from room

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Explore the area

View map
35 The Strand, Bay of Islands, Russell, 0255
  • Place, Russell Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Christ Church
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Flagstaff Hill
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Waterfront Room

Waterfront Room

Waterfront Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Small Room

Small Room

Small Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior King Balcony

Superior King Balcony

Superior King Balcony

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(24 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Courtyard

Superior Room, Courtyard

Superior Room, Courtyard

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, Courtyard

Classic Room, Courtyard

Classic Room, Courtyard

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Classic Room

Classic Room

Classic Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Apartment

Waterfront Apartment

Waterfront Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Russell

When you stay at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Russell Beach and 4 minutes by foot from Russell Museum. .This luxury hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Tapeka Point and 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Russell Christ Church.

What's nearby

  • Russell Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Russell Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Long Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬26 min drive

About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers 38 accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels. This Russell hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 38 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and iPod docking stations. Plasma televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as electric kettles and irons/ironing boards.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a garden. Additional features at this Colonial hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, wedding services, and tour/ticket assistance.
Enjoy local cuisine at Duke of Marlborough, a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge, take in the ocean view, and even dine alfresco.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and an elevator. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Duke of Marlborough - This beachfront restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited number of on-site self parking spaces per unit
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Duke of Marlborough

Things to do

  • Gym

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the waterfront

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1827
  • Colonial architecture
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • IPod dock
  • Plasma TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.45 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50.0 per day

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 50.0 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.45 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 9429042359616

We should mention

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Duke Marlborough Hotel
Duke Marlborough Hotel Russell
Duke Marlborough Russell
The Duke Of Marlborough
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Hotel
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Russell
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Hotel Russell

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 604 out of 918 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 241 out of 918 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 918 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 918 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 918 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent large room right on the waterfront. Clean, fresh, light, in the centre of town. Comfy bed and nice sheets.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Stuart

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Room was not serviced properly in advance of our booking in. We found an article of clothing belinging to the previous guest - handed it in at reception and received an apology. Said they would speak to the clesning staff. There was a sickening stench of rotten fish in our part of the hotel from the time we arrived until we left 2 days later. When we advised reception of this they again apologised and advised that they had received several other complaints regarding the same thing. No update was given and the smell was hard to tolerate either in our room or sitting out on the balcony. Hotel seems to be run for the convenience of the staff and not the comfort of the guests. Patronising waitress at lunchtime on the verandah. Having one menu is advertised as a good thing when in fact if staying a couple of days it means a lack of choice. Breakfast staff were freindly and attentive but scrambled eggs were watery and 'toast' was fried bread which was very greasy. We had booked to stsy fir a special occasion but were very disappointed overall. Would not recommend this hotel for a stay of more than one night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All good, hotel and room fantastic
Sunset
Sunset
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

carrie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean quiet and comfortable. Loved having a balcony and we enjoyed our meals at the restaurant. We love this area amd this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The mattress was pasr its use by date Not much support, saggy snd very soft
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

denis

Disliked: Amenities
We had a cosy room which was stuffy but the windows could not be opened. When we complained it was dismissed and ignored.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room in a handy location, perfect for my needs
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Glenys

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the historical presence of this beautiful hotel. Attention to detail with the furnishings was outstanding. We had room 2 on the ground floor. We found the bathroom was beautifully presented but not terribly functional. Nowhere to put dry clothes except the top of the toilet. The whole floor got wet when showering, even with the shower curtain closed. I know this bathroom is probably for someone disabled but they still need somewhere to put dry clothing. If the room is for a disabled person, not sure how they can get round the bed comfortably. Air-conditioning was so loud at night, i had to keep getting up to turn it off so i could get some sleep and then back on because the room got so hot.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christer

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A truly unique hotel from another era!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice stay Have the internal rooms with shared courtyard may need a rethink. We had trouble sleeping as other guests were out in the courtyard till late having a chat
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bit like living in a piece of history far better than modern hotels. Room was good and also a small seating area outside for us to enjoy. Used the restaurant and it's easy to see why it's popular, nice food
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neville

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room very clean. Hotel in a great position to restaurants, shops and the harbour. Staff very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historic hotel in a charming old former whaling port. Clean and comfortable rooms. We had a large patio and jettted tub. Great restaurant downstairs!! Friendly staff! Would love to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Anke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
TV reception was a little problematic. Slept well the first 2 nights but the last night had a lot of corridor noise from a party of travelers.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Sue

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The views from the front bedrooms of the property are stunning.Food is excellent with good selection.Parking is good although it is at the back,of the property,across the road.However it seems to be secure. Overall we had a wonderful stay at the Duke of Marlborough.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely place and an excellent restaurant
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Our room was very comfortable and good value.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amenities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a wonderful experience. From the staff to the customer service, the exceptional food, and the comfortable rooms. Charming experience. Thank you, Richard, for the outstanding service, and hats off to the chef.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our room did not have a view at all. I am sure it was different to what we booked but it was a nice room.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved our stay at this wonderful establishment
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Paul, Jacksonville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is an old, elegant hotel with dated furnishings, at least in my room. Parking was across the street and down a lane to behind a building. Not at all convenient. The only convenient access to the area the hotel is in is by car ferry, which costs NZD 18.50 each direction. The harbor view was partially blocked by a large tree from my room. The neighborhood looked very walkable and interesting but unfortunately I arrived too late in the evening to explore it. The 10 am checkout time, which seems to be standard in New Zealand, limits options for morning activities unless you’re a very early riser, which I’m not. Anyway, I don’t think shops would have opened until 9 or 10, so mornings are a lost cause. Get to the property early in the afternoon if you want to enjoy the surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025