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

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

Waterfront Room

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

Small Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior King Balcony

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Room Seaview

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

Superior Room, Courtyard

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

Classic Room, Courtyard

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

Classic Room

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

Waterfront Apartment

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

Similar properties

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
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬27 min drive

About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Luxury hotel with free parking, steps from Russell Beach
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. 587 out of 897 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 897 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 897 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 897 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 897 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm, Auckland

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff magnificient setting lo ely room.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Rebekah

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous and central to everything. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A beautiful old hotel with creature comforts

Lovely old hotel with a great selection of interesting early NZ prints and paintings. Nice blend of old style and modern comfort. Room was quiet, despite very popular and excellent restaurant and big weekend sailing event. Free parking, friendly reception and great location in beautiful historic Russell (Kororareka). Amazing Long Beach just a short walk, or drive, over the hill.
Charming Russell waterfront
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

ALEV

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location and clean room!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James Loman

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
View is ok-main reason to stay here is the history. Great pictures on the walls. Bathroom has been very well remodeled to a high standard. Expected creaky floors add to the charm. Nice restaurant with good food although my medium rare steak came out medium well. Would be helpful for them to better inform re:parking. (Across the street at the rear; one small area in the front to pull into for check in-not even noticed until the next day!)
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the clean and well-appointed room. We had dinner and lunch in the restaurant - just fantastic. We would come back here just for a dining holiday!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Lyndsay

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location but lacking elsewhere

Nice room, very comfy bed. But wi-fi was out in our bedroom, it was re-set by reception. However Netflix is not included on the TV, you have to use your own login. Which we couldn’t do as ours is set up in UK. Surely the hotel can afford Netflix for guests? Also, found the dinner very bland. I had a seafood chowder which arrived with a large piece of local bread in it. The chowder was thin and lacking taste, plus a decent portion was missing due the bread in the middle. Disappointing
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Heritage style property in a beautiful location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Dylan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Duke of Marborough

The Duke has a wonderful restaurant with great views of the bay. Such a pretty spot.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful location

Wonderful location on the waterfront and close to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stylish ambiance and old world charm made this a great place for rest and relaxation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Helena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful unique town and special hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARAINA, Whangarei

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dom has a great menu to choose from or else there are plenty of dining options or a supermarket in walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautifully presented hotel on the harbour

Beautifully presented historic hotel, right on the harbour front, well equipped spacious room, wonderful comfy bed
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
classic heritage hotel with a unique location
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025