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The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

4.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Front of property
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 in a 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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior King Balcony

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

View all photos for Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Waterfront Apartment

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

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About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar/lounge. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, tour/ticket assistance and wedding services are on-site.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers 38 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels. This Russell hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness centre.

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

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Bay of Islands. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a restaurant are available.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy local cuisine and a beachfront location while dining at Duke of Marlborough
  • Amenities include a front desk safe, 2 meeting rooms and a lift
  • On-site recreation includes a gym
  • Guests have great things to say about the location and the helpful staff
  • Steps from Russell Beach and 4 minutes on foot from Russell Museum
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. There are 2 meeting rooms available. A fitness centre, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at the luxury The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Colonial Russell hotel is smoke free.

Duke of Marlborough – This beachfront restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco 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 per cent 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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50.0 per day.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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-authorise 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Guests arriving after 9:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Property Registration Number 9429042359616

We should mention

  • Children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number 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. 603 out of 917 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 241 out of 917 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 917 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 917 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 917 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very unique hotel! Lovely!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

jane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very helpful and friendly. Always lovely staying at The Duke
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

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