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The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

4.5 star property
Colonial hotel with fitness centre and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

View from property
Waterfront Room | Water view
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Front of property

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$153
includes taxes & fees
5 Apr - 6 Apr

Explore the area

Map
35 The Strand, Bay of Islands, Russell, 0255
  • Russell Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Russell Christ Church
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Flagstaff Hill
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior King Balcony

Superior King Balcony

Superior King Balcony

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Small Room

Small Room

Small Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
IPod dock
Cable/satellite channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Room

Waterfront Room

Waterfront Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Renovated in 2017
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Courtyard

Superior Room, Courtyard

Superior Room, Courtyard

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Apartment

Waterfront Apartment

Waterfront Apartment

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Plasma TV
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, Courtyard

Classic Room, Courtyard

Classic Room, Courtyard

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Classic Room

Classic Room

Classic Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
IPod dock
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

  • Pool
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.2 out of 5, Very good, (1002)
The price is AU$240
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia

About the area

Russell

A luxury stay in Russell awaits you at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. You'll be within steps of Russell Beach and within a short 5-minute stroll of Russell Museum. Highlights at this eco-friendly hotel include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Duke of Marlborough, serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and a gym. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .Places within a short walk of this 4.5-property class Russell hotel include Russell Christ Church and Tapeka Point.

What's nearby

  • Russell Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Paihia Wharf - 28 min drive - 16.0 km
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds - 31 min drive - 18.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cbk Craft Beer and Kitchen - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Marina Cafe Opua - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Hone's Garden - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Paihia Wharf - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte’s Kitchen - ‬28 min drive

About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Colonial hotel with fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
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.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 1827
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers 38 accommodations with iPod docking stations and a hairdryer. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels.

This Russell hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and free toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English

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 on-site parking (max 1 space 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

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, 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. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

As of 6 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel on 5 Apr 2025 start from AU$152.80, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a short 1-minute walk from Russell Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and parasailing. You can also find boat tours.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

No, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 505 out of 779 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 209 out of 779 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 45 out of 779 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 779 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 779 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Lauren

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Historically significant but not luxury
Historically significant, but the service as a hotel is bare bones minimum. There is no help to get luggage to the room, check-in staff gave a slightly disinterested vibe, booking a dinner at the restaurant required waiting for a manager. The booked table was not ready at the booking time (we were there minutes early but they were five minutes late). Our room fridge was actually inside a closet, which was a bizarre search, and not advised at check-in. The shower is closed via shower curtain that does not extend the entire length of the shower. The highlight of our stay was actually the African-American (?) server at the restaurant who gave 120% and all other staff at this establishment should look to her as an example.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Ian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
as expected for the cost
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay - accommodation, staff & food were excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely ambience . Russell icon
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorraine

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel but customer service could be better.
Great location and really clean. Bathroom spacious and lots of fast hot water. However, customer service needs to be better. Not once was I greeted with a “good morning” or “how is your stay going” or “is there anything that I can do to help”. Simple to do, but the two ladies in reception seemed oblivious. Perhaps they are understaffed or underpaid or not trained properly which was a shame as otherwise I would have given this hotel a higher rating.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Alain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent sejour
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

kim

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Kudos to Duke staff
Great relaxing place to relax for a night,
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful building
Easy checkin, room was tidy and clean. We had one of the ground level rooms facing the back street with a generous deck. Bed was comfortable, however felt the towels could be better quality and size. The Duke restaurant is amazing, fantastic views and good food and wine menu. Beautiful historic building at a prime location so would stay again,
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check out time is too early.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisl, Lewes

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is gorgeous and historical. It’s right on the water and the restaurant was packed the whole time we were there. Since we had reserved the cheapest room, our room was quite small, however still offered the necessary amenities and comfort. Russell is a darling town, perhaps the highlight of our trip!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Sam

Disliked: Staff & service
The staff in the restaurant were very professional, friendly and helpful. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast, and the meals were excellent and very reasonably priced… however; the room service staff forgot to service our room. The reception staff did the right thing and credited our previous day’s breakfast to compensate for the lack of room service. We would love to visit again, definitely opting for a room facing the water
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Best place in NZ
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Wendy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was great..we had breakfast overlooking the water...beautiful..i had the omlette...it was amazing..my husband had the clasic 2 eggs and toast. The toast was amazing as was the coffee..the eggs were good too. Staff were helpfull and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An awesome historic hotel. Central location, great food, excellent service. Hard to fault really.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leonie

Travelled with partner
We loved the decor and the excellent customer service and support from reception to the wait staff etc.,,,,,
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place to stay in a historic NZ location. Great stay had all around.