Fable Auckland is the most characterful hotel in the downtown core. It occupies Windsor House, a 1928 Art Deco building on lower Queen Street, and was known for many years as the Hotel Grand Windsor before joining the Fable group and the MGallery collection at the end of 2021. The interiors lean into the building’s history, with jewel tones, velvet, brass and Art Deco details, and the 79 rooms range from Classic and Superior rooms to Luxury rooms and two signature suites on the high floors, The Duchess and The Windsor. The Windsor Room, set in a former soda parlour, serves breakfast and European classics and doubles as a bar, and the hotel is known for its high tea. There is a small wellness area with a jacuzzi, a sauna and a fitness room, and connecting rooms, extra beds and cots are available for families.
Location and getting around: the hotel sits in the heart of the CBD, about a minute on foot from Britomart station and three minutes from the Downtown Ferry Terminal, which makes it ideal for ferry days to Waiheke, Rangitoto and Devonport. The Britomart precinct’s restaurants and bars are on the doorstep, the Viaduct Harbour is a short stroll, and the Sky Tower is about fifteen minutes uphill on foot. Airport buses and trains leave from nearby.
Rooms: Classic rooms are compact, as is typical of a heritage building, so upgrade to a Superior or Luxury room if you want more space. All rooms carry the Art Deco styling and plush bedding, and the suites on the upper floors are spacious enough for a special occasion.
Who it suits: couples, design lovers and first-time visitors who want a central, walkable base with a sense of place rather than a large modern tower.
Good to know: breakfast is served in The Windsor Room for an extra charge, from early on weekdays and until late morning at weekends. Parking is limited to a handful of indoor spaces with valet service at a daily fee, so it is easier to arrive without a car. Lower Queen Street is busy, so ask for a higher floor if you are a light sleeper.
Why stay here
- ✓1928 Art Deco heritage building
- ✓The Windsor Room restaurant and bar
- ✓High tea service
- ✓Jacuzzi and sauna
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Valet parking
- ✓Connecting rooms
- ✓Britomart station one minute away
Good questions
Is Fable Auckland the same as the Hotel Grand Windsor?+
Yes, the former Hotel Grand Windsor joined the Fable group and now trades as Fable Auckland, MGallery. It is in the same 1928 Windsor House on lower Queen Street.
How close is Fable Auckland to the ferries?+
The Downtown Ferry Terminal is about three minutes on foot. Britomart station is about a minute away.
Does Fable Auckland have parking?+
There are only a few indoor spaces, offered with valet service for a daily fee. Arriving without a car is easier.