Sofitel Wellington is at 11 Bolton Street, close to the northern end of Lambton Quay, and it has 129 rooms in a quieter, more residential corner of the central district. It is a five-class luxury property. The hotel has the Jardin Grill restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a cafe and bar, a gym, a garden, 24-hour room service and a 24-hour front desk. There is no pool, which is the main difference from some rivals. Rooms start with Classic and Superior categories and move up to Luxury and Executive rooms with Club Lounge access. Free Wi-Fi is included, valet parking is charged per night, and a buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge. Expect a refined, French-influenced hotel with a calm atmosphere.
Location and getting around
Lambton Quay and the central business district are about a one to two-minute walk, and Parliament is also about two minutes away. The Botanic Garden entrance is about five minutes on foot, which makes the hotel a good base for a stroll or a ride on the Cable Car. Wellington Station is about seven minutes away and Te Papa about 18 minutes on foot, so you may want to take a taxi or bus for the museum. The airport is roughly 18 minutes by car.
The facilities and the feel
Rooms are the main attraction, with air conditioning, rainfall showers, robes and large televisions, and most have city views. Classic rooms are compact at about 215 square feet, while Superior rooms are roomier at about 301 and sleep up to three. Club Lounge access adds a dedicated lounge for guests on those room types. The Jardin Grill and the bar suit a relaxed dinner without leaving the building, and 24-hour room service helps after a late arrival or an early departure.
Who it suits and what to know: choose the Sofitel for a special occasion, a romantic stay or business travel that deserves a calm, high-end base. It is less suited to a family that wants a pool, so look at the other central options for that. Breakfast and valet parking are extras, so compare rates with and without them. Only service animals are allowed. It is a very walkable base for the government district, shopping and the Cable Car, but not the closest to Te Papa.
Why stay here
- ✓Jardin Grill restaurant
- ✓Cafe and bar
- ✓Gym
- ✓Garden
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Club Lounge rooms
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Valet parking
Good questions
Does Sofitel Wellington have a pool?+
No pool is listed. The hotel offers a gym, a garden, a grill restaurant, a cafe and a bar.
How far is it from the Cable Car and Botanic Garden?+
Lambton Quay is about two minutes on foot and the Botanic Garden about five, so the Cable Car is a short walk away.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge. Compare rates with and without it.
