The Duke Of Marlborough, Russell ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

Book on our site

Up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is New Zealand's first licensed hotel, established in 1827. Located on the waterfront in Russell, it offers historical charm along with modern comforts. This hotel is a key site for exploring the Bay of Islands' natural beauty and local culture.

Location

Situated in historic Russell, the hotel overlooks Kororareka Bay, ideal for swimming and boating activities. The Bay of Islands is easily accessible by car or ferry, with nearby beaches and nature trails. Local transportation options, including taxis and a vehicle ferry, are readily available.

Rooms

The hotel features a range of lodgings including waterfront rooms with stunning views to Paihia and Waitangi. Each room is equipped with luxurious super king beds, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can also opt for a self-contained waterfront apartment with a kitchenette and spa bath, providing added convenience.

Eat & Drink

The Duke's restaurant presents a menu that showcases locally sourced seasonal produce along with classic New Zealand favorites. Meals can be enjoyed either indoors or on the sun-filled deck overlooking the sea. The bar offers an extensive wine list, featuring over 100 unique selections.

Leisure & Business

For leisure, guests have complimentary access to a gym and nearby tennis courts. The hotel has a dedicated events team to support wedding and corporate functions, including a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 150 guests. Various private dining options are available for special occasions.

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Small Double Room

Max:

2 persons

11 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Apartment Sea View

Max:

2 persons

29 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Sea view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Deluxe Double or Twin Room

Max:

3 persons

29 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Sea view

Shower

Heating

room details

Check Prices

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Russell200 m

Airports

Bay of Islands (KKE) 38.8 km

Whangarei (WRE) 83.5 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Access Made Easy

“The lift near my room was a huge relief, especially with my knee issues. It made transporting my bags effortless.” view full review

Comfortable Stay

“The King bed in our room was incredibly comfy, and I loved the thoughtful touches like the self-closing toilet seat and sensor light.” view full review

Spacious and Relaxing

“The bathroom in the bungalow was impressively large, featuring a spa bath that I wish I had more time to enjoy!” view full review

Delicious Breakfast

“Breakfast was a highlight, especially the perfectly poached eggs paired with flavorful pork and fennel sausage.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Lift
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Tennis court

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Beach access

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202

Map view

35 The Strand, Russell, New Zealand, 0202

City landmarks

RussellNew Zealand

Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve

920 m

Waitangi National Trust Estate

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

3.7 km

Harbour

Russell Boating Club

1.5 km

Tapeka Rd

Tapeka Point Beach

2.0 km

Oneroa Bay

1.9 km

Paihia harbour

Paihia Harbour

3.6 km

Church

St Paul's Anglican Church

3.5 km

Harbour

Paihia Wharf

3.4 km

Beach

Paihia Beach

3.5 km

Paihia wharf

Bay of Islands Parasail

3.4 km

69 Marsden Rd

Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands

3.4 km

Totara Heights Way

Bay of Islands from Viewpoint

3.5 km

69 Marsden Rd

Dune Rider

3.5 km

Te Ti Bay

3.7 km

Winery

Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen

3.7 km

Waitangi 0293

Maori War Canoe

3.7 km

Bay

Orongo Bay

3.8 km

Theme Park

Action World

3.9 km

74 School Rd

Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Track

4.3 km

Te Karuwha Parade

Waitangi One Way Bridge

4.0 km

Te Karuwha Parade

Coastal Kayakers

4.0 km

Golf Course

Waitangi Golf Club

4.3 km

Bay

Pomare Bay

7.8 km

Nearby

Museum

Russell Museum

270 m

Church

Christ Church Russell

380 m

5 The Strand

Pompallier Mission and Printery

410 m

25 York St

Just Imagine Gallery

230 m

Island

Russell

210 m

Bay

Kororareka Bay

220 m

Restaurants

Duke of Marlborough

10 m

35 The Strand

Bayside Restaurant and Bar

50 m

29 The Strand On The Waterfront

TukTuk Bangkok Thai Restaurant

160 m

19 York Street

Russell Bar & Bistro

100 m

25 The Strand

Butterfish

110 m

25 The Strand Far North

Diggers Restaurant

200 m

1 Chapel Street

Tuk Tuk Bangkok Cafe

200 m

Restaurant

GREENS Traditional Indian & Thai Cuisine

220 m

15A York Street Russell

Chef Fabian

630 m

8 Gould Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

74%

liked the hotel and would stay again

friendly staff

great location

small rooms

basic dining

7.4/10

Very good

Rooms

7.4

Location

8.6

Service

8.1

Dining

6.1

Matthew

United Kingdom, January 2024

7.4/10

The hotel had small rooms and an inconvenient shower setup, but they were clean and beautifully decorated. The service was excellent, with very helpful and friendly staff. The location was wonderful, offering lovely views and an immersion in New Zealand's history. The dining was limited and repetitive, but the grilled meat was decent. Overall, a good hotel with room for improvement.

Rooms

7.0

The room was way too small and the shower over the bath was not ideal, but it was clean and beautifully decorated.

Service

9.0

The staff were excellent and very helpful.

Location

8.0

The location was wonderful, with lovely views and a rich historical atmosphere.

Dining

6.0

The dining was very minimal and repetitive, lacking variety, but the grilled meat was decent.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel offered basic facilities, nothing extraordinary.

James

United Kingdom, December 2023

8.4/10

The hotel has a superb location, offering fantastic views right on the Waterfront. The rooms are comfortable and clean, although lacking some privacy when curtains are open. The service is top-notch, with fabulous staff, but reservations could be clearer. The location is unbeatable, right on the water and close to all amenities. The dining experience is a bit of a letdown, with limited options and extra charges for basic beverages. Overall, a great stay with some room for improvement in certain areas.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms have plenty of light and offer free WiFi, a minibar, and ensuite facilities. However, they lack privacy when the curtains are open and are smaller than expected.

Service

9.0

The staff is fantastic and the overall service is excellent. However, clearer communication on services like electric vehicle charging would have been appreciated.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is the best in the Bay of Islands, providing stunning views right on the Waterfront and easy access to amenities.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was decent but could have been improved with more variety and inclusive beverage options.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities are great, with a lovely terrace to sit, eat, or drink, but the dining area could use a more modern touch.

Seth

United States, November 2023

7.2/10

I had a mix of experiences at the hotel. The room was nice and clean with quiet surroundings, but unfortunately, our sleep was disturbed by a large chiller on the first night, and there was no availability to change rooms. Despite this, the room was small yet perfect for us and offered great value for money. However, it didn't quite feel like the ultimate value for the price paid.

Rooms

8.0

The room was nice and clean, very quiet, and parking was always available. It was definitely small but perfect for us and great value for money.

Service

7.0

The staff, including Ida, Ellie, and the Front of House team, were beautiful, friendly, and attentive without being annoying. However, there were instances where one staff member seemed a bit overwhelmed while others stepped in to assist guests.

Location

9.0

The location exceeded our expectations and was above average. It was re-decorated to match the hotel's overall style, offering a lovely view from the dining room. Additionally, it was conveniently close to the Russell wharf, shops, and entertainment, with boats coming and going right by the pier.

Dining

5.0

After a fantastic dinner the previous night, our dining experience the next day was disappointing. We were charged extra for coffee that wasn't up to par, leaving a bad taste in our mouths. The buffet was moderate in size but nothing exceptional.

Facilities

7.0

It could use some improvement in the dining area to provide better service at a reasonable price.

Helen

United Kingdom, September 2023

6.6/10

The hotel has a great location by the beach with pleasant surroundings. The rooms, although small, are equipped with everything you need. The service was friendly and helpful, but there were slight inefficiencies. The dining experience was satisfactory, but extra charges for hot food were unexpected.

Rooms

7.0

The waterfront suite I stayed in was small but had everything I needed.

Service

7.0

The staff at The Duke were very friendly and knowledgeable, although there were some minor service lapses.

Location

8.0

The hotel's historical building is in a very pleasant area by the beach with helpful staff.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel was pleasant overall, but the extra charges for hot food were unexpected.

Facilities

5.0

Lily

United Kingdom, September 2023

7.4/10

The hotel offers a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms were smaller than expected, but the decor and balcony were lovely. The staff was extremely helpful and there was live music to enjoy. However, a larger room came at an extra cost.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were smaller than expected but beautifully decorated with a lovely balcony.

Service

9.0

The staff, from housekeeping to bar staff, were all friendly and went out of their way to assist us.

Location

8.0

The hotel overlooks the water and is right in the center of the village, offering stunning views and a convenient location.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience was average, with room for improvement in variety and quality, especially considering the rates.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were basic but sufficient for a comfortable stay.

United States, June 2023

7.6/10

Staying at the historic Duke was a unique experience with lots of character. The shared deck outside added to the charm, though some aspects of the stay could be improved. The hotel offered good value for the price paid.

Rooms

8.0

Our room at the Duke, with all its history and character, was on the inside of the building with a shared deck outside. The room was comfortable and in line with the price we paid.

Service

7.0

The service at the Duke was a bit mixed. While the staff was friendly and welcoming, there were instances that let it down like not being offered dessert menus and feeling rushed during our meal.

Location

9.0

The location of the Duke couldn't have been better. It sits right on the seafront with breathtaking views, close to the ferry, local shops, and restaurants for a convenient and picturesque stay.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience at the Duke was enjoyable with a lovely selection of food, although it fell slightly below the high standard expected for this hotel.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities at the Duke were satisfactory with options like a deck with a million-dollar view for dining and relaxation, yet improvements could enhance the overall guest experience.

Thomas

United Kingdom, June 2023

8.4/10

The hotel is truly welcoming, with immaculate, well-equipped rooms and a comfortable bed. The little extra details make a big difference, although music from downstairs can be heard at times. Service is top-notch with super friendly staff and excellent food at the restaurant. The location is fantastic, right on the waterfront offering picturesque sunsets. However, the dining experience is a bit of a letdown with slightly overpriced options.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were recently renovated and immaculate, well equipped, and the bed was comfortable.

Service

9.0

The staff were super friendly, offering excellent service during dinner.

Location

9.0

The location is fantastic, right on the waterfront, offering picturesque sunsets.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience, although slightly overpriced, offers many local products.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with great waterfront views.

Billy

United States, May 2023

7.4/10

The hotel is located across from Paihia, offering quaint external balconies. While the rooms may be a bit small, the service is exceptional with a very friendly and helpful staff. The quirky and fun location near town and sights make it a popular choice. The dining experience is basic but comes at a reasonable price.

Rooms

7.0

The room I stayed in was cozy and clean, even though it was quite small.

Service

9.0

The staff at the hotel were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location is quirky and fun, perfect for exploring the town and sights.

Dining

6.0

The breakfast offered was basic, but the evening meal was fantastic.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel offers basic facilities that meet the needs of most guests.

friendly staff

small rooms

Stephen

United Kingdom, April 2023

6.6/10

I had a wonderful peaceful night away, but the room definitely needs a serious update. It was clean with nice linen and towels, but the clinking plates and cutlery and thin curtains that let the light in bothered me. Customer parking also needs a rethink.

Rooms

6.0

The room was clean with nice linen and towels, but it definitely needs a serious update. The noise of clinking plates and cutlery was a bit bothersome, and the thin curtains didn't block out the light well.

Service

7.0

The hospitality was attentive and pointed out issues like a loud knocking noise caused by a sensor fault. They were helpful in moving us to another motel when needed.

Location

8.0

The hotel is seeped in early New Zealand history, with a stunning location and beautiful views. However, the poor standard of the evening meal and the size of our room were a letdown.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was a bit disappointing with the same breakfast every day, making it boring for longer stays.

Facilities

7.0

The restaurant meals were fantastic, but the room lacked a table and chairs and parking needs a rethink.