Smart and refined but casual is the name of the game here. Today we’re going to
be exploring my Pinnacle Tower room and all of the facilities and restaurants on offer,
so let’s get into it, welcome to Auckland.
If you’d like to know the exact rate that I paid for my stay or my next five videos in queue,
please check out the description below and if you’re new here,
hi there and welcome to the channel, my name is Kevin.
I’m of the opinion that the world needs a bit more honest travel content these days, so I make
airline trip reports, high end hotel reviews and cruise ship tours as well, all without invitation.
I always film without the company’s knowledge and self-fund my trips to be sure I get a
true experience and give you nothing more than my personal honest unbiased opinion.
This looks like a good place for a windmill, doesn’t it?
Well, at least a man named Charles Partington thought so when he built one in 1851- creating
what would be a bustling and historic flour mill for the up and coming town of Auckland.
Of course, the windmill is no more, having been demolished in 1950, but what’s that saying? If
you’re gonna pave paradise, at least give me a Sheraton- or something like that.
And so that’s what happened. In 1980, the Sheraton Auckland began construction
and some 25 years later was sold to Langham, which this hotel was branded as for around 15 years.
Just before Covid, a major renovation began on the property and when it reopened,
it did so as a Cordis. Cordis, which means Heart in Latin, as they love to point out,
is Langham’s “modern, upscale and international” brand, which has been taking over at a few of
Langham’s older properties including the first Cordis which opened in 2015,
the conversion of the Langham Place Mongkok in Hong Kong.
During the refurb, there was also a massive expansion here, building the 17 story pinnacle
tower. The hotel now sports 640 rooms and suites. As we walk into the lobby area, admittedly,
I would not want to see what this looks like at 14:00 when the hotel was at capacity.
Throughout the property, you’ll notice finishes and interiors that are classic but modern,
a design that could go one of two ways. Stuffy and uptight or casual and conversational.
Perhaps because of Cordis’ mantra or perhaps just the Kiwi way, this place is definitely
the latter and because of that fits into my favorite type of urban hotel. Nice design,
functional rooms, upscale facilities and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Before we continue the tour, let’s take a look at where we are.
Auckland is on New Zealand’s north island and with it’s population of around 1.5 million,
accounts for around one third of the country’s population.
Surrounded by two bays, the waterfront is surely where the core of the downtown area is and the
Cordis sits just on the south side of that in an upscale area surrounded by parks and universities.
Your best bet to the airport is driving- just 20-25 minutes away.
Now, we are going to walk over to the Pinnacle Tower and take a look at my room for this stay.
The property is perhaps best known for kicking off the Royal Tour in 1983, when the Sheraton Auckland
hosted the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana for their state dinner in the city.
I booked this stay with AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts and so at check in, I was upgraded
from a standard King Room to a Pinnacle Tower room, which features slightly larger and more
modern facilities and views of the skyline. On this side of the hotel, there are two
other entrances, the first used for the Pinnacle tower and the second mostly for
events in the older part of the hotel, but it’s all more or less seamlessly connected.
I love the backlit art format that they have at each elevator
lobby. All featuring different landscapes from across the country.
I was excited to get 2515, the 25th floor, but no… there is no 25th floor.
The 2 signifies the Pinnacle Tower.
Inside, the rooms are very smartly outfitted and reminds me quite a
bit of the new MGallery hotel in Athens I was at last year.
While this design language is one that is being used by many chains at the moment, I will say
the Cordis stands out by using materials which will hold up to many years of use. Everything
in the room felt solid and- real. Something that I find increasingly uncommon these days.
There was a nice working and dining combo area with a umm, unique light fixture above it.
Bedsides have multiple outlets and USB ports and this side also
features a wireless charging USB radio. Do we still say, radio?
The mini bar is nicely stocked and is giving me distinct Park Hyatt vibes,
ironically the next hotel I stayed at.
After many days of instant coffee, I was happy to also see a proper coffee machine.
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The closet area was a standard size but it also included a separate
luggage storage area with drawers build in below which freed up a lot of space.
The bathroom was a nice size and featured a full size soaking tub as well as a shade
that could be drawn down for privacy. I do also love these wall tiles and
their subtle nod the New Zealand’s silver fern. I just made that up, but I also do think it’s true.
Bathroom products were by Christophe Laudamiel, same same as the Andaz Gangnam that I stayed
at in Seoul, but thankfully, this time Sparkling Mint, not lavender.
I’m curious, what are you opinions about bathroom products at premium hotels.
Do you think a luxury brand is necessary? Should it be a unique scent?
Personally, I think it’s one of the most important small details any hotel could have. I think luxury
hotels should feature high end, locally curated brands that feature scents rooted in the location.
For premium brands like here at the Cordis, I don’t think it needs to be a super expensive
brand, but for the hotel’s own sake, a well known brand with a unique scent I think is key.
Off the top of my head I could tell you every hotel I’ve ever had Acqua di Parma
amenities at and everytime I see them in duty free shops, I’m reminded of those hotels.
Anytime I smell something with white tea scent, my mind immediately goes to Westin, who I think are
the pioneers in creating a full scent story in their hotels. Point being, be memorable.
Last up we have my view which was a bit narrow in scope but was a great
place to watch the clouds roll in and out from.
So, who is staying here? Well it’s a nice mix of couples and business travelers with
a hefty dose of locals coming by for tea or dinner, something that I always
think is a sign of a really well run hotel. So, I was here near Easter weekend and so
there was a large dinner buffet on offer, which wasn’t of interest to me, so I had dinner at
the Chandelier Lounge. During the afternoons it serves as a high tea lounge and sort of
transitions to a wine bar at night- though they do serve a limited food menu throughout the day.
Cordis is one of those brands that doesn’t publish menus online, so you’ll need to take
my word that the dinner menu was small, but well curated with what I would say is typical
“all day dining” food for a premium hotel, but each with a bit of an elevated twist.
I had what turned out to be an absolutely incredible Veal Schnitzel- or was it
chicken. Either way, it was delicious and service here was also very friendly.
Just across is the Our Land is Alive Bar. This one, atmosphere wise, was a bit of a let down,
but I think it’s my own fault. It just felt a bit bright and homey, when I imagined it
would be a bit moodier and less Irish themed bar in New York designed for tourists-like.
Anyway though, like I said, that was just my own thought. It was
a nice and comfortable bar with seating at the outdoor terrace being my choice.
This, by the way, is what happened when I’m at a hotel for one night
that includes a $100 property credit. I can assure you, I never leave unused credit.
Service here was slow but well intentioned, though the drinks made up for the wait.
The next morning before we head to breakfast, let’s take a look at the spa and pool areas.
The sun came up a bit later than I was expecting so admittedly this shot wasn’t well timed,
but it was a nice outdoor pool. When I returned later it was full of guests.
Ok, for breakfast we are heading to the Buffet at Eight.
Named eight for the eight international kitchens inside, on better display for dinner, I am sure.
That said though, it was a very good and comprehensive breakfast spread and
even had some healthy options like a chocolate waterfall and ice cream. What more could you want?
In all seriousness though, the food quality was seriously good here and in
addition to everything you see there was also an egg station available.
Our last stop is going to be at the fitness center which is a strange setup,
split up into multiple small rooms. But,
it had everything that you’d need- though it’s probably a bit small for 640 rooms.
So overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the Cordis. I knew it would be a nice hotel but
it really did far exceed my expectations and I’d be more than happy to go back.
Also, given what was on offer here, I’m more antsy than ever to get into a Langham soon.
I really do hope you enjoyed this video today. If you did,
please be sure to click that subscribe button and turn on the bell so you don’t miss out on
any of my content coming up over the next few weeks. I’ll see you next time on my Qantas
flight from here in Auckland to Brisbane. Oh and thanks for watching until the end.