Is parking available at the property?

Free self-parking is available on-site, but it is limited.

Is breakfast offered at the hotel?

A satisfying breakfast is offered, with local cuisine available at the beachfront restaurant. Specific details on serving hours and associated costs are not provided.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, and guests should contact the property in advance for arrangements.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including an elevator and step-free entrances. However, specific details on accessible rooms and facilities should be confirmed with the property prior to arrival.

What is the location of the hotel in relation to key landmarks?

The hotel is located on the waterfront, just steps from Russell Beach and 4 minutes by foot from Russell Museum. It is approximately 0.2 miles from Tapeka Point and 0.5 miles from Russell Christ Church.

What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?

Children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

The hotel offers rollaway beds for a fee of NZD 50.00 per day. Guests should request this in advance as availability may be limited.

The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel in Russell

Average nightly price at The Duke Of Marlborough by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$128
February	US$159
March	US$137
April	US$123
May	US$84
June	US$86
July	US$81
August	US$88
September	US$91
October	US$89
November	US$108
December	US$110

What guests think

The Duke Of Marlborough is repeatedly praised for its historic character and superb waterfront location, with many guests enjoying harbour views, comfortable rooms, and welcoming staff, while a few note small rooms, occasional noise, and service or housekeeping lapses.

The on site restaurant is widely liked for quality and views, though some report slow service or uneven dishes. Facilities include pleasant verandas and parking across the road, but signage, lift access, and Wi-Fi or streaming can be frustrating. Overall, expect a characterful, scenic stay best for travellers who value history and setting over modern uniformity.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Historic verandas and waterfront spaces are popular, and parking is available across the road. However, signage and parking access can be confusing, lift access is limited, and Wi-Fi or streaming can be unreliable.

Related guest reviews

10

Graham

16 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is situated in a lovely spot right near the water. It has lovely views, a super restaurant, and is has a very pleasant porch to just sit and watch passersby or the incredible sunset over the water. We highly recommend it.

10

Colette

30 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Checking in was very unclear. Suggest better signage. GPS took us to the ocean side of the building where there was no parking. A man on the esplanade told us to go to the other side of the building and find street parking. Suggest instructions be sent with the confirmation and a few well placed signs to give the newcomer a better welcoming experience.

10

James Loman

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

View is ok-main reason to stay here is the history. Great pictures on the walls. Bathroom has been very well remodeled to a high standard. Expected creaky floors add to the charm. Nice restaurant with good food although my medium rare steak came out medium well. Would be helpful for them to better inform re:parking. (Across the street at the rear; one small area in the front to pull into for check in-not even noticed until the next day!)

8

Sue

19 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The views from the front bedrooms of the property are stunning.Food is excellent with good selection.Parking is good although it is at the back,of the property,across the road.However it seems to be secure. Overall we had a wonderful stay at the Duke of Marlborough.

6

Lesley

14 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice room, very comfy bed. But wi-fi was out in our bedroom, it was re-set by reception. However Netflix is not included on the TV, you have to use your own login. Which we couldn’t do as ours is set up in UK. Surely the hotel can afford Netflix for guests? Also, found the dinner very bland. I had a seafood chowder which arrived with a large piece of local bread in it. The chowder was thin and lacking taste, plus a decent portion was missing due the bread in the middle. Disappointing

8

Danny

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a classic hotel in a stand-out location. The dinner we had was very good and at a reasonable price. The room was comfortable and quiet and the bed very cozy. My only concern is the lack of seating available from the bar at peak times and there was a substantial queue at the bar. The staff though were always very friendly.

10

Justin

3 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

Excellent hotel with spacious rooms and very good amenities as delightful and friendly staff. The wifi cut in and out a little but otherwise has a fantastic stay.

10

Jay

8 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Funk ancient elevator was an issue…everything else very nice…

10

Roger

2 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent Hotel. Only shortcoming was the lack of a lift near front entrance/reception

8

Suzanne

26 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely location and artwork and furniture in public areas of the hotel! No secure wifi was a concern.

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Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are widely described as clean and well maintained. A few guests reported housekeeping misses or occasional bathroom issues.

Related guest reviews

8

Paul

27 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location on the Russell waterfront close to ferry terminal, well maintained throughout. Easy checkin. Quiet room even though Wedding being hosted. Room and facilities very clean, staff friendly. Good breakfast we paid extra for. Very expensive dining options otherwise (we said yea, nah, eat elsewhere).

10

Lesley

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely spacious room comfortable bed , very clean.

10

Jennifer

24 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our hotel room was immaculate, spacious and comfortable and it was enhanced by a balcony overlooking the harbour.

8

Donna G

9 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed the hotel, the room was decent size but the bathroom was wonderful, very clean and large! We loved the location and enjoyed being able to walk everywhere.

4

Ross

6 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

A beautiful hotel in a great location with breathtaking views. Really quiet too. Unfortunately, however, the breakfast service was rather slow, which wasn't too much of an problem. The real issue was (a) the previous guest(s) food that was stlin the bar fridge when we arrived and (b) the fact that our room wasn't cleaned (towel change etc.) until my husband asked twice for it to be done. I eventually had to dispose of the old food in a rubbish bin down the road myself. It's a lovely hotel, however, I would strongly suggest that attention be given to these critically important matters.

10

Lynn

1 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Such a special hotel in a very stunning location! Room was spotless and very comfortable.Loved Russell!!

10

Neville

26 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room very clean. Hotel in a great position to restaurants, shops and the harbour. Staff very helpful.

6

Sam

8 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

6

Alison

12 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful position and spacious. Bathroom grouting needed cleaning and the bathroom smelt unpleasant. Comfortable bedroom. Living area and kitchen adequate. Brown carpet throughout.

10

Kerry

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful historic hotel in a charming old former whaling port. Clean and comfortable rooms. We had a large patio and jettted tub. Great restaurant downstairs!! Friendly staff! Would love to stay here again!

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Rooms

Many rooms are comfortable, some spacious with balconies and great harbour views. Several reviews note small layouts and occasional noise from corridors or the restaurant, plus mixed in-room Wi-Fi.

Related guest reviews

10

Adair

17 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 19,339 nights

Stayed in a front room overlooking the water. I loved it. Very relaxing reading on the lovely balcony. Bathroom spacious. Very much enjoyed the food in the restaurant and the ambience. Overall a most pleasant relaxing stay.

8

Angela

26 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely place to stay. Stayed in a small room. Would be nice to have black out curtains.

6

Lesley

14 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice room, very comfy bed. But wi-fi was out in our bedroom, it was re-set by reception. However Netflix is not included on the TV, you have to use your own login. Which we couldn’t do as ours is set up in UK. Surely the hotel can afford Netflix for guests? Also, found the dinner very bland. I had a seafood chowder which arrived with a large piece of local bread in it. The chowder was thin and lacking taste, plus a decent portion was missing due the bread in the middle. Disappointing

8

Peggy

3 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I do not recommend the Small room, true to the description, it was too small for a couple. Pay a bit more for a bigger room.

8

Anke

21 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

TV reception was a little problematic. Slept well the first 2 nights but the last night had a lot of corridor noise from a party of travelers.

10

Anthony

28 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice stay Have the internal rooms with shared courtyard may need a rethink. We had trouble sleeping as other guests were out in the courtyard till late having a chat

10

chris

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully presented historic hotel, right on the harbour front, well equipped spacious room, wonderful comfy bed

6

Tracey

21 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was facing the ocean but the restaurant was below and we could hear people talking and laughing until later in the evening. Not many convenient plugs in the room.

10

Bill

3 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A fantastic historic hotel right in the waterfront. We had a suite overlooking the sea.

8

Joanne

29 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful historic hotel. Some small rooms.

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Service

Staff are frequently praised as friendly and helpful across the hotel and restaurant. Some guests experienced inconsistent reception or housekeeping and occasional delays with restaurant bookings or meals.

Related guest reviews

10

Colette

30 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Checking in was very unclear. Suggest better signage. GPS took us to the ocean side of the building where there was no parking. A man on the esplanade told us to go to the other side of the building and find street parking. Suggest instructions be sent with the confirmation and a few well placed signs to give the newcomer a better welcoming experience.

10

Tony

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a wonderful experience. From the staff to the customer service, the exceptional food, and the comfortable rooms. Charming experience. Thank you, Richard, for the outstanding service, and hats off to the chef.

10

jane

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Always lovely staying at The Duke

8

Michael

20 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

Danny

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a classic hotel in a stand-out location. The dinner we had was very good and at a reasonable price. The room was comfortable and quiet and the bed very cozy. My only concern is the lack of seating available from the bar at peak times and there was a substantial queue at the bar. The staff though were always very friendly.

10

Julie

27 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel with excellent and friendly staff. Would thoroughly recommend it!

8

Patrick

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were informed when we checked in that the best rooms were reserved for those that booked directly with the hotel. We were given a wheelchair accessible room on the ground floor, which was okay. The bar in the hotel was disappointing as the layout was poor, big sofas grouped in the middle of the bar area. The restaurant and service were excellent and highly recommended. Because this is an old hotel it doesn’t have modern refineries.

6

Melissa

5 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

Sandy

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Its always comfortable and very central on the waterfront. Walking distance to shops, restaurants and ferry. A lovely historic place. Also the staff were very friendly and helpful

6

Sam

8 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

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Location

Prime waterfront position in central Russell, steps from the ferry, dining, shops, and tours, with lovely harbour views. Easy to explore the town on foot.

Related guest reviews

10

Dianne

20 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful old historic hotel. Very convenient to dock where boat tours leave from. Also in heart of adorable town. Lovely area.

8

Rebekah

27 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fabulous and central to everything. Highly recommend.

10

Catherine P

13 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful location on the waterfront and close to everything.

10

JP

27 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was fabulous with great views over the bay a lovely ambiance. Staff were really friendly.

10

Caroline

25 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely old hotel with a great selection of interesting early NZ prints and paintings. Nice blend of old style and modern comfort. Room was quiet, despite very popular and excellent restaurant and big weekend sailing event. Free parking, friendly reception and great location in beautiful historic Russell (Kororareka). Amazing Long Beach just a short walk, or drive, over the hill.

10

Michael

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic hotel, great friendly staff. Close to everything and the ferry to Paihia almost at the door.

8

ALEV

22 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect location and clean room!

10

Kunal Sunil

10 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location is superb

10

Karen

10 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a beautiful property in an Excellent location. The views are magnificent all the time and are part of the overall ambiance of the area. Wherever you sit for dinner or drinks you are immersed in the view of water, boats and people enjoying themselves.

10

Neville

26 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room very clean. Hotel in a great position to restaurants, shops and the harbour. Staff very helpful.

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Dining

The restaurant earns strong feedback for tasty food, views, and atmosphere, with many recommending dinner and breakfast. There are occasional reports of slow service or uneven dishes.

Related guest reviews

10

Tony

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a wonderful experience. From the staff to the customer service, the exceptional food, and the comfortable rooms. Charming experience. Thank you, Richard, for the outstanding service, and hats off to the chef.

10

Andrew

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We loved the clean and well-appointed room. We had dinner and lunch in the restaurant - just fantastic. We would come back here just for a dining holiday!

8

Sue

19 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The views from the front bedrooms of the property are stunning.Food is excellent with good selection.Parking is good although it is at the back,of the property,across the road.However it seems to be secure. Overall we had a wonderful stay at the Duke of Marlborough.

8

Gerry

14 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very cool, historic hotel. Very nice dining room. Unfortunately some of our food arrived cold but the waiter looked. After it promptly and professionally and corrected the problem. Lovely town and a must stay!

6

Lesley

14 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice room, very comfy bed. But wi-fi was out in our bedroom, it was re-set by reception. However Netflix is not included on the TV, you have to use your own login. Which we couldn’t do as ours is set up in UK. Surely the hotel can afford Netflix for guests? Also, found the dinner very bland. I had a seafood chowder which arrived with a large piece of local bread in it. The chowder was thin and lacking taste, plus a decent portion was missing due the bread in the middle. Disappointing

8

Danny

22 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a classic hotel in a stand-out location. The dinner we had was very good and at a reasonable price. The room was comfortable and quiet and the bed very cozy. My only concern is the lack of seating available from the bar at peak times and there was a substantial queue at the bar. The staff though were always very friendly.

6

Jesper

17 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was nice, but our experience in the restaurant was terrible, which unfortunately impacted our entire stay.

10

Douglas

5 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I enjoyed our stay very much! The restaurant is excellent and it was a great place. I highly recommend it

8

Kevin

17 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stayed here for three nights and after an awkwardness over my fault twin booking all went well. Its a bit noisy, to be expected but the north side room view made up for that. I liked it but let down by the tired pricey restaurant. There's vastly better options down the attractive Strand foreshore. Tha Gables is amazing, Seaside has good fare and the Pompallier cottage cafe great for teas and tours.

10

Kerry

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful historic hotel in a charming old former whaling port. Clean and comfortable rooms. We had a large patio and jettted tub. Great restaurant downstairs!! Friendly staff! Would love to stay here again!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $80	2 $91	3 $115	4 $125	5 $175	6	7
8 $131	9 $180	10 $91	11 $180	12 $177	13 $120	14
15 $92	16 $89	17 $89	18 $90	19 $172	20 $90	21 $179
22 $91	23 $131	24 $91	25 $91	26 $90	27 $128	28
29 $91	30 $125

The Duke Of Marlborough

Prices for The Duke Of Marlborough

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Classic Room, Courtyard

Premium Room Seaview

Superior Room, Courtyard

Small Room

Superior King Balcony

Waterfront Apartment

Classic Room

Waterfront Room

Guest reviews of The Duke Of Marlborough

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Duke Of Marlborough

Prices for upcoming dates

Business details

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21 $91	22 $93	23 $179	24
25 $142	26 $80	27 $81	28 $90	29 $178	30 $180	31