On the stunning Russell Beach, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel combines luxury with eco-certified charm. Enjoy local cuisine at the beachfront restaurant, work out in the gym, or relax in a smoke-free space. With meeting rooms and tour assistance available, guests appreciate helpful staff.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers a fantastic location, putting you only steps from Bay of Islands. Guests can visit the fitness centre for a workout or grab a bite to eat at Duke of Marlborough, which serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a bar/lounge and a garden. Fellow travellers say great things about the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
38 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 9 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Special check-in instructions
The property charges 2.45 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free secured, uncovered on-site self-parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
On-site parking is limited (max. 1 space per unit)
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
Children's menu
What to do
Beach nearby
Bike rentals nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Kayaking nearby
Scuba-diving nearby
Skydiving nearby
Working away
2 meeting rooms
Services
24-hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance
Wedding services
Facilities
Built in 1827
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Fitness centre
Banquet hall
Colonial architecture
Accessibility
Lift
Lift door width (centimetres): 90
Wheelchair-accessible parking
1 on-site accessible parking spaces
Visual alarms in hallways
Front entrance ramp
Well-lit path to entrance
Step-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
IPod docking station
Plasma television
Satellite TV channels
Home comfort
Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Fridge
More
Daily housekeeping
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Dining
Duke of Marlborough – This beachfront restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Awards and affiliations
Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 2.45 per cent
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for NZD 50.0 per day
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
Policies
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a smoke detector on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Property Registration Number 9429042359616
Also known as
Duke Marlborough Hotel
Duke Marlborough Hotel Russell
Duke Marlborough Russell
The Duke Of Marlborough
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Hotel
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Russell
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Hotel Russell
Frequently asked questions
Does The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spaces may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 9 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.
What is there to do at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel and nearby?
Have fun with activities such as cycling, boat tours and fishing, and practise your swing at the nearby golf course. Enjoy amenities such as a fitness centre and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?
Yes, Duke of Marlborough offers al fresco dining, local cuisine and ocean views.
What's the area around The Duke of Marlborough Hotel like?
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is located near Russell Beach, only a short 1-minute walk from Bay of Islands and 4 minutes' walk from Russell Christ Church. Travellers give top marks for the hotel's prime location.
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The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
9.0/10
Amenities
8.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
8/10 Very good
9 February 2025
Quiet and quaint town
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.
Donna G
Donna G, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 February 2025
Beautiful
Lovely little apartment on the beach front.
Joan
Joan, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 January 2025
Well appointed and excellent hotel a must stay
Right on the waterfront, great restaurant and great venue!
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 November 2024
Great stay - accommodation, staff & food were excellent!
Donna
Donna, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 January 2025
Beautiful old historic hotel. Very convenient to dock where boat tours leave from. Also in heart of adorable town.
Lovely area.
Dianne
Dianne, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 January 2025
A special place
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.
Graham
Graham, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 October 2024
Perfect place to stay in a historic NZ location. Great stay had all around.
Sam
8/10 Very good
20 February 2025
Worth a stay
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.
Patrick
Patrick, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
2 March 2025
Stay away from rooms 1 and 1!
Our room had no privacy and no shade - it faced onto a walkway and was blasted by sun all day, so you had to keep the curtains closed day and night - yet the price was the same as their other balcony rooms...
Christopher
Christopher, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
17 January 2025
The hotel was nice, but our experience in the restaurant was terrible, which unfortunately impacted our entire stay.
Jesper
Jesper, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 November 2024
Best place in NZ
Dave
Dave, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
29 October 2024
We loved the decor and the excellent customer service and support from reception to the wait staff etc.,,,,,
Leonie
Leonie, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 October 2024
This is a gorgeous heritage hotel in a small town of historical dignitaries in Russell, with delightful ambience, harbour views and panache.
Cherry
Cherry, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 November 2024
Kudos to Duke staff
Great relaxing place to relax for a night,
kim
kim, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
15 August 2024
Beautiful hotel, amazing food at the restaurant, friendly and helpful staff would love to stay there again.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 October 2024
An awesome historic hotel. Central location, great food, excellent service. Hard to fault really.
Wayne
Wayne, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 September 2024
Beautiful building and location
Teresa
Teresa, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
24 November 2024
Very comfortable
Lorraine
Lorraine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 November 2024
Lovely ambience . Russell icon
jane
jane, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 July 2024
Always love staying at the Duke, all the history, great staff, delicious food very consistent
Highly recommend
Adam
Adam, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 July 2024
Staff were friendly and helpful and was a wonderful place to stay
david
david, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
10 November 2024
This property is gorgeous and historical. It’s right on the water and the restaurant was packed the whole time we were there. Since we had reserved the cheapest room, our room was quite small, however still offered the necessary amenities and comfort. Russell is a darling town, perhaps the highlight of our trip!
Lisl
Lisl, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 September 2024
We just spent three nights at this lovely hotel. Room and patio were really nice, great shower too. The restaurant is wonderful, excellent food. Staff were all very friendly
Tara
Tara, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
30 October 2024
The location was great..we had breakfast overlooking the water...beautiful..i had the omlette...it was amazing..my husband had the clasic 2 eggs and toast. The toast was amazing as was the coffee..the eggs were good too. Staff were helpfull and friendly
Wendy
Wendy, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
14 November 2024
Beautiful building
Easy checkin, room was tidy and clean. We had one of the ground level rooms facing the back street with a generous deck. Bed was comfortable, however felt the towels could be better quality and size.
The Duke restaurant is amazing, fantastic views and good food and wine menu.
Beautiful historic building at a prime location so would stay again,