InterContinental Wellington

InterContinental Wellington sits on Grey Street in the heart of the CBD, looking out over Wellington Harbour. This IHG hotel has 236 rooms spanning City View, Harbour View and Executive suites, and pulls a 9.1/10 on Booking.com. It's a full-service hotel that suits business travelers, families, and anyone who wants a pool and a harbourside address.

Rooms and decor

Rooms here run spacious on average, done in a contemporary style with warm tones. Reviewers single out the cleanliness and the views — the upper-floor Harbour View rooms take in the bay and the city clearly, and look their best at sunset. Club Executive rooms come with access to the Club Lounge, which serves breakfast and an evening cocktail hour. A few reviews note that standard street-side rooms can pick up some night noise, so ask for a high floor facing the harbour for both the view and the quiet. Staff get good marks overall, especially the concierge team, who give solid tips for getting around Wellington.

Food and amenities

The real draw is the Emerge Health Club, which holds the largest indoor pool of any hotel in Wellington, plus a sauna and a hot tub that guests keep praising. The gym is fully kitted out — handy for business travelers who train in the morning and for families who want the kids in the water. The on-site restaurant and bar earn praise for a varied breakfast buffet, and the bar pours a well-chosen list of New Zealand wines. Some reviews find the room rate steep in peak season, but if the pool and IHG Rewards matter to you, this place delivers.

Location and getting there

InterContinental sits in the central CBD on the Waterfront. It's a 5-minute walk to Lambton Quay and about 10 minutes to Te Papa Museum, and the harbourside setting makes wandering around the hotel a pleasure, with cafes and restaurants open along the water all day. Wellington Airport is roughly 20 minutes by taxi, and Wellington Railway station is a 10-minute walk.

Things to know before booking

It's the priciest hotel in this group — from $169 a night and rising fast in peak season. Service can be uneven: great on some stays, a disappointment on others, going by the reviews. Standard rooms on the street side can be noisy at night, which is one more reason to request a high floor on the harbour side.

Our take

InterContinental Wellington is the best fit for IHG members traveling for work, families who want a pool, and anyone after a harbourside location with full facilities at a similar price to the Sofitel. If you don't need the pool or the IHG Club Lounge, the Sofitel may give you more character for not much more money.