The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

4.5 star property
Colonial hotel with fitness centre and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Waterfront Room | Water view
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
View from property
View from property

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$177
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov

Explore the area

View map
35 The Strand, Bay of Islands, Russell, 0255
  • Place, Russell Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Christ Church
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Flagstaff Hill
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

Waterfront Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Renovated in 2017
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Balcony or patio
Air-conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Small Room

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
Air-conditioning
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Cable/satellite channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Superior King Balcony

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Deck/patio
Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Premium Room Seaview

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, Courtyard

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Terrace
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Balcony or patio
Air-conditioning
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cots/infant beds
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Classic Room, Courtyard

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Terrace
Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Balcony or patio
Air-conditioning
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Classic Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Plasma TV
Separate bedroom
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Electric kettle
Air-conditioning
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 King Bed

Waterfront Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Plasma TV
Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air-conditioning
Rollaway/extra beds (free)
Free cots/infant beds
Bathrobes
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Russell

A luxury stay in Russell awaits you at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. You'll be within steps of Russell Beach and within a short 5-minute stroll of Russell Museum. Highlights at this Colonial hotel include a restaurant, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .The restaurant, Duke of Marlborough, serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and a gym. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .Places within a short walk of this 4.5-property class Russell hotel include Russell Christ Church and Tapeka Point.

What's nearby

  • Russell Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Russell Christ Church - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Flagstaff Hill - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Long Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Paihia Wharf - 26 min drive - 15.0 km

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪El Cafe - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Duke of Marlborough Hotel - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Colonial hotel with fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. There are 2 meeting rooms available. A fitness centre, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at the luxury The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Colonial Russell hotel is smoke free.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 1827
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Garden
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers 38 accommodations with iPod docking stations and a hairdryer. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels.

This Russell hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and free toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Duke of Marlborough

Things to do

  • Gym

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the waterfront

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1827
  • Colonial architecture
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • IPod dock
  • Plasma TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50.0 per day.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 50.0 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.45 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number 9429042359616

We should mention

  • Children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

As of 8 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel on 27 Nov 2025 start from NZ$176.87, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a short 1-minute walk from Russell Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and parasailing. You can also find boat tours.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

No, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 559 out of 857 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 228 out of 857 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 857 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 857 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 857 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were very helpful and friendly. Always lovely staying at The Duke
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Helena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful unique town and special hotel
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARAINA, Whangarei

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dom has a great menu to choose from or else there are plenty of dining options or a supermarket in walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautifully presented hotel on the harbour

Beautifully presented historic hotel, right on the harbour front, well equipped spacious room, wonderful comfy bed
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
classic heritage hotel with a unique location
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic charm, wonderful location, right on the waterfront, an icon.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mathew

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Danny

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marty

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Overall package was the best in Russel and we felt it was competitively priced.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

John

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Just perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

jane

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always love staying at The Duke . Being winter spent a bit more time in the hotel so booked a larger room with balcony . Very comfortable with the usual Duke high level of appointment
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Lovely spacious room comfortable bed , very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Honest bicultural heritage on a daily basis. Celebrating the history even though it was revealingly disgusting behaviour by the colonists. It is great to reflect that, from such treacherous behaviour by the people from the invading territories, the indigenous people survived and their stories are now being told from a lived perspective. The Duke of Marlborough is a memorial to all that has happened, is rich in history and has an honest place in the present and the future. Great work team. I loved the daily newsletter which celebrates biculturalism.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Maree

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Duke of Marlborough oozes "old world charm" and has wonderful staff and excellent chefs. Our one disappointment was being charged a 15% surcharge on a Public Holiday for food and drinks - those staying at the Hotel should be excused this surcharge.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous place

Fabulous accommodation in great location. Comfortable room with all the amenities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maraea

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked it all and I will be back in the future
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025