On Mount

In the past few years I have become quite fond of Quest Apartments because they offer good quality at reasonable rates. Quest on Mount is no exception. I even thought it was the best Quest apartment I have stayed in – which, of course, was also a bit influenced by the fact that I had a room on the 13th floor with a great view of Downtown Auckland including the Skytower. This view is not necessarily included.

Mount Street is a very convenient location at the fringe of the CBD. It is in the area of Auckland University, a short street between busy Symonds and Wakefield Streets, just some steps from an Airbus stop on Symonds Street (University stop, just tell the driver) and a lot of public bus stops. Albert Park is just a stonethrow away, as is Queen Street (Town Hall). A leisurely walk to the waterfront takes you about 15 minutes, to Skytower probably 10 minutes.

Thanks to the proximity to the university the hotel is surrounded by nice and cheap restaurants, one good Japanese sushi place us even in the same building (next to the reception), and a small supermarket, a bakery and a book/papershop are just around the corner.

The apartment was not huge but has all amenities you can imagine. You enter through the kitchen area which has a proper oven, not just cooking plates and microwave, a big fridge and a big separate freezer, and dishwasher, plus crockery, glasses, cutlery and cooking pots and pans.

The studio has a good sofa, a small table and two chairs, TV, a full entertainment tower, a good sized double bed, windows that can be opened and a small balcony. The bathroom is small but nothing to complain about. And there even is a washing machine (with powder provided) and dryer.

If you are nitpicky and try to find negatives I would note the lack of aircondition. This is a bit unpleasant in summer when the high humidity makes you sweat day and night. A big fan is provided, and I had it going the whole night. If you are as noise sensitive as I, do not forget to bring earplugs.

My great rate on www.wotif.com even included a continental breakfast buffet. They can offer such good rates because they work very efficiently with reduced staff. In the very nice breakfast (VIP) lounge you will only spot the cleaning lady from time to time but there is no service staff. You help yourself to everything, even the frozen toast in the freezer. No problem at all with this. And the room is very pleasant, with modern arm chairs, toilet, and TV. I used it after check-out. (If you have to pay for breakfast it costs you NZ$ 15.) Office hours are limited to 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, if you arrive outside these hours or on a weekend access details are arranged by email and/or phone.

Staff were hugely friendly and helpful, and the whole place neat and clean, with modern and appealing furniture.

Rates for a studio apartment on Wotif (incl. breakfast) can be as good as NZ$ 125/135.
Other sizes and configurations available, up to 3 bedroom executive suites at NZ$ 350.
Long-term rates also available.

Secure parking available for NZ$ 15 per day. Also conference and meeting facilities.



Directions:

By bus from the airport: Take the Airbus, get off at Stop Number 2 (University) on Symonds Street, from there it is less than 100 metres to Quest.

By car from the airport or other southern destinations: Get on the South Western Motorway, later Southern Motorway towards the City Centre, take exit Symonds Street, then turn right into Symonds Street, after about 1 km left into Mount Street.

From the north: From Northern Motorway turn onto North Western Motorway, take exit Symonds Street, turn left into Alten Road, then left into Symonds Street, then right into Mount Street.

Photo 2 shows the bedroom area as seen from the lounge.

Photo 3 shows the kitchen.

Photo 4 shows the bathroom.

On photo 5 you see the laundry, behind the bathroom door.