Fodor's Expert Review Duke of Marlborough Hotel

This waterfront hotel is a favorite with the yachting fraternity, for whom ready access to the harbor and the bar downstairs are the most important considerations. That means staying here will place in you the thick of the noisy action during the busy summer breaks. Antiques add character and the rooms are bright and cheerful. The hotel has a history with fire---the previous three incarnations were burned down (the first by the legendary Māori chief Hone Heke). For more space, opt for one of the waterfront suites with large whirlpool baths, or there's a one-bedroom bungalow right on the waterfront. It gets very busy in the holiday periods so you must book ahead.