For the price I was expecting a romantic room in this hotel with a view of something lovely. Instead we arrive and are lead down a corridor that screams cheap end and smells like a public toilet 24/7. I was so shocked to be put in a shoe box that was called a Superior room (so one up from Standard),... more

One of the best places I've ever stayed in! The position, on the waterfront, was superb. I paid extra for the waterfront rooms and this was well worth it, even in Winter. The friendliness of the welcome was outstanding. The room was large, comfortable and well-equipped, with a large spa bath in the bathroom. I was offered special terms, including... more

Myself and my two daughters were so looking forward to our few days away and thought the hotel looked romantic and quaint. We booked a superior room and on arrival were put into a room overlooking the car park. The room had a double and a single bed, with hardly any room to put our cases down. The bathroom very... more

This is a nice hotel very well located. The style is a little old but it is part of the charme of this hotel. We stayed there for two nights and I have ti say that it was really nice. But choose a waterfront room because this is the real added value of this hotel: the view! You can see... more

Did the booking on the internet which the establishment was listed as 5 star, and we were taken up the stairs, past what what would have been the 5 star rooms to our 2 (if that) star room. Yes it was clean but at $180 per night certainly not value for money. Breakfast was included, a pretty ordinary continental with... more

We stayed at "The Duke" in February, 2006 and here is what we observed: -Russell is a much better choice as a place to stay in the Bay of Islands than Pahaia--the Russell waterfront has the feel of a secluded Caribbean or South Seas island especially in the evening after the day trippers from Pahaia have left for the day.... more

Great place to stay for a few days. We found the facilities to be excellent and fun, lots of atmosphere but never stuffy. The staff was friendly and efficient. We had a beautiful room overlooking the bay. Quiet. Roomy. Well furnished. Nice bed. The hotel couldn't be better situated. Breakfast -- laid out on a covered, unique pool table --... more

A wonderful setting overlooking the harbour/bay. Stayed on an off peak deal with a wonderful sea view room, the deal also including a very good evening meal (especially the green lipped mussels) and a complimentary drink. A real pleasure to have dinner watching the sun set over the bay. Strongly recommended. more

The hotel has a wonderful location, overlooking the beach and pier at Russell, which is a much better place to stay than touristy Paihia across the harbour. We stayed for three days on an off-peak offer that included an excellent evening meal and a standard room. The rooms are nothing special (unless you go for a much more expensive seafront... more