The first impression as you drive up the circular driveway is of the simple brown façade. It is not an imposing structure and not the least bit impressive. The simple brown rectangle building is somewhat disappointing for a 5 star establishment.
However, once the shuttle bus pulled into the drive and the usher came running out to open the sliding door and take our luggage, a feeling of embarrassment descended. The shame of pulling in with a shuttle bus was short-lived as the bell-boy hovered around the bus to make sure all our luggage was collected.
He efficiently ushered us into the hotel lobby and deposited our luggage with care and delicacy.
I think I speak for both my son and myself, when I say the disappointment ended there. As soon as we entered the lobby our jaws practically hit the floor and both of us gaped open-mouthed at the shiny polished marble floors and walls. Our senses were assailed by the delicious aromas from the adjoining restaurant and the clatter of luggage of the other hotel guests checking in and out.
A group of beautiful Emirates flight attendants gave the hotel that impression of old world charm that a 5 star hotel should have. The impression that it was built for rich, opulent and classy guest. The staff however, treated all guests with the same promptness and efficiency and not once were we made to feel inferior.
During the brief waiting time we surveyed our surroundings and found the rest of the lobby spacious and welcoming with its comfortable lounge chairs and clean floor to ceiling windows, which let in the early afternoon sunlight.
At check-in time my embarrassment continued as I showed the check-in clerk my lastminute.com.au special printout. She didn't even bat an eyelid. I expected a look or a facial expression, but nothing but sincerity and professionalism.
Our awe and wonder continued as we completed the check-in process and were handed our room swipe cards. The more than efficient staff directed us to the lift which whisked us up to our 3rd floor room. I have to admit, disappointment coursed through my veins at being told that we were relegated to the 3rd floor, but I consoled myself that it was a lastminute.com.au booking and we should feel lucky that we could afford such fancy 5 star accommodation in the first place.
Once we found our room and entered, it was again a pleasant surprise. The room was small but comfortable and packed with modern conveniences one expects in a 5 star hotel. The beautiful marble bathroom housed an enormous white porcelain tub and a massage shower-head. All the essentials were present as well, including snow-white slippers and matching bathrobes. I've only ever once before stayed in a hotel with bathrobes and that was only for 1 night, because of the price. So this was special. I made sure I put the white bathrobes to good use every morning.
The rest of the room was clean and tidy and again well stocked with a mini-bar fridge, a TV, room safe and in-room WI-FI. This is very important when travelling with an 11-year-old boy!
The view was disappointing, but as we didn't intend to spend the days in our room it didn't bother us much. The hotel also housed a day spa with a fully equipped gymnasium, an indoor heated pool, several conference and function rooms, a restaurant and a well stocked bar. The hotel also offered 24 hour room-service, laundry service, valet parking and airport transfers.
Located within a 5-minute walking distance to inner city Auckland and just opposite the University of Auckland, it is extremely ideally situated to explore Auckland and its surrounding areas.
The greatest feature of this hotel, however, was its staff. They were friendly and beyond the call of duty courteous. Even though we bought our accommodation off lastminute.com.au I was always made to feel welcome in the hotel. I could not recommend this place highly enough to any prospective traveller to Auckland, New Zealand.
Hotel Pullman
http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=pinkacquarius
