See all properties

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Property class: 4.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Premium Room Seaview | View from room
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views
Front of property
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine, beach views

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a 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)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Waterfront Room

Waterfront Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Waterfront Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Small Room

Small Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Small Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Superior King Balcony

Superior King Balcony | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior King Balcony

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(26 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Room Seaview

Premium Room Seaview | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Room Seaview

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Courtyard

Superior Room, Courtyard | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room, Courtyard

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, Courtyard

Classic Room, Courtyard | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, Courtyard

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Classic Room

Classic Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Apartment

Waterfront Apartment | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Waterfront Apartment

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

On the beach, kayaking
The Commodores Lodge
Russell
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kids’ pool
  • Parking included
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 48 reviews
The Commodores Lodge

About this property

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar/lounge. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, tour/ticket assistance and wedding services are on-site.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel offers 38 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Plasma televisions come with satellite channels. This Russell hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness centre.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Bay of Islands. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a restaurant are available.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy local cuisine and a beachfront location while dining at Duke of Marlborough
  • Amenities include a front desk safe, 2 meeting rooms and a lift
  • On-site recreation includes a gym
  • Guests have great things to say about the location and the helpful staff
  • Steps from Russell Beach and 4 minutes on foot from Russell Museum
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.

Duke of Marlborough – This beachfront restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.

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 number of on-site self parking spaces 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Guests arriving after 9:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Property Registration Number 9429042359616
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 609 out of 924 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 924 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 924 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 924 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 924 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Andrew

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michele, Overland Park

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was lovely. We had a nice view of the ocean. The water pressure in the shower was excellent. The air conditioning worked really well. The hotel is perfectly situated on the water with many local restaurants nearby. It's a nice, quiet place to have a break.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Eveline, Den Haag

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great historical location, friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Very good stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Yes
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kunal Sunil

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Location is superb
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was beautiful and very memorable. Staff great. Wonderful birthday celebration with family.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

A

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janelle, Dargaville

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our hotel room was immaculate, spacious and comfortable and it was enhanced by a balcony overlooking the harbour.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Mairi

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

8/10 Good

Catherine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
To see beach you had to look around the corner of the window. Our view was actually neighbouring properties roof. But room was clean, comfortable and we still enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Len, Oakland

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great, and bungalow we stayed in was lovely. Adjacent to hotel, room had jetted tub with shower plus kitchenette. Water front view was lively albeit 5 minute parking space in front for checkin sometimes had cars blocking our view. The restaurant dinner for sunset was lovely and food was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff courteous and friendly Room clean/ appreciated room made up during 2night stay
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent large room right on the waterfront. Clean, fresh, light, in the centre of town. Comfy bed and nice sheets.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Stuart

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Room was not serviced properly in advance of our booking in. We found an article of clothing belinging to the previous guest - handed it in at reception and received an apology. Said they would speak to the clesning staff. There was a sickening stench of rotten fish in our part of the hotel from the time we arrived until we left 2 days later. When we advised reception of this they again apologised and advised that they had received several other complaints regarding the same thing. No update was given and the smell was hard to tolerate either in our room or sitting out on the balcony. Hotel seems to be run for the convenience of the staff and not the comfort of the guests. Patronising waitress at lunchtime on the verandah. Having one menu is advertised as a good thing when in fact if staying a couple of days it means a lack of choice. Breakfast staff were freindly and attentive but scrambled eggs were watery and 'toast' was fried bread which was very greasy. We had booked to stsy fir a special occasion but were very disappointed overall. Would not recommend this hotel for a stay of more than one night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All good, hotel and room fantastic
Sunset
Sunset
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

carrie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean quiet and comfortable. Loved having a balcony and we enjoyed our meals at the restaurant. We love this area amd this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The mattress was pasr its use by date Not much support, saggy snd very soft
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

denis

Disliked: Amenities
We had a cosy room which was stuffy but the windows could not be opened. When we complained it was dismissed and ignored.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room in a handy location, perfect for my needs
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Glenys

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the historical presence of this beautiful hotel. Attention to detail with the furnishings was outstanding. We had room 2 on the ground floor. We found the bathroom was beautifully presented but not terribly functional. Nowhere to put dry clothes except the top of the toilet. The whole floor got wet when showering, even with the shower curtain closed. I know this bathroom is probably for someone disabled but they still need somewhere to put dry clothing. If the room is for a disabled person, not sure how they can get round the bed comfortably. Air-conditioning was so loud at night, i had to keep getting up to turn it off so i could get some sleep and then back on because the room got so hot.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christer

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025