Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable

An indulgent Auckland staycation feels entirely justified at Hotel Fitzroy, curated by Fable. Set on a discreet corner of Richmond Road, just a five-minute stroll away from Ponsonby’s main drag, this boutique hotel has the charm of a leafy Grey Lynn villa along with all the polish of a very well-run luxury stay.

The building alone speaks for itself. Now over 100 years old, the owners have done a beautiful job of honouring this historic villa’s original bones, while still giving the interiors a sleek, contemporary feel – filled with lofty ceilings and exposed concrete walls alongside soft textiles and lots of rich, earthy tones. Rooms are named after notable New Zealanders, from Taika Waititi to Helen Clark, Amey Daldy and Flora MacKenzie, giving a quiet nod to the history woven through the area.

But even with all the beautiful touches, it’s the service people rave about. Check-in feels more like being welcomed into a private home, often with a herbal tea in hand and breakfast plans sorted before you’ve even made it upstairs. Everything has been intentionally curated to create a seamless experience – underfloor heating, king beds, complimentary minibars, local skincare and more. Upstairs, the little library nook is available for perusal (and even shifts into a relaxed social space by evening), with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres for guests to enjoy. Come morning, breakfast can be delivered to your room or taken out onto the balcony – perfect when the Auckland weather is playing along. Speaking of, if you’re up for eating out or a spot of shopping, some of Ponsonby’s best restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops are just a stone’s throw down the road. 

This place is perfect for a special occasion - or for those who enjoy the simple treat that is sleeping somewhere beautiful for no practical reason.