SKYCITY Grand Hotel (90 Federal Street, Auckland) - In terms of comfortable, spacious rooms the SKYCITY Grand Hotel is hard to beat. Actually, I'm pretty sure they're the largest double rooms I've ever stayed in - I've stayed in smaller suites in Europe! Location is difficult, if not impossible, to beat being directly opposite Sky Tower , close to the CBD and K-Road. Reception and concierge have been excellent and hospitable on repeated visits. Faultless, really.
Hotel DeBrett (2 High Street, Auckland 1010) - One of the finest hotels in Auckland with a limited 25-rooms - each one designed and furnished individually and uniquely. Centrally, located close to Queens Street as well as the boutiques of the Auckland fashion scene. Boasts a fine Art-Deco style bar and an excellent restaurant. Daily at 18:00, pre-dinner drinks are hosted in the sitting room by the manager.
Classic Villa (17 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch) - Classic Villa is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Comfortable and centrally located, Classic Villa is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. Rooms were comfortable - and beds provided a great sleep. Classic Villa is centrally located directly opposite the Christchurch Arts Centre and Cultural Precinct. Breakfast is around a large communal table which, combined with an enjoyable spread, is a great place to meet other visitors to New Zealand .
European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (T) - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations (T)
Lucerne - 7 things not to miss - What not to miss in Lucerne
Zürich - Aboard a Street Parade Love Mobile 2010 - Love Mobile at the Street Parade 2010 in Zürich
Travel pictures - Pictures from my travels in Switzerland, Italy and New Zealand
Rapperswil - Manfred Mann plays keyboards at the 2010 Rapperswil Blues n Jazz Festival - Manfred Mann playing keyboards with the Manfred Mann Earth Band in Fischmarktplatz at the 2010 Rapperswil Blues n Jazz Festival
Europe - Travel information from around Europe
Switzerland - places not to miss - Sixteen places not to miss around Switzerland
Switzerland - sacred destinations - Nine of the finest churchs, cathedrals and monastries in Switzerland
Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world
Europe FAQ - Europe Frequently Asked Questions
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook