The Duke of Marlborough

About a genuinely near-century old pub refurbished, refreshed and brilliantly run on the foreshore of NZ’s historic Kororareka: Russell? The owners have paid due respect to heritage while upping the amenity of generously sized rooms (ours opened via twin sets of French doors onto a generous front verandah with glorious, peaceful views of the bay) without losing any of the charm. Rather they’ve enhanced it by engaging Northland artist Lester Hall to curate the interior design with quirky, humorous and informative art works. The downstairs dining room:bar:verandah spaces are roomy with working open fireplaces, comfy old chesterfields and enough space to dine without having to strain to hear your partner speak. The food:wine:service is another winning combo - we dined in both nights as the experience was so good. Even a mistake on the bill was rectified a week later after leaving a query by telephone. Outstanding service indeed! We visited in early winter so the town, its excellent museum and exquisite oldest church in NZ (complete with extensive tapestried pew cushions) were quietly enjoyed. Reckon the place would rock in summer sailing system and the Duke would show another equally enchanting face to its visitors. We’d return in a heartbeat.

Always love staying at The Duke . Being winter spent a bit more time in the hotel so booked a larger room with balcony . Very comfortable with the usual Duke high level of appointment

Honest bicultural heritage on a daily basis. Celebrating the history even though it was revealingly disgusting behaviour by the colonists. It is great to reflect that, from such treacherous behaviour by the people from the invading territories, the indigenous people survived and their stories are now being told from a lived perspective. The Duke of Marlborough is a memorial to all that has happened, is rich in history and has an honest place in the present and the future. Great work team. I loved the daily newsletter which celebrates biculturalism.

The Duke of Marlborough oozes "old world charm" and has wonderful staff and excellent chefs. Our one disappointment was being charged a 15% surcharge on a Public Holiday for food and drinks - those staying at the Hotel should be excused this surcharge.

I liked it all and I will be back in the future

Fabulous place Fabulous accommodation in great location. Comfortable room with all the amenities