Review: The Westin Hotel

BY GREER MCDONALD

Much has been said about The Westin Bed.

"You'll love it," friends said. "It's amazing".

Well, of course it is - it's a bed - and who doesn't love a good bed?

But within minutes of our arrival at Auckland's Westin Hotel, I began to understand what people were on about.

It had been quite a week and we were shattered. But the thought of night's escape in Auckland was the perfect antidote and we were ready to actively accept the promise of relaxation that comes with the Westin's Winter Wonderland package.

I'm not going to lie: Auckland isn't really my destination of choice; too much noise, way too busy, no chance of relaxing - surely?

However, just walking into the lobby of the Westin Hotel made me feel relaxed. Dramatically lit to make the most of the various water features and chic-looking bar and restaurant, I could have happily spent the night hanging out downstairs.

But there was better to come. As we stood on the private balcony of the suite (all 172 rooms and suites have them which is great), overlooking Lighter Quay just minutes from the bustling Viaduct, I couldn't help but feel like I wasn't in Auckland at all.

Why had I never discovered this area before?

It was so quiet, with just the gentle sound of the water feature below nursing our ear drums.

But back to the bed.

The Westin Heavenly Bed, compiled of what I like to describe as a "neither soft nor hard" pillow-top mattress, feather and down duvet, king-sized pillows and plush all white cotton sheets, is quite frankly (and it's a cliché I know) heavenly.

I mused about how 10 people could fit in the bed. The better half replied: "What are you suggesting?"

Bed partners aside, the hotel's site it says since its introduction in 1999, the Heavenly Bed has "earned glowing reviews and loyal fans" - with more than 30,000 Westin guests purchasing either the bed of the linens or both.

I'll have my bed - to go, thanks.

Actually, going anywhere was the last thought on my mind.

Relaxation, to us, was zoning out - being in a place where there were no dishes to do and no chores begging for attention.

It was being in a place where there are more pillows than one would ever need, a robe begging to be worn and a shower (yes, also appropriately called the Heavenly Shower) that leaves you with that super clean feeling you know your weak water pressure at home just won't muster.

In terms of affordable getaways, the Winter Wonderland package rates well.

At $249 (valued at $395), it also includes a 1pm late check out (much-needed!), valet parking, and $25 Westin Dollars per person -  which can be used at Senses Spa, The Office Bar or Q Restaurant.

We decided to use the voucher for our delicious room service breakfast - after all, who would want to leave The Bed?

Change, as they say, is as good as a holiday and after a one-night, inner-city mini-break we felt refreshed, recharged and like we had been to a far away destination.

Pulling back the floor-to-ceiling curtains to reveal a stunning winter's day made me think maybe Auckland isn't so bad after all.

* The Westin Winter Wonderland package is available until August 31. Every stay until that date enters guests in the grand prize draw to win flights for two on Air NZ to Hawaii four nights accommodation at The Moana Surfrider Resort and Spa and a $500 Trelise Cooper voucher.

Phone 09 909 9000 for reservations or visit westin.com/aucklandoffers.

- © Fairfax NZ News