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Cotter House Luxury Retreat

2 St Vincent Avenue Remuera, Auckland Central, Auckland 1050 New Zealand
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Traveller (8)
Business Centre & Event Rooms (1)

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About

#2 of 11 lodges in Auckland Central
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Cotter House, a 5-star Historic Regency 1847 Mansion offering 4 exquisite hi-tech rooms, is a Private Retreat and Art Hotel, with a 1100 sq ft ballroom ideal for honeymoons and weddings, business meetings, conferences and intimate corporate entertaining. In a rare and beautifully secluded heritage setting, guests are offered all modern conveniences: free Wi-Fi, dedicated laptops, Satellite Sky TV, iPod/iPod docks,iPad on request. Guests have direct dial phones while in residence, guest office, and access to in-room Spa treatments, Gym, private pool and Sauna/steam room. Enjoy privacy, charm, ambiance and exquisite food.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Bar / lounge
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Room features
Room service
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
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HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
42Reviews0Q+A5Room tips

Reviews
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Karin G wrote a review Jul 2016
Dubai, United Arab Emirates19 contributions26 helpful votes
We stayed at Cotter House in April. We found the place absolutely charming and our hostess Gloria couldn't do enough for my husband and I. Our visit to Auckland was a sad one as we were there for my mother in-law's funeral, however Gloria made us feel so at home that it made our stay pleasant considering the circumstances. She made wonderful 5 course breakfast (brunch she called it) everyday. Absolutely delicious home made 5 star breakfast. This kept us nourished until late afternoon as we had a lot of family business to attend to. In the evening she opened a great bottle of wine and made canapés for us that we're again very delicious. The place is beautifully kept and Gloria will go out of her way to keep guests happy and well looked after. Location is great in a very posh part of town with shops and eateries close by. Well recommended if you like small boutique houses with very personal touch
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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cameronrmoore2015 wrote a review Feb 2016
San Diego, California41 contributions44 helpful votes
I am currently staying at Cotter House. I was unaware of that is was a bed and breakfast location when booking, however was pleasantly surprised. When I first arrived, the owner Gloria greeted me with open arms to high tea. What a beautiful touch. Every night before bed, Gloria asks you what you would like for your four course breakfast. She is a great cook and her croissants are to die for! I personally was offered a walking tour by the owner of the city to see all the neat shops and restaurants around. The house is historic and is an art museum in itself. Truly beautiful with antiques everywhere. She has an amazing wine cellar that she offers a glass of before you go out to dinner. As a wine aficionado I really appreciate this touch and she has beautiful wines for sale at reasonable prices by looking at the list. My first night here she offered me a glass of champagne and cupcake before going to bed. This place is truly a gem. Though I am traveling by myself, I would highly recommend for couples, as it really is a first class experience in itself. It was just a shame not to share it with someone. Don't hesitate on your booking here.
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Date of stay: February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Anna-Louise J wrote a review Jan 2016
13 contributions6 helpful votes
We were there recently celebrating with friends fo an English Devonshire Afternoon High Tea, much debarcle prior to getting there. I booked it months beforehand but my booking had not even been scheduled so when I went to re-confirm booking she said it had been released as I had not responded, odd!? There is descripences between the website and information you receive by email (I'm sure has been changed now). At no point do you actually know the final cost, as everything is "exclusive of GST" and other hidden costs. I have had my fair share of high tea's but for the cost of this being called "lavish" you are better off somewhere else like the Langham. Yes it is very nice but as someone else put it, mostly all talk. The artwork is also appauling and outdated. Gloria also felt the need to tell my guests at how much of a drama it was when people cancelled last minute (unforseen circmstances) and felt the need to let her presence be known. Noreen our host for the afternoon was very nice and friendly.
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Date of stay: January 2016
Location
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Response from cotterhouse, Owner at Cotter House Luxury Retreat
Responded 15 Mar 2016
l remember and I am sorry for the mishaps in communications. While on an overseas trip, our lovely manager and your hostess whom you found to be so nice, received and organised your initial quote. We receive a lot of enquiries, and I was not perfectly up to date with your requirements. Apologies for the fright. It was a distressing lead-up to a party where the organiser ended up wearing costs after spending months organising a large group, with numbers changing all the time and last minute cancellations. Days before it had ended in tears. We are not an event centre, entertainment facility nor public restaurant and do high teas exceptionally, on a "made to order" basis (exclusive of gst) . We sent formal quotes (different numbers = different packages) and confirmations of booking with costs which were approved and accepted. We cater especially for given numbers. Venues such as ours thus require minimum numbers prior to the event, and we do charge for the minimum numbers catered for, notwithstanding last minute cancellations. We did try to "exceed" expectations by offering additional menu items (serving @16-18 items of food per person. Other venues offer max 12?)) I believe NZ artist Eleanor Wright's "Death of St. Joseph", a most powerful Award-winning painting in the dining room, was found distressing as well. So sorry! we are an Art centre, where guests are surrounded by art work from different artists and countries.. This is part of the experience. Art by definition does not become "outdated". It is either liked or not. .
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Lud275 wrote a review Dec 2015
Sheffield, United Kingdom35 contributions37 helpful votes
OK. Cotter House is a pleasant enough guest house. If you like chichi. Because chichi is everywhere. From the dated plumbing, to the sprauncy and outdated accommodations. From the silly faux grand cutlery, to the photo perfect, but nasty tasting plastic breakfast-itself with a spurious and rather fanciful claim to being homemade. Only two rooms have ensuite, the one we occupied dubbed 'The Honeymoon Suite', I can only guess because it was a suite of three rooms. If you want to stay in a badly curated museum, and be talked at incessantly by the puffed up proprietor, go! If you actually do require peace, comfort and space within which to collect thoughts, relax and unwind...there are better places.
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Date of stay: December 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from cotterhouse, Owner at Cotter House Luxury Retreat
Responded 15 Mar 2016
Ouch!! I was not aware of this review!...Very sad that one of my customers left with bad memories! In my defense: I understand visitors to New Zealand choose small places like Cotter House, because they have greater contact with people and instead of hiring a guide, get general information on the country and customs, otherwise they choose the large modern hotels, more impersonal.. I only have 3 suites so only receive 3 couples and 1 single. Because we only host 6-7 people at any one time, our guests get a very personal standard of care (and Butler service) I can look after them personally. I understand that for travelers familiar with the UK, the Regency style of the old house is nothing new or particularly special. In the context of NZ history however, it does have some merit as it is one of the oldest heritage houses in Auckland, and only one of its age and quality open to the public. Auckland city was founded 17 Sept 1840, and the house was built in the early colonial period (between 1847 and 1855). I also understand guest distaste for "Chichi". What we have here is a French approach to English period decoration, with an ecclectic mix of modern furniture and antiques, and lots of modern art. We have beautiful pieces but try not to be a "museum"! The house does not suit only "modern furniture" and it is definitely not "clean modern minimalism", but is on the contrary filled with interesting period antiques and objets d'art/ "bibelots" . We do offer peace, comfort and space: This is a very large house that hosts only very few people on an exclusive basis. It has a couple of large lounges, a ballroom , and seating around the copper clad veranda. You can choose to sit on the marble terrace facing peaceful gardens with a view over the city and race course or in the pool courtyard, where you can actually "hide away" and it is a very nice place to unwind and relax. Or you can go to the gym! About other aspects of the decor: I apologise if you might have found something offensive in the type of art exposed - all originals : Protest Art from Bolivia, and Guatemala in Central America which has rather strong themes or the original sculptures on loan from Young "up and coming" NZ artists.. . Thank you for mentioning "picture perfect": you liked the presentation of the dining room! At least one plus. . Again "OUCH" re "spurious claims" and "plastic breakfast"!. I am French and a "Le Cordon Bleu" trained chef and I make the croissants which I bake and serve straight from the oven. I apologise if our egg choices were not pleasing. Being French I do cook with cream and it is my pleasure to prepare your breakfast. The silly "faux grand cutlery" is actually Walker & Hall silverplate brought in the 50's from Harrods (still very good early "mint"). And guests do use every day, the Mother of Pearl handled antique cutlery , somewhere around 1870's (no, not imitation "Bakelite" dating to the 1950's) Something I said (I might have voiced strong opinions) must have irritated you, or perhaps the stories I told and I sincerely apologise. I am an Archaeologist and historian in love with beautiful NZ, and hope you took away some useful information. The Bronze Suite, which is our Honeymoon suite , is made up of 2 separate rooms, not 3, joined by our best bathroom. Regarding your claims for "Sprauncy and outdated accommodations", and badly curated Museum... Ouch! . That suite does have a lovely Art Nouveau - transition 1910 Burr walnut bed (original antique with a physiotherapy modern comfortable mattress) and an old 1860 Louis Philippe armoire which I admit, creaks!. Was it the mix of real antiques with some modern crazy black lacquer period chairs (LXV copies) upholstered with a wild velvet and silver fabric? or the colour of the designer Bronze natural silk bedspread that you disliked? My take on bringing in a more "contemporary designer look". The difference between “chic” and “chichi” might be a matter of taste and appreciation. Regarding the "dated plumbing", yes I agree... we can only do so much in this heritage protected old mansion, but redoing the plumbing was our top priority. The hardest thing to get into this old mid 19th century house were the bathrooms : The construction is triple brick on stone foundations, not normal wooden frame and weatherboard. I explain to people: Like in Europe we had to use closets and a built over terrace , under supervision of heritage architects: The ensuite bathroom which we were allowed to build over the entrance porch on the original Regency terrace (with balustrades), has a modern touch: original designer Jean-Claude Delepine huge bathtub and also JCD vintage taps, all directly from Paris . The tiling in all bathrooms is marble that does not date. I am very disappointed we were unable to please you and make your stay with us memorable and pleasant. All I can do is to encourage people to go on our website and check it out for themselves.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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rfpaton wrote a review Feb 2015
estepona17 contributions32 helpful votes
My wife and I stayed at Gloria's remarkable house for 5days recently. She is quite a lady and was very kind to us as my wife was unwell during our stay. She was a very attentive hostess and went out of her way to attend to our every need. Her breakfast is presented on silver service and you must try her croissants which are made fresh each morning by her. The house itself is full of antiques and perhaps has too much furniture in the bedrooms. Space is therefore at a premium. This is part of the charm of the house though. The property is located in Remuera and is within easy walking distance of shops and a few good restaurants. Well worth a visit especially for a special occasion
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tony D wrote a review Dec 2014
Hobart, Australia10 contributions3 helpful votes
All I can say is it was absolute and utter perfection. The house is amazing and guests loved the venue. Holding the ceremony and reception in the ballroom and then the guests being able to retire to the drawing for coffee and cognac was perfect. The food was exceptional as were the staff. Our guests felt completely looked after. Vlad the Russian pianist, the florist and the celebrant Gloria suggested were also of the same high quality. I can not image how the day could have been improved on. The accommodation was luxury and the four course breakfast the next morning delicious.
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Date of stay: November 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
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MikeG79_AKL wrote a review Dec 2014
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution
We first visited Cotter House around a year ago as a potential wedding venue and made our minds up almost instantly. Gloria came across less as someone who wanted our business, and more as someone who was genuinely excited about hosting the perfect day for us, and so it proved! Come the big day, everything was flawless. The accommodation was best we've ever experienced, the food sublime, the service was outstanding, the ceremony and function went perfectly, and our guests were generally in awe of the surroundings. All in all, it couldn't have gone better, and we can't wait to return. I couldn't recommend Cotter House highly enough, as either the perfect venue for a small to medium sized wedding, a luxurious retreat just outside central Auckland, or for an afternoon's high tea. We loved it. Thank you so much! Emma & Mike
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Date of stay: December 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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M Moonshine wrote a review Sept 2014
Breda, The Netherlands10 contributions1 helpful vote
Town House living in the residential boutique shopping quartier The first stay at Cotter House was in January 2010; Polyglot hostess Gloria Poupard-Walbridge who has lived in several continents, speaks four or five languages on a daily basis and is a passionate artist in her own right offered the stage of the ballroom of Cotter House as the setting for the premiere of my very first Lodge Concert with Sarah Bradley; Wine , Woman & Song was a two-woman stand-up comedy slash American songbook and French Tour de Chant. Since then Sarah and I have performed a new show at Cotter House every January and have had the luxury of being hosted for the night, relaxing next to the swimming pool before the show and enjoying Gloria's cuisine or in the evening heading to one of the fashionable restaurants in Remuera, Parnell or Ponsonby. There is no better address in Auckland if you are looking for your luxury town house hide-away residence. No need for a car if you want to shop or lounge yet only a few minutes from the motorway so easy access to airport and downtown .
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Date of stay: January 2014
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Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip: All the rooms are suites , two have a small bathroom (shower) and one has a large bathroom and...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Norman H wrote a review Mar 2014
London, United Kingdom45 contributions6 helpful votes
We spent 3 nights here and I can only say the host Gloria excels as the hostess to the levels of a 1st Cru Bordeaux such a Lafite. Fabulous stay, sampling her pastries and afternoon tea in all honesty you cant better Cotter House. A repeat stay is most definately on the cards in the next few years. Fabulous building and service!
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Date of stay: March 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Bucksfez wrote a review Feb 2014
Cambridge, United Kingdom5 contributions1 helpful vote
We arrived unexpectedly early at Cotter House at 8 am after a 26 hr flight. Not a problem for Gloria as she showed us to a guest bathroom to freshen up then provided beautiful fresh fruits and tea/coffee/juice in the wonderful ballroom. Every room at Cotter House is beautifully and individually decorated with an eclectic array of art and fine silverware which is used daily to serve her guests. Gloria provided a wonderful friendly and unique level of attention to all her guests with homemade compotes (the plum was exquisite), jams and interesting dishes to tempt you throughout the day with lively and interesting discussions too (especially over a bottle of lovely NZ champagne-style fizz).. This was our first taste of NZ hospitality and it set the bar high. When we return to Auckland, we will definitely be staying at Cotter House. A unique experience to be treasured.
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Date of stay: February 2014
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
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NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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COTTER HOUSE LUXURY RETREAT - Updated 2024 Prices (Auckland, New Zealand)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cotter House Luxury Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Orakei Basin - not Orakei Korako! (0.6 miles), Amsterdam - Cheese, Fresh Produce & Grocery (0.2 miles), and Auckland Hebrew Congregation (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sahana South Indian Restaurant, The Corner, and Mamarich Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Cotter House Luxury Retreat?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Parnell (2.4 miles), Eden Garden (1.8 miles), and Auckland Town Hall (2.8 miles).