The Bar/Lounge at Hotel DeBrett

"—2010 Hot ListWhich room to book: One-story loft suites feature a small balcony that overlooks the atrium restaurant and lounge View the entire Hot List of the travel world's most noteworthy debuts in 2010 › Subscribe now to Condé Nast Traveler for just $1 an issue! ›"

"Shop the boutiques along Auckland's High Street, including designers such as Karen Walker, and then hit the bars on Vulcan Lane"

"Located in a the turn-of-the-20th-century building that began life as one of the city’s first hotels, there's also the excellent Housebar and dining at DeBretts Kitchen"

"Bathrooms are gorgeous, continental breakfast and wi-fi are included and guests have access to a lovely lounge with honesty bar"

"On the premises are a red-hot bar and an equally good restaurant"

"The hotel’s heart is an airy, art-filled two-story atrium that encloses the restaurant and courtyard of the adjacent bar, a place to kick back as Auckland’s notoriously fickle skies roll overhead like a time-lapse movie"

"Although on-site amenities are limited to meeting rooms, a restaurant, and two bars, the hotel goes all out with its culinary options -- the on-site DeBretts Kitchen offers eclectic fine-dining at lunch and dinner along with a free breakfast and special weekend afternoon teas"

"Besides the carpet and small-batch minibar selections, no two rooms are the same"

"The minibars are stocked with local goodies, and effective soundproofing ensures a good night's sleep"

"We top off the day with a cocktail in the DeBrett’s intimate, wood-lined Housebar, another spot we love, before Mr Smith and I retire to the bedroom to explore the theory of relativity"