The building was initially known as the "Johnny Johnstons Grog Shop" in 1827. In the 1830s, the port was a popular destination among exhausted whalers and traders after staying a year in the seas. Without law enforcement agencies and an abundance of cheap liquor, prostitution was a lucrative and popular job at the port. Stricken by the everything but ideal scene, Johnny sought to change not just the hotel but also its environment. He changed the hotel's name to "The Duke of Marlborough", the world's richest man to reintroduce elegance and respect on the place. Throughout the years, the building suffered fire and wars but the owners consistently rebuilt its walls.
Boutique-style Hotel
Beachfront Hotel
Hotel near The Beach
Eco Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Room Types
Small Double RoomSuitable for a short stay and if you are travelling light, these small but cosy rooms feature a queen bed, en suite bathroom with a shower , flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
King Room with Sea ViewThese renovated waterfront rooms offer views to Paihia and Waitangi and overlook the Bay of Islands. Opening onto a balcony, these rooms feature a super-king size bed, en suite bathroom with shower over bath, sofa or leather armchairs, 50 inch Smart TV, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Twin bedding configuration is also available.
Deluxe Double or Twin RoomThis room offers views to Paihia and Waitangi and overlook the Bay of Islands. Opening onto a private balcony, this room features a super-king size bed, en suite bathroom with shower, sofa, flat screen TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Superior Queen RoomThese superior rooms offer the use of a shared terrace for you to relax on. These renovated rooms feature a queen bed and single bed, en suite bathroom with a shower over bath, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Please note, these are not Seaview rooms.
Queen Room with BalconyThese bright rooms offer guests the use of a shared internal terrace to relax on. These rooms feature a queen bed, en suite bathroom with a shower, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Please note, these are not Seaview rooms.
Superior King RoomThese rooms open out to a Street Facing Balcony at the back of the Hotel, or a Shared Internal Terrace/Courtyard, they do not offer sea-views. These rooms have been decorated in keeping with the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel and feature artwork by the iconic northland artist Lester Hall. Each room has a super king size bed, 39 inch Smart TV with satellite channels, en suite bathroom with a shower, a reading chair, tea/coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Twin bedding configuration is also available.
Please note the balconies are a mix of internal and street facing.
Please note, these are not Seaview rooms.
Apartment with Sea ViewThis self-contained waterfront apartment is located directly next to the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, featuring a queen bed with cotton bedding, a kitchenette and en suite bathroom with a spa bath. Also included is a private entrance, flat screen TV and satellite channels.
Double RoomThese bright rooms offer guests the perfect place to relax while experiencing everything Russell and the Bay of Islands has to offer. These rooms feature a queen or king bed, en suite bathroom with a shower, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea /coffee making facilities, refrigerator and complimentary WiFi access.
Twin bedding configuration is also available.