If your idea of a holiday is the best views, the best beds, the best food, and the last word in service, Auckland's luxury hotels won't disappoint. For longer stays, there are plenty of fully serviced apartments, which give you more flexibility and independence. Among the best options is CityLife Auckland A Heritage Hotel, 171 Queen St. (tel. 0800/368-888 in NZ, or 09/379-9222; www.heritagehotels.co.nz), with 210 one- to three-bedroom suites and hotel rooms from NZ$275 to NZ$989. Or treat yourself to their penthouse suite for NZ$1,818. It's located directly above central Queens Street and is a handy walk to all the main attractions.

You won't find many B&Bs in the central city, but they are plentiful a little further out in the suburbs.

Rates listed here include 15% GST (goods and services tax) and parking, unless stated otherwise; all accommodations are non-smoking.

In the Inner City

Inexpensive  -- For a sensibly priced stay in a landmark building right in the heart of the city, Scenic Hotel Auckland, 380 Queen St. (tel. 0800/696-963 or 09/374-1741; www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz), offers 100 very comfortable rooms priced from NZ$230 to NZ$529. Ask for one of the eight rooms on the northwest face, which boast incredible views straight down Queen Street. It's a modest but perfectly situated option with a good cafe and bar at street level.

Budget travelers will find a clean, affordable spot right in the heart of the city at the 120-room Kiwi International Hotel, 411 Queen St. (tel. 0800/100-411 in NZ, or 09/379-6487; www.kiwihotel.co.nz). Recently renovated, it offers en-suite (NZ$95), economy (NZ$65), or family rooms (NZ$139), plus a family apartment (NZ$149) that sleeps five. It's within walking distance to all major attractions, shops, and restaurants, and it has its own bar and restaurant and Internet access.

In Ponsonby

Moderate -- If you want an excellent motel close to Ponsonby action, look no further than Abaco on Jervois, 59 Jervois Rd. (www.abaco.co.nz; tel. 0800/220-066 in NZ, or 09/360-6850; fax 09/360-6869). They offer a range of immaculate, modern rooms priced from NZ$125 to NZ$205. Executive and premium suites on the middle and top levels are the best and biggest. Premium suites have a Jacuzzi, shower, separate lounge, desk, kitchen, and free Internet. The complex is directly across the road from popular restaurants, bars, and cafes.

In Remuera

If you're travelling by camper, you'll find excellent facilities at Remuera Motor Lodge & Inner City Camping Ground, 16 Minto Rd., Remuera (remlodge@ihug.co.nz; tel. 0508/244-244 in NZ, or 09/524-5126). Its park-like setting includes motel units; tent, caravan, and campervan sites; communal facilities; a swimming pool; and Wi-Fi access. Unpowered tent sites are NZ$17 per adult per night (NZ$10 children under 15); a powered site is NZ$20 per night per person; and motel units are NZ$75 per night per person (NZ$15 each extra adult, NZ$10 child).

In the Western Suburbs

Beach lovers should consider Bethells Beach Cottages, 267 Bethells Rd., Bethells Beach, Waitakere (www.bethellsbeach.com; tel. 09/810-9581; 2-night minimum stay), where two sunny, self-contained holiday cottages and a self-contained apartment are set in lush, private gardens -- the ultimate Kiwi getaway -- for NZ$250 to NZ$355, plus NZ$35 to NZ$45 for each extra adult guest and NZ$18 to NZ$23 for each child. Owners John and Trude Bethell-Paice are very eco-aware and their accommodation has Green Globe 21 status aligned with Waitakere City Eco Plan. The pair have extensive knowledge of the Auckland region and are happy to help their guests find the best places to visit. And let's not forget the free Scandinavian hot tub!

Near the Airport

If you have an early-morning flight or you're checking into Auckland at night and want a quick bed, you can now stay in one of two new hotels right beside the airport. Hotel Novotel Auckland Airport, Auckland International Airport, Ray Emery Drive (www.novotel.com; tel. 09/365-0000; fax 09/365-0011), opened in mid-2011 in time for the Rugby World Cup. It is physically attached to the International Airport, so you just get your bags from customs, walk through one set of doors and into another to check in. It has excellent facilities and while rooms range from around NZ$165 to NZ$300, they have excellent online special deals. For the budget-conscious traveler, there are even better deals just a couple of minutes from the airport, at the brand new Formule 1 Hotel (www.hotelformule1.com or www.aucklandairport.co.nz; no phone at press time), at the intersection of Leonard Isitt and John Goulter drives, Auckland International Airport. The property, scheduled to open summer 2011, will be offering simple, functional, comfortable rooms for an incredible NZ$65 a night; if you stay multiple nights, the deal gets even sweeter. Both hotels are run by world-class hotelier Accor.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.