Auckland may be known as the City of Sails, but you could be forgiven for mistaking it as the city of new hotels at the moment.
Timed to coincide with the America's Cup and in anticipation of thousands of international guests, Auckland's viaduct has new hotels popping up from one end to the other.
One of the most recent and definitely the most unique is the QT Auckland.
In keeping with its tradition of being non-traditional, the hotel is a breath of fresh air and creativity in what can be a very corporate, straight industry.
The hotel even employs a 'Director of Chaos' - part mysterious maiden, part knower of all things.
QT Auckland will already be familiar to some locals because of its rooftop bar, a concept that should be adapted by more properties around Auckland.
Rooftop at QT in some ways is a bit too good. The great views and tasty tipples means that at times there's no room to move.
When staying at the QT Auckland, you feel more like a friend of the staff, rather than a guest. That may sound a bit cheesy, but it's an important part of the experience to get across. It's a vibe that reminded me of my visits to LA, staying at one of my favourite hotels in the world.
The decor inside the hotel rooms defines the QT experience. There's no way you could mistake the room for being anywhere else other than a QT.
The rooms are designed with relaxation in mind, from the deep bath to the massive double showers.
QT also does its research on its regular guests, making sure it caters to their unique tastes.
I was given first hand experience of this when I stayed at QT late last year. The Director of Chaos, dressed much like a modern Mary Poppins, escorted me to my room.
Opening the door, the room was humming to the sounds of Harry Styles playing through the sound system, and in the corner a bottle of champagne on ice. One glass for me, another for Mr Styles himself. While he wasn't there in person, there was a lovely framed photo of him on the table to keep me company.
On the ground floor is the hotel's restaurant, Esther. With my allergies I often feel like my dining experiences are much different to the 'normal people' who can eat anything. But for me, a kitchen's ability to adapt to the requests of one of its guests can make or break the experience.
The chef in this case did well to cater to my body's fussy requirements, and the food was great. Make sure you order the puff bread, even if it's just to smell it... and then pop it.
My stay at QT was fun from beginning to end and I would have happily stayed another night. Or three.
My initial concern that the concept of a 'Director of Chaos' could come across as a tacky gimmick was soon put to bed. The director gives this hotel's personality a voice - and that voice is shouting from the rooftop bar: "QT has arrived in Auckland."
Newshub Travel stayed as an invited guest at the QT Auckland.
