James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

There was no soundproofing we could hear the traffic out side and people in the room next to us. We dropped something under the bed and to our horror it was absolutely filthy under there. There was bits of food and a some kind of pill which was unidentifiable. Just grateful that our toddler son didn’t find it and put it in his mouth.

Booked this property because it could accommodate a family of 5. However our “suite” was beside the elevator so it sounded like a plan was taking off everytime it went up and down. Sheets had rips, carpet join was lifting in the doorways, shower and toilet in one room, bath and basin in another. We took the kids to the breakfast buffet and got told the kids eat free didn’t apply to us. Disappointing stay won’t be back.

Despite Wellington welcoming and receiving tourists from overseas, the hotel remains provincial, catering just to locals. I asked for a electric outlet adaptor and they don’t have it to lend to the guests (maybe I got spoiled a couple of weeks ago while in Hong Kong, where the hotel provided 2 to every guest. Beware that the lobby is on the 6th floor…if you want to walk to the nice busy streets you have to take an elevator down….there are 2 elevators, one was being repaired so at the end, going back to the hotel we had to wait in line to get to the elevator - I felt as I was at an amusement park, waiting to get to the ride. Annoying. Last, as I entered the workout facility on the 16 th floor. there was a young boy (12 years or younger), using and banging heavy weights. No parental supervision. I told the boy to get an adult from his family if he wanted to use the facility. The boy left and came back with a hotel employee that stated he. Oils be there by himself. I tried to reason with the employee and explain the risks and liability the hotel has in case something happens to the young boy. The employee couldn’t care less ( I’m sure if the hotel checks with their insurer they will side with me). Routinely, if younger than 16 years old, to be in a hotel workout facility with weights and electric equipment as treadmills. you have to be accompanied by an adult - apparently not at this hotel

Great for families

I liked how there was a lift down to lambton quay inside the hotel. I liked that you needed to swipe your room key to get to your floor. Because we had 2 young children they let us check in early. Staff were lovely. The buffet breakfast was epic! Lots of variety, pancakes and eggs cooked to order. The restaurant reminded me of a big open space with standard table and chairs like an rsa or retirement home communal dining area. Didnt go there for dinner.

We had a junior suite on the top floor and it was worth the extra money. Great view and large room with nice bed. Included access to the lounge with snacks, coffee and non alcoholic drinks. Would recommend as a place In Wellington

This room is really spacious and excellent for family travelers.

1. The hotel reception didn’t know about Expedia VIP benefits until I repeated asked them about it. I was only given 2 free drinks vouchers because kids “didn’t” count. 2. We have stayed at James Cook several times before. The room is clean and comfortable. We moved both beds to have more spaces for our luggages. Housekeeping needs to clean the reads unseen, there’s quite a bit of stuff there(pills, hair clips etc). 3. Buffet breakfast was quite good with plenty of hot and cold choices. The old “chef” there could perhaps be a bit more friendly. 4. Overall we are pretty happy with the hotel and will definitely stay again.

Decent family room, would do with and update.

We stayed one night with a family of 4 - 2 adults and 2 kids. Sleeping arrangements were two queen bed and a roll away in a “suite”. Overall, the room was tired and badly in need of a facelift. It was in a great location and functional as an overnight stay.