 6 919 reviews

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington

147 The Terrace, Wellington, VIC 6011, Australia Access

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington

Established in 1972, the James Cook Hotel is a Wellington city icon and one of New Zealand's first international hotels. The property joined the Hotel Grand Chancellor Group in the early 2000's when the parent company, Grand Hotels International, first entered the New Zealand market. The Hotel is ideally positioned on The Terrace in close proximity to the business and government district. Guests benefit from direct access off the State Highway One and pedestrian access to Lambton Quay, the golden mile of shopping in Wellington City. The 269 room Hotel has a 100% NBS (New Building Standard) Rating; a national measurement of a buildings seismic strength. We are part of the 'coolest little capital in the world' and encourage our visitors to explore nearby attractions, soak up the culture and make the most of their time in Wellington, New Zealand.

Located on The Terrace, nearby to the Cable Car, Parliament, TSB Arena, Te Papa, and Sky Stadium, we look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand's thriving capital city!

Rooms

Accessibility

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington
147 The Terrace, Wellington, VIC 6011, Australia

Hotel

  • Transportation
    Indoor parking
  • Parking
  • Secured parking
  • Train access
  • Front desk
    Concierge desk
  • Front desk
  • General
    Air conditioning
  • Heated guest rooms
  • Interior corridors
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Public area air conditioned
  • Hotel service
    24-hour security
  • Dry cleaning
  • Fire safety compliant
  • FREE newspaper in lobby
  • Full service housekeeping
  • Hair dryer
  • Housekeeping daily
  • Ironing board
  • Laundry/Valet service
  • Safe deposit box
  • Security
  • Valet cleaning
  • Wakeup service
  • Travelling with others
    Children welcome
  • Events
    Meeting rooms

Food and Drink

  • Meal plan
    Breakfast served in restaurant
  • Buffet breakfast
  • Continental breakfast
  • Full american breakfast
  • Special attention
    FREE coffee in lobby
  • FREE in-room coffee/tea
  • Lobby coffee service
  • Services
    24-hour room service
  • Executive floor
  • Room service
  • Outlets type
    Cocktail lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Lounges/Bars

Breakfast

  • Buffet breakfast
  • Continental breakfast
  • Full american breakfast
  • Breakfast served in restaurant

House policy

  • Check-in Time: 14:00
  • Check-out Time: 11:00

Cancel policy
Cancellations terms are subject to the terms of the booking that has been made please check these details carefully when booking, as some rates may be fully chargeable at the time of booking and non-refundable.

Travel with others

Children policy
Age requirements; please note that the minimum check-in age is 18 and Photo ID is required. We cannot accommodate guests under this age staying without parents or legal guardians.

Pets are not allowed

Language spoken

  • English

Environment

Property's Green Action

Certifications

Qualmark Green Gold

Qualmark Green, The Enhanced Environmental Criteria is the official mark of quality for New Zealand tourism, Qualmark has responded to what visitors want when they come to New Zealand. For a Qualmark business to be displaying the additional green Enviro-logo they will be performing well in this area and be engaging in activities that include:

• Energy Efficiency
• Reducing the amount of electricity, gas and fuel used by the business.
• Waste Management
• Reducing and managing waste produced by the business (including the philosophy of 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink').
• Using water wisely through conservation and management.
• Environmental Conservation
• The business is helping to protect New Zealand's natural environment by contributing to conservation causes or participating in a conservation activity.

Most helpful reviews - Google and TiCATi reviews 9 19 reviews

Maxine Tantau
6 years ago – Google

10

Courteous..helpful..well dressed staff! My stay was absolutely wonderful! Highly recommend to others Thank you for making my first-ever stay in a Hotel a wonderful memory I'll always treasure..

Bryce Keane
6 years ago – Google

6

Rooms could do with an update. Paid a hefty price for a Presidents Club room on the top level which I was told at the time of booking had partial harbour views. There was no partial harbour view at all... I’m 6ft 3” tall and barely fit between the roof and the raised shower over bath set up which seemed to have come straight out of the 80’s. The bed also was a strange set up, King Size, but with some kind of inbuilt frame providing barely any support and plenty of squeak. Other than these things... we had a lovely meal in the restaurant and the view from the club lounge was enjoyable.

Milton Sperring
6 years ago – Google

5

Booked through my employer, all meals covered so surprised to have my credit card details requested. When I declined they sought a $100 bond for "incidentals". Turns out they meant the minibar in the room so I told them to remove the minibar, problem solved. Other than that, quiet, well appointed, bathroom showing a bit of wear, clean and tidy. No hygiene issues and no noisy hallway issues during the night. I was on level 21.

Paul Rooney
6 years ago – Google

7

Having spent 4 nights at the James Cook on the "club floor" with the added benefits that come with Club Lounge access, and in addition also inclining the full breakfast as part of the room booking. I can say that it has been well worth the additional cost. Very friendly staff, great views of CBD Wellington both day and night from the club lounge. Very easy access to Central Wellington and close to a well serviced bus route. Should I be venturing back to the capital on a non-work trip I will seriously consider staying here again.

Adrian Sim
6 years ago – Google

7

Staffs are helpful. Room furniture are most likely in the 90s as can see that it's aged. Beds are still comfortable. Overall I still enjoyed my stay and its definitely worth what I have paid for.

Adrian Mowatt-Wilson
6 years ago – Google

7

Attended a reunion there. Easy access directly opposite a motorway exit. Getting back on the motorway was easy. Good food. The room was very good with all you need. Easy lift access down to Lambton Quay. Recommended.

Jason Paris
6 years ago – Google

9

Great Hotel, with great attentive staff who go out of there way to assist. I would like to make mention of Armand the duty manager who often goes beyond the call of duty... I highly recommend this hotel.

Brian Davis
6 years ago – Google

8

Had a short but enjoyable stay here. A good and well equipped room with great views. Good food and other amenities. Would recommend their parking services for your car and couldn't be easier to find.

Sir Castle
6 years ago – Google

8

We booked a long weekend in Wellington to combine our 20th wedding anniversary with visiting our daughter who is at university there. The James Cook seemed a fair bet for a comfortable stay. Things started well, check-in was good and the room was clean and comfortable (but who do they get to design the bathrooms, a fixed shower head at chest height for an average sized guy?). We ate out the first night so our first meal was breakfast which was excellent. I would like to pick out Lance and Rachel for excellent customer service. At dinner that night though things weren't great. The food was nice but having to argue for a solid 20 minutes to get a clearly bad bottle of wine replaced wasn't the sort of service I expected. When they eventually brought a replacement bottle (which was very good) we had lost our appetite so skipped desert. Breakfast on the Sunday was also not good. Cold coffee, lacklustre service and and invisible staff. The experience was only redeemed when Rachel who had served us on the Saturday arrived and delivered us hot coffee and a smile. I've given it 4 stars on balance though I had to think long and hard about 3 or 4 and in truth it is probably a 3.5 star rating. The hotel is well placed with comfortable rooms and reasonably well equipped. Some of the staff are delightful but unfortunately these are outnumbered by those who try to argue that my favourite wine is ' supposed to taste like that' and those that think its ok to serve half a cup of cold coffee from the dregs of the pot and then do an effective job of keeping their heads down to avoid any need to provide service. Could be good but let down by a handful of staff and the restaurant manager who clearly thinks she knows better.

Psyckers DO
6 years ago – Google

9

Superb hotel in the heart of the city. Sure on The Terrace but is a short elevator trip down to Lampton Quay, the main shopping area in Wellington.
Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable and helpful. Rooms are very clean and tidy. Food is great even though eating out is always an option. Wish I could stay longer.

Robin Day
6 years ago – Google

8

We had a very nice room. Quite spacious good sized tv. Wifi included in the price. Good sized bathroom with vanity room for toilet bags. Good water pressure in the shower. Bed was firm without being too hard. Very centrally located.

Dan Waldie
6 years ago – Google

7

Generally good value, great location. Hotel is going through modernisation so not all lifts work so you will have to wait at lift or squeeze in. If using debit card you have to pay a bond and when checking out staff will have to check your room before they refund bond so expect a considerable wait when checking out (so leave lots of time) Food there is very good though and a highlight of the stay (hence the higher score)

Throwout123 Games
6 years ago – Google

9

Perfect location so easy to get to everything. Clean and very friendly helpful staff. Do not regret booking here.

Loky Vids
6 years ago – Google

10

Went in for all you can eat in the restaurant was amazing food. Friendly staff clean place clean toilets. Really happy

Gerry Hogarty
6 years ago – Google

9

So convenient for city sightseeing and a great restaurant too. Clean and quiet rooms.

Joan Morgan
6 years ago – Google

9

Incredible hotel. My husband had a heart attack while we were there and the staff sent him a basket of fruit. We loved our stay.

Graham Westenra
6 years ago – Google

9

Great location. Amazing attentive service however not intrusive which makes it even more special.

Jay Kerehi
6 years ago – Google

9

great hotel...one of my faves...great buffet dinner and breakfast.... great rooms.... only downside is the coffee

Sam McDougal
6 years ago – Google

5

In need of work.
I stayed one night in a double bed, room. I have stayed here a few times in years before and it has always been very good. This time although I did think the interior is becoming outdated and needs work urgently to maintain its prestige.

Morne Smart
6 years ago – Google

10

I had a meeting set up at the Sojourn Bar in the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the place. Turns out I left my wallet here. Being a father there is not much cash in it. There a few important cards though. A few hours later the bar keeper returned it to me. Thanks very much! Saved me a lot of frustration.

Jim Nicholls
6 years ago – Google

10

Attended a function for approx 80 people. Well catered buffet meal. Very enjoyable evening.

Junie
6 years ago – Google

9

There are 2 double beds in the room. 4 pillows on each double bed for 2 pax feels very luxurious when we were given 1 pillow each in the motel stay throughout North Island. And take note the motel stays cost the same as James Cook.

Wendy Homeyard
6 years ago – Google

6

Situated on a hill so layout is complicated lobby is on floor 11 or a 'ground' floor but get into a separate lift & you go down to the shopping area.

Ideal location for the Wellington cable car look for McDonald's there's a small alley to it.

On arrival our air conditioning didn't work nor did the kettle so not a good start but phoned reception & within 20 minutes it was all sorted. Until then room was very hot full sun.

Must say extremely comfortable beds but breakfast a bit chaotic & no eggs of any kind unless you were willing to join the omelette queue.

Tim Poley
6 years ago – Google

9

Great service, nice rooms, wonderful breakfast. Rooms on the top floor include access to a floor lounge. The lounge has an amazing room and stocked with snacks and beverages. During happy hour it includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres service. Fantastic place to kick back and get a little work done on a business trip.

Krishnamurthy Sridhar
6 years ago – Google

10

A very good property in Wellington. Located centrally in Terrace. The rooms are big, the bed is very convenient, working table with Lan connection comes handy. The rest rooms are decent size and toiletries are good quality. Room has iron box and ironing board. Mini bar has decent collection. However the pricing is on the higher side. At present one of the lift is under maintenance, if you are in higher floor, you will end up waiting long to go down during busy hours. Breakfast spread is decent. Check in experience was fast and efficient. Overall very satisfying.

Geoff Bargas
6 years ago – Google

8

Enjoyed our stay. Hotel is looking dated, but is still very comfortable. Nice sunny room with view of the terrace.

Joshua Anderson
6 years ago – Google

7

Have eaten at their restaurant. Tasty Buffet style food. A bit on the pricey side if you can't eat much. Good wheelchair access. I also use the James Cook elevators to get up to the Terrace from Lambton Quay. This elevator has been a lifesaver for access around the central city.

Fergus Mao
6 years ago – Google

6

Used to go there every 6 months. Buffet food quality keep dropping in last few years. Luckily I was invited to there for a social dinner. Otherwise would not pay $45 - $49 for that class of buffet. Also dishes are pretty much same for nearly whole week as I had friends who just stayed there for the Asia Pacific amateur golf championship 2 weeks ago.

Mary-anne Stuart-William
6 years ago – Google

8

The hotel in general is great. The restaurant food is good, the decor could do with some updating. Beds in the rooms are very comfortable. The staff ared particularly helpful and genuinely friendly which is always a nice addition when you're away from home.

Yvonne Kelly
7 years ago – Google

8

I really enjoyed my stay as James Cook has a lovely mellow atmosphere. The beautiful piano music played so well by the elderly gentleman at the bar added to the nice feeling.

Christian Keefe
7 years ago – Google

8

Good hotel which is pretty central in Wellington. The rooms are a touch old, for example, the TVs were not HD, but it was still a good place. The valet was good service too.

Rosemary Lelo
7 years ago – Google

7

I enjoy staying here. However some things need updating. Great central location though

Karin Curran
7 years ago – Google

7

Basic business class hotel. Rooms clean but definitely aging. Great location, nice staff.

R Rice
7 years ago – Google

9

Great customer service, great location, many amenities including gym, bar, restaurants. Passes available to full gym within walking distance. Rooms are a little dated but nice.

wayne cribb
7 years ago – Google

5

Nice hotel situated in the heart of Wellington New Zealand. Accessible to great shopping, fine dinning and many other events held in the capital.

Glenda Brown
7 years ago – Google

10

Rooms were lovely. Conference facilities perfect, food outstanding and the service from staff faultless. A perfect facility for your conference.

Mere Osborne-kereti
7 years ago – Google

8

Excellent service on arrival reception staff were efficient and welcoming
Rooms were clean comfortable and will presented.
Breakfast was to die ☺

wiredrottie14
7 years ago – Google

5

Comfy Bed, Clean Room and fresh towels are always nice. The room was abit cold and we couldnt adjust the warmth but it was a cheap twinshare room

Overall a comfortable stay, safe and quiet.

Moana Bogusz
7 years ago – Google

9

It's friendly and relaxing. Very convenient to the lamb ton quay

Specky Smile
7 years ago – Google

7

Service was a mixed bag. Whilst great from some (Natalie from Belgium was great), others were average.

For example: we were staying with club lounge access. It was only on our last day that we were informed that we had a free latte with our buffet breakfast. Nothing serious, but consistency is missing from the hotel.

Room was fine. Nothing great and have been in better rooms.

KW Chan
7 years ago – Google

8

Great location with easy access to Lambton Quay. Short walk to Te Papa museum and the waterfront. Rooms are a bit dated but clean and presentable.

Mauro Andrea
7 years ago – Google

8

Great hotel with a wonderful location... Everything is near, people at the hotel are nice and always available to help and rooms are comfortable.
I'm not giving 5 stars because the TV system (they have some kind of TV box) is terrible... Just a couple of channels and not the great ones, but anyway if you're staying at Wellington I doubt that your main reason is the TV offering at the hotel

Robert Cooze
7 years ago – Google

8

Better than one would assume good cleaning skills for rooms they got the not so obvious dirt when the room wad serviced that I left behind. Not so fussed with food on offer as not my thing. Food from there cafe was great for breakfast the Buffett was ok

Matt Chamberlain
7 years ago – Google

9

Very good hotel with great service. Great assec to the shops on lambton quay.

Martin McCawley
7 years ago – Google

6

Service good. Room a little dated but bed comfortable. The place generally a bit drab. No facilities to write home about. Good central location.

Patrick Gold
7 years ago – Google

6

Overall not a bad experience but there were a few things that felt off. The parking situation here is odd - Either pay hourly from a third party or pay 30 NZD for valet service that is a bit slow. The rooms seemed a bit out of date but mostly clean and comfortable. The hotel is in a pretty central location and has many walkable activities surrounding.

Sharyn Taunt
7 years ago – Google

8

Handy and Central. Tidy rooms and pleasant staff

Dan Tulloch
7 years ago – Google

10

Been here for a few conferences. Very good facilities. Very tasty lunch served.

Ben d'Anvers
7 years ago – Google

4

This hotel is in a great location, and the service is good, but that's where it ends. The building and accomodation is tired, and is in clear need of an upgrade. The lifts look like they were built in the 1970's, and two of them failed during my last one night stay. For a city that has is fair share of earthquakes it doesn't fill me with confidence seeing stuff break. I have to stay here for work, however I would never choose to stay here myself.

paul james
7 years ago – Google

6

Very old tired hotel in need of a massive facelift rooms are clean and comfortable bathrooms fresh. Good breakfast

Rosie Dowman
7 years ago – Google

6

Room was very good clean and tidy. and the staff were very polite.
Be careful of excessive charges we went for the continental breakfast in the morning e.g toast and muesli and it cost $56.00 for 2
Left with a slight sour taste with regards to parking as we checked in at 8:30pm the night before and were told parking costs were for 24hours which was fine by us as we were staying at the hotel for a conference which finished at 5.00pm with a whole floor booked out but we had to pay an extra $29.00 for car parking fees when we left as we were past 1:30pm. Just posting this so others don't get caught out.

Zain Ali
7 years ago – Google

4

Again great centrally located hotel. Reception staff need better training in dealing with complaints and have it done in a professional manner. I avoided reception as the staff always seemed frustrated, tired, uninterested and simply do not acknowledge the guest until you approach the front desk and seek their attention. Rooms are of average standards. The intangible products of this hotel need serious improvements.

Matthew Banham
7 years ago – Google

5

Basic business traveler accommodation. Nothing special. Clean rooms, reasonable food.

lopeti aleamotua
7 years ago – Google

10

Awesome staff and service. Very good location nearby Lambton Quay to convenient stores and other stores.

Tanithe Hall
7 years ago – Google

5

Lovely rooms although very compact. Construction and painting by our room was annoying. Made it hard to get through.

Luke Castell
7 years ago – Google

7

A little dated but the rooms are always clean. Friendly staff and great location.

faata vaeluaga
7 years ago – Google

10

Beautiful place to stay in the middle of Wellington city. Enjoy morning walk on the sea wall... Very quiet like a ghost town as everything close down for Xmas.

Avin Mathew
7 years ago – Google

7

Nice city hotel with good service. Only disadvantage is that parking isn't included and is $29 per day, unless you find Street parking.

Ulu Aiono
7 years ago – Google

7

5May16 Extremely easy to find and well located near state highways and one way roads to and from the hotel en route to the Wellington sea port and the airport terminals. Tight carparking building turning angles require careful driving but well worth the walk-in connection to the hotel. Good front desk service and WIFI. Very good rooms and a little less expensive than Rydges Hotel one kilometer nearby.

Peter Kakasi
7 years ago – Google

8

Great location, value hotel, nothing fancy but still liked the convenience

Ryan Elliott-Smith
8 years ago – Google

5

Comfortable, but dated, rooms.
The provided "heat pump" does a poor job of warming the room, even on the highest temperature setting.
Raised bath makes showerhead sit at chest height.
Provided wifi is barely usable and very expensive($24/1GB/day), mobile data from almost any carrier is cheaper and significantly faster.

Lois Dick
8 years ago – Google

8

A big thank you to all the staff for great service but particularly to the housekeeping staff who found my merino jacket in the wardrobe and kindly posted it back to me. As it was a gift I am very grateful. Thanks again, we will see you next time we are in Wellington. Regards, Lois

Rory Carter
8 years ago – Google

6

Certainly no major issues with my stay at the hotel. Firstly I found reception to be very helpful and welcoming. Very enthused and efficient in making check in as easy as possible. Just a small comment - a complimentary drink on arrival doesn't cost a lot but makes a bigger impression. The room was fine, however a little 'dated' from what I have seen at other hotels. The bathroom especially. Never actually heard of anyone that uses a bath anymore? As a result of this shower curtains are needed which really dates the style even more. The raised bath makes the shower head very low which required significant hunching to wet my head. Again no biggy just something which could be improved in the next bathroom overhaul. Otherwise a peaceful sleep on a relatively soft bed. The breakfast menu has everything but ordering was a little confusing at there are no prices per item?? Checkout was fairly quick and took approx. 5 min. I would recommend the hotel to my colleagues.

Fra Lowe
8 years ago – Google

8

The Club Lounge perks was lovely. Nami-san was a joy to talk to. The rooms are great, except for some toilet stains. No water view though from the rooms.

Tim Harman
8 years ago – Google

6

A bit tired in the rooms. But decent Wifi included and friendly staff.

Chris Brown
8 years ago – Google

4

Wifi is terrible. Furniture is wobbly. Rooms are small and prison like. Food is ok but not at the prices charged. Cancelled my last night here would rather stay elsewhere.

kelly lee
9 years ago – Google

4

I spent 2 days in this hotel, everything was ok until they said my bf and me smoked in the room. It is ridiculous cause we didnt smoke in the room and my bf went to smoking area to smoke everytime. They said they smell the smoke in bathing room but we didnt do anything except bathing in there. I havnt experienced this kind of things before, and it really makes me and my bf extremly shock...

Kyle Willoughby
9 years ago – Google

10

I spent two nights at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington. The staff were all friendly and welcoming, they were polite and a real pleasure to deal with. The room was comfortable, well appointed, and was immaculate when I checked in. Meal options were reasonably priced, and tasted great. I would definitely stay here again and would recommend this as an accommodation option in Wellington.